So much to do in Norway!

Dear Nick,

I have loved every minute of this trip.  Yesterday we went to see the Arctic Cathedral.  Isn't it pretty?

But today...oh, wow! We went reindeer sledding!

 



I met a Sami and later got to go in a real lavvu. The Sami are the only indigenous people to Scandanavia.  Herding reindeer is something they have been doing for a long, long time. A lavvu is like a tippee. The Sami use it as a temporary shelter like you might use a tent when you go camping.







 

This is a lavvu...

 

 

Here is a picture of a lavvu at night. Photo credit to:
http://www.finsnesgaard.no/lavvu/lavvu.html









I hope you are enjoying the pictures!


Bear hugs,

Robert

Robert Bear reindeer sledding!

Norway is cold!

Dear Nick,

We made it! Norway is colder than Switzerland. Brrr! Good thing I have a bear coat. Sometimes, Chris will put me in her pocketbook where it's extra cozy.

We flew to the airport in Oslo. It's snowy. Here I am!

We got there early in the day but sure enough, by 3:15, it was dark out! I thought it was time for bed. It wasn't though, so we went out to eat. There was a buffet there. See all the bowls with colored things in them? They are different kinds of fish eggs (also called cavier) to eat. Yummy!







 


















We went to an aquarium called Polaria, the world's most northerly aquarium! I saw a seal-look!

He was going fast...

 

 

I also saw a polar bear. Don't worry, he was a model. But he did have some pretty big teeth...

 

I'm still hoping we get to see the Northern Lights.

Time for a nap in Chris' purse. It's hard to get used to short days...

Bear Hugs,

Robert

Still in Switzerland but on my way to Norway!

Dear Nick,

It has been very busy here.  I was invited to spend time with another family; Doug, Chris, Callum, and Ailsa Swan.  They were planning a trip and thought I might want to come. I was so excited I couldn't stop wiggling! Before we left though, we had errands to run. I got to see a Christmas tree and a nativity scene carved from wood. 

 

 

Oooh, I never told you where we are going...! We are going to Norway.  There are reindeer and polar bears there.  I'm a little nervous.  I think the Swans are hoping to see the Northern Lights. They are supposed to be very pretty- like colored curtains hanging in the sky.  Here I am next to a poster of the Northern Lights (they are also called the Aurora Borealis).

 

 

We will be there soon and I will let you know everything I see! Here are some interesting things the Swans told me about Norway.  It's dark- a lot. The sun rises about 9:15 am and sets about 3:11!  That's only 6 hours of sunlight.  The Nobel Peace Prize is also given out in Oslo, the capital of Norway. The Peace Prize is given to someone who has done something outstanding to make or keep peace. The Artic fox lives there and his fur changes with the seasons; usually grey and white but in summer it turns light brown. I think I will try to avoid him.

 

Bear Hugs,

 

Robert

 



 

 

I'm in Switzerland!

Dear Nick,

I made it! It was a very long flight. We flew from Boston all the way to Zurich, Switzerland.  It's very cold here. It's been snowing a lot I've heard.  I like my family; Doug, Jen, Sam, Lauren, and Caroline. Caroline took care of me right away.  I've met  a new friend, Bun Buns, a purple rabbit.

Caroline INSISTED her Dad take the two of us to a festival in town.  We could have walked but she just loves taking the bus, so we did. There were loads of people there.  Elves were giving out fruit and candy, performances in the street, and people were reading fairy tales to the children.  I didn't understand much because they speak Swiss German here.  Switzerland has FOUR national languages; French, German, Italian, and Rumantsch. Caroline and I had a ball- I got to ride a camel!

Caroline told me that there are 26 cantons in Switzerland. A canton is like a state.  There are so many mountains and I can see a very famous one, Mount Pilatus, from my house. It's all covered in snow.

This week I am really hoping to go to school with Caroline and Lauren.They go to school on a mountain and have to take a special train there called a funicular. I heard they go sledding at recess and and ice skate for gym. I can't wait!

I will send another note soon. I miss you beary much, I wish you were here.

Bear hugs,
Robert