One missed flight, two sweet surprises in Bergen

A view to die for. This was literally a picturesque late autumn view from our Airbnb host Roy's apartment at Dreggsallmenningen in Bergen, Norway. The early morning autumn frost didn't keep locals indoors. I was content with the view from my window. After a 24-hour journey via Helsinki, a missed flight from London to Bergen, and a two-hour struggle at 2 am to locate Roy's apartment, the morning after didn't fail to give hope for an inexplicably eclectic stay in Bergen.

The late night adventure was made meaningful by two hotel staff members from Radisson Blu who went the extra mile (literally) to help two tired tourists in distress. The hotel is located a javelin's throw from Roy's apartment. The Korean security officer actually scaled up the hill with my husband in the cold, dark night to search for the location where the key to the apartment was lodged. Thanks so much, Kim and Borge! You definitely stood out among our memories of Norway, and left us with a deep impression of your country.

And oh, what a treat to spot an ancient church just across the road from the beautiful, well-appointed apartment. Largely built with soapstone and part shale, St Mary's Church was estimated to be built before A.D.1200, and is said to be the oldest building in Bergen.

To add to this sweet surprise, Bergen Anglican Church which uses the building now, had a dining lounge located just directly below my apartment unit! So I was invited to join the dinner prepared by some woman members.

It's not good to judge the book by its cover. Inside this apparently god-forsaken church are very god-inclined people, and quite the opposite of staid too.

#Bergen #BryggenWharf #StMarysChurch #RadissonBlu