Yes it did!!! Although I arrived late and Kjersti had to take an extra trip to the airport I made it on Thursday evening as planned and then we got the great news that Seetha’s passport had arrived and Kirsten had managed to get some time off work. By Friday lunch time we were all at Kjersti ready to start the meeting.
Past LCI President Tracey Wilkinson decided to visit Bergen, on a private trip, at the same time that we were there therefore we made it a point to meet up with her and Kjersti kindly invited her to her home. On Thursday we had a quiet evening at home where Linda, Tracey and I sat getting to know Kjersti’s family. Over a lovely meal prepared by Kjersti we caught up on our goings on and bits of gossip however since we had all travelled tiredness kicked in (or at least for me it did) and therefore it was a fairly early night.
Whilst we guests dug in to a divine breakfast Kjersti went off to the airport to collect Seetha and Kirsten. On their arrival some gifts were exchanged and happiness reigned. Laptops came out, files, pens and papers and off we went for the commencement of Board Meeting 3. Meanwhile, Tracey, donned an apron and acted as mum washing dishes and preparing lunch.
The new LCI Treasurer Kirsten was appropriately welcomed by Seetha and she was handed over the jewels. We went through the Agenda slowly, thoroughly but surely moving from one item to the next. The main topics of discussion were the handover of the Treasurer’s role, documents etc, follow up to MTMs, planning for the forthcoming months, ISP, Conferences and of course going through 113 Travel Grant Applications!!!
We went on until late afternoon with a short stop for Tracey’s lunch which of course suited all our dietary requirements and was scrumptious, typical of our T.
In the evening Kjersti allowed us to step back in time as we strolled around Bryggen (the waterfront) - in the late Middle ages a thriving international trade centre. The quaintness of this area is indescribable with the old wooden buildings along the Vaagen (harbour) still retaining the original authenticity.
Just beside this is the famous Bergen Fish Market however of course it was too late at night so our guess was that the fishermen were out looking for their catch to sell the following day. As ladies are ladies no matter where, we also did some shopping. The shop we landed in had a numerous amount of household and bric-a-brac items all very novel and original. Although not much of a shopper myself when I saw a very colourful toaster I couldn’t resist!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Benedicte, a Circler from Kjersti’s Circle joined us and we had dinner at Egon a place which was bubbly and buzzing. Back home we sat by the fire chatting……apparently since as soon as I landed on the sofa I was fast asleep. Saturday morning we woke up to the doorbell. LC Norway President Hildegunn was behind the door all dressed up for a day out with Tracey.
Of course, we all wished to join but…our work was beckoning us back to the computers. This morning Kjersti’s mother turned up to assist in the kitchen so off we went to a full day of meeting just about stopping for yet another delicious lunch prepared with care and attention.
Saturday afternoon we had to draw to a close fairly early as Hildegunn had kindly invited us to drinks at her apartment before we headed off to Nina’s home for dinner. Hildegunn prepared lots of original snacks which we watered down with tasty wine and the atmosphere for the evening was set – perfect. We were also fortunate to meet Hildegunn’s three boys (her husband and children)!!!!
Nina and Atle together with their adorable children Emma and Thomas warmly greeted us to their beautiful home leading us into the dining area overlooking a breathtaking view. Immediately we all knew that this was going to be a special evening and that not one stone or pebble had been left unturned to make sure everything was flawless. The table was laid out to perfection – and colourfully too!
Emma and Thomas served us a pre dinner drink telling us their names, ages and ensuring to ask us how we are - in English. Adorable! Nina was spot on in everything and you wouldn’t believe that she had spent a day preparing to entertain seven guests to dinner. Her house and kitchen were spotless and she had such a calm aura around here. Amazing! Atle took the children to bed whilst we started our dinner. Saying it was divine, meticulously prepared, delicate to the palate and attractive to the eye is an understatement. Changing wines to suit each course we wined and dined the night away. President Hildegunn also gave each one of us a special gift accompanied by a personalised speech.
Once the formalities of gift exchanges were complete chatting privately and altogether, joking, laughing and doing some silly things too was how the evening proceeded. Kjersti actually stood up to make the explanation of her joke that much more vivid. Most of our work was done and therefore the stress and tension of the past months was released during this evening. Nina had really made us feel ‘Special Colourful and Golden’ and gave us mouth-watering ‘Fuel for Life’!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Saying our goodbyes to Hildegunn too we crawled into bed with an early departure for Tracey. We met up after breakfast for the final part of the meeting, exchanged our gifts and said our goodbyes to Linda and Kirsten.
Seetha and I spent another night at Kjersti since we were all going to the Hakappikken event in Tromso, Norway the following weekend. Kjersti’s parents turned up with the dog who they had been house sitting during our stay there and Kjersti’s three children came back home to reclaim their beds. On Sunday we also got more glimpses of Kjersti’s husband. Could it be so many women chatting all day were too much for him? Kjersti, Seetha and I headed to Bergen centre on Sunday afternoon and stopped for a warm drink (not me of course) in a very pretty coffee shop which served exquisite chocolates too. There we met up with another Circler friend of Kjersti who I had personally met in Malta many years ago so it was great to catch up
Monday morning we lounged around and before we knew it time was ticking and we had to get Seetha on a boat. We flew to the harbour with Seetha and I jumping on the boat so that it won’t leave and Kjersti carrying the luggage. Seetha went to meet up with LC Norway Vice President Anne-Karin and her Circle. Kjersti and I then went back to Bryggen following which Kjersti kindly took me to Troldhaugen were we visited Edvard Grieg’s museum, villa and hut where he composed music. I was thrilled. Located in the countryside one can really imagine this great composer writing such melodious pieces enveloped with beautiful views and a charming environment.
Off to the airport for a longer than expected journey to Daniel and Maria in Tromso. A big thank you to all who entertained us. Kjersti’s parents and family for putting themselves out to host us allowing us space to hold our meeting in their home. What more can I say but Takk for a weekend with a Colourful Golden Touch!!!
Kathleen A Flynn LCI Immediate Past President