On July 4, 1825, a small wooden sloop called Restauration set sail from Stavanger with 52 passengers aboard. They were among the first Norwegians to leave their homeland in search of a better life.

Summer is in full swing here in Norway, and I’ve been bouncing between house- and pet-sitting as I travel around the southern coast and fjord regions. In this update: Bergen crowds, Neil Young in the rain, Pride in the sun, an upcoming once-in-a-lifetime experience for Crossings200 in Stavanger, and a little gratitude for the sweet pets (and people) who’ve made this stretch especially meaningful.

A year ago, I stood frozen on a trail above Skånevik, convinced I was about to trespass. Despite all my time in Norway—even after countless hikes and a full year in the mountains—the idea of walking across someone’s land without asking still felt unthinkable. But that moment led me somewhere unexpected: toward a deeper understanding of allemannsretten, Norway’s “right to roam,” and the quiet, radical freedom of friluftsliv.

Hello from Skånevik —where the magnolia is fading fast, and the lilacs are coming in hot. I’m back after spending the first part of April...

My first 'field note'—a series of snapshots capturing the people, places, and stories I encounter across Norway—honors the legacy of Moritz Rabinowitz. A visionary businessman, a dedicated community leader, and a fearless voice against the rise of fascism.

I first visited Bergen in 2019, and since then, it’s become a place I always look forward to returning to.

Stepping away from social media, I’m sharing snapshots of life and inspiration in a slower, more intentional way. A fresh start, a looser format—here’s what I’ve been reading, hearing, and thinking about this past month.

Spending my third Christmas in Norway, I’m embracing the simplicity and magic of the season in Bergen.

My four-month journey through the Balkans was a time of exploration, learning, and growth.

After a year in Norway, my journey takes me from the U.S. to the Balkans, where I explored new cultures and adjusted to life on the road.

From historic sights like the Vigeland Sculpture Park to modern cultural experiences at the MUNCH Museum, here’s a glimpse into my trip to Oslo.

My great-great-grandfather left Norway in 1861 to start a new life in America. From joining the Union during the Civil War to settling in Wisconsin, here's his story.

My residence permit for Norway is approved! I'll be spending the next six months working in the mountains.

With an answer on my work permit application yet to come and a growing sense of homesickness as the world opens back up, I find myself dreaming of my cabin back home in Wisconsin.

Sámi National Day is a communal day for celebrating the culture and heritage of the Sámi, the indigenous people of the high north regions of Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia.

My third visit to Bergen offered me the space to explore the city at my own pace.

As 2021 ends, I reflect on a year of significant transitions, from leaving my U.S. life behind to volunteering at a mountain lodge in Hallingdal.

Explore Stavanger, Norway's oil capital, where I dive into the city’s vibrant street art, reflect on its maritime history, and learn about a community’s deep connection to the sea.

Join me on a day trip across the Skagerrak, where I explore the unique town of Skagen, and see the rare meeting of two seas.

In 2021, I left full-time life in the U.S.—my home, career, and most of my belongings—to start a new chapter.