#344: Geirangerfjord (pg 331, 2nd Ed pg 356)

 

July 8, 2025

We docked in Alesund and made our way to Kokarsteinen - beautiful views!

Then we went to Gudbrandsjuvet, a river gorge along the Valldola river. 

And then to the old bridge by Krikebrua.  This bridge was built in 1891 and was built only using rocks - no concrete or steel.  Pretty as a postcard!

I loved the moss/grass covered homes that blended in with the surroundings.

And then to Trollstigen!  Geirangerfjord can be viewed from Ornevegen (Eagles' Road), most noted for its eleven hairpin turns, an amazing feat of engineering!

Me soaking it all in.....

A short stop in Valldal before making our way back to Alesund.

Perfect weather, dramatic scenery and an overall awesome day!

Verdict:  Yes!  We loved every minute of our Norwegian fjords cruise, but we all agreed that if we had to pick one favorite day, it would be this one.  So if you don't have the time or resources to visit all the fjords.... put this one at the top of your list! We booked a tour through LocalTrips (which can be booked via Viator or TripAdvisor) and they were great!  We paid $161 a person for a 7 hour excursion from Alesund which included lunch.  

#343: Hardangerfjord (pg 332, 2nd Ed. pg 363)

 

July 7, 2025

A great way to see the Norwegian fjords is by cruise ship!  We booked a Holland America 7-day cruise out of Rotterdam to explore the fjords.  Our first stop was in Eidenfjord.

Hardangerfjorden stretches 112 miles from the island of Bomlo in the North Sea to Odda.  The main fjord extends the tip of the Folgefonn peninsula where it forks into a number of tributaries, with Eidfjord being one of the three largest.

We headed out to the gorgeously scenic Voringsfossen

The waterfall plunges 476 feet!

I spy with my little eye..... a rainbow!

Make that a double rainbow! 🌈🌈

Then we hopped back on the ship to cruise all around Hardangerfjord.

Making our way under the Hardangerfjord bridge..... it doesn't look like we're going to make it 😬

Phew, we made it!

A view from the other side of Hardanger Bridge, the longest suspension bridge in Norway which spans the Hardangerfjord.  

Verdict:  There are several fjords listed in the 1000 places book and I don't necessarily think you need to see every single one of them before you die, but visiting the Norwegian fjords is an absolute must!  So make your way to Scandanavia in the summer months and put the Norwegian fjords on your bucket list!

#342: Delft (pg 246; 2nd Ed pg 233)

 

July 5, 2025

Walking along the canal on Oude Delft.

The spires of the Old Church peeking above the tree-lined canal.

Our first windmill sighting since arriving in the Netherlands!

The Prinsenhof, a former 15th-century residence where William lived and was assassinated in 1584.

It's hard to tell from this picture, but the tower leans.  I've never seen the Leaning tower of Pisa, but when I saw this, I said "It's the leaning tower of Delft!  At least now I've seen a leaning tower!"  And turns out, it actually is often referred to as the leaning tower of Delft.

Inside the Old Church.

Johannes Vermeer, the great Dutch golden age painter (his most famous work is The Girl with the Pear Earring)  is buried here.  He was just 43 when he passed away.

And then we made our way to the New Church which is in the town square overlooking the Markt.  Here is the tomb of the beloved Dutch ruler, William I of Orange (which explains the Netherland's signature color).

Verdict:  This is a quiet, charming, sleepy yet notable town.  It's worth the visit if you ever happen to be in Amsterdam (a nice easy day trip from here and very accessible by train) but I wouldn't call it a "must do" before you die. 

#14: Versailles

I first came here in August 1999 as a single 22-year old with my friends.

So, it was fun to return here 26 years ago with my family!

The triumphant entry to Versailles!

And the gilded gate surrounding it's entrance and courtyard.

Inside the courtyard - it's massive!

The Royal Chapel

Can you imagine having a home big enough to house a Chapel??!

And of course..... the ornate Hall of Mirrors!

Every square inch of this place from floor to painted ceiling is a sight to behold!

It's official.... we've kissed in a palace!

And just when you think you've seen all the opulence you can imagine..... head out to the immaculately landscaped gardens which go on as far as the eye can see!

Versailles is a Must Do.  There's just nothing like it.  And if you get the Museum Pass, then it's "free" in the sense that it's included in that!  But make sure to reserve your entry time in advance.  If you fail to do this, then depending on the time of year you go, you will either wait in line a LONG time or not be able to go at all.  So this is one you definitely want to plan for in advance!

And with that..... here's a little look at my original visit here in 1999.....

Sept. 4, 1999. Versailles, more formally known as "Chateau de Versailles" is just a hop skip and a jump away from Paris (13 miles to be exact). We spent the afternoon walking all around the gorgeous gardens of this beautiful palace, built by the French monarchy in the 1600's. It is France's most-visited chateau and for good reason! I wrote in my book that the grounds were so amazing that I would have been satisfied without even going inside. But, of course, you must go inside! And the most famous room is the Hall of Mirrors, 236 feet long and the site of where Louis XVI married Marie Antoinette as well as location of where the Treaty of Versailles was signed in 1919.
Verdict: Unbelievable. A must do in your lifetime! Page 122 in 1000 Places to See Before you Die.