View from the train: Fodder balls in the field Photo: Rajesh Pai
11-16 degrees, cold, wet & windy did not seem to be a problem, as to counter the harshness of the weather was the warmth of the Norwegians.
Clean & caring, Norway surprises you on how much importance is given to humanity and its related issues. Never, at any given time or place you feel alienated.
Photo: Rajesh Pai
We were an eclectic mix of individuals, who at some part of our life's had been exposed to Norway & its people in India and when we met them and their friends in Norway the hospitality was something that we will never forget.
Its not only to the fellow human beings that they are concern about , but to the Mother Earth too.
Photo: Rajesh Pai
The whole visit was an eye opener of sorts, as we saw how problems were addressed from pollution to congestion, from how to preserve the past to the subject of embracing the future, from the concern towards the sick, the elderly to the coming generation.
Our new friends kept saying how magical the 'northern lights' actually are, and even though we were a bit early to witness that phenomenon, the experience of that week was truly ' magical; , the one that will remain fresh in my memory in the years to come.
Photo: Rajesh Pai
My travel advisory to all future visitors to Norway - ' Beware, The country and its people will change you forever, the change to be a better human being and how to fall in love with our Planet again '.
Poetry on the street
Photo: Rajesh Pai
Rajesh Pai ownes a boutique design firm, 'RedEarth', comprising of architects, designers, restorers and craftsmen. RedEarth takes inspiration from traditional elements & building practices and re-designs for modern living and aspirations, to create a style that is 'Contemporary Classic'.
RedEarth is involved with the Heritage Village project in Manipal, which involves documenting, transplanting, restoring and rebuilding old and priceless structures that cannot be preserved in their place of origin.