Nope, this is not about the U2 song at all. Sorry to disappoint you, but now that you are here anyways… I am absolutely certain that U2 could write a fantastic tune about Longyearbyen! How could they not? It is so song-worthy! See for yourself:
Do you find it strange that the Streets have numbers instead of names? I do too, really. But it makes it darn easy to navigate once you see the pattern in it. Just like Manhattan! (Did I really just compare Longyearbyen to Manhattan? LOL!)
Do I look daring on a snowmobile with a rifle over my shoulder? Just a regular part of living in the northernmost town in the world.
I know, I know, there has been many rants from me over Svalbard lately, and I guess I’m not done… Seeing as most people who have spent some time on the island do rant, I think it’s safe to say that once you have been bitten by the “Polar Bug” – you’ll never recover. Ever. There is just something so sincere and authentic about living in the Arctic.
And I really do think that U2 should write a song about Longyearbyen!
Breathtaking… probably literally as well as figuratively. Looks like a magical, beautiful place.
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Haha yes, this day these pics were shot was very cold. -30 C (or -22 F) does sting a bit the first couple breaths.
It is indeed a magical, beautiful place, but it can also be somewhat challenging 🙂 and that makes it even more interesting, I think 🙂
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If I lived there I would get fat from eating and drinking – but I imagine it would bring out all my creativity and crafts. What else did you do in Svalbard?
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Svalbard is a very sociable place and it is easy make friends and you quickly become sort of the “extended family” for eachother.
There are lots of things to do, sports (both indoor and outdoor), crafts (there is a “knitting cafe” once a week where everyone who knits meet and chat), various cultural activities – and of course, the one thing you just can not get around: hiking, snowmobiling and using and enjoying the fab scenery.
Oh, must not forget: the cabin life! Norwegians are generally fond of their cabins (by the sea, in the woods, or up here – on the tundra), and one of my fav past times was to fire up the ol’ snowmobile and go for a ride. If I saw smoke coming from a cabin pipe, I’d drive over and say hello, even if I didn’t know whos cabin it ws or who was there. They will typically invite yu in, give you a cup of coffee and you have a nice chat and get to know new people. Fun!
One thing that is NOT a big option is shopping. There is 5-6 sports equipment stores, but it’s limited how many windjackets and hats you can be bothered to own *giggles*
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Thanks for your reply Olive – fascinating
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It looks like a scene from Trapped!
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Trapped as in the Icelandic TV series?
Actually a couple big movies has been partially recorded at Svalbard: The Golden Compass and Die another day (James Bond), in addition to numerous documentaries and norwegian movies.
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Yes, that’s the one. Absolutely loved it and great news that they are making another series. I can see why film companies would be attracted, it’s a very special landscape..
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I havent seen Trapped myself, I will make point of seing it.
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I’ve seen quite a few of what they call Nordic Noir. This was one of the best. If you like atmospheric crime dramas you’ll enjoy it.
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If Wallander is a Nordic Noir, then that is exactly what I like. First I plowed though the books, and then they started making movies, so I had to read the books again before I could see the movies (It’s a thing, always read the book before seing the movie, even if I have read the book before some time ago… Hm, this might seem a bit nerdy or compulsive…)
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Yes, exactly that. Also Beck, the Killing among others.
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Superb photos to go with the write up … it would be quite a memorable visit. Do you get many tourists there?
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Oh yea, now that coal mining is more or less gone, tourism is the big thing. Rather costly though, both accommodation and activities, but the booze is cheap ;-p
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Beautiful! Now do you live here, or you did live there?
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I moved away from Svalbard in 2006, have been back several times for visits. That is the cool thing about it – Svalbard is not going anywhere and I’m always welcome back 🙂
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Great photos of your travel again. Can only dream of reaching that place one day.
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Thank you, if you can dream it – you can do it! 🙂
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I’ve always wanted to visit Norway, but perhaps in the Summer…and somewhere a bit more…south. ;D
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I reccommend western Norway, in the summertime, pack a raincoat… The scenery is breathtaking.
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Looks like a beautiful place.
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Thank you for your comment, it is pretty. I hope I find the “bad weather” pictures to post as well.
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Wow, what a place. Thanks for showing us such an exceptional way of life. I can see why you describe it as authentic.
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Thank you so much 🙂
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Helt magisk vakkert lys!!
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Takk for det! Det er faktisk enda mer magisk og vakkert å se det med selvsyn 🙂
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Nice shots – looks like a great trip!
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Thank you very much 🙂
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