
Wow! What a storm we sailed through this morning! The front end of the ship was crashing down into the waves—it was better than a carnival ride.

As the ship docked in foul weather and sideways rain (the first rain of my entire vacation), eager townsfolk were there to greet us, waving flags while children twirled batons and performed in a brass band. The population here is only 120 to 200 people, and I think the majority of them were there to welcome us!

I walked a couple of kilometers into town through super-high winds and sideways rain, and I was completely taken aback by how friendly these villagers are. I bought a couple of pieces of rosemaling at a farmers’ market, climbed some steep stairs along the mountainside to take pictures, and took my time enjoying a small museum hosted from a local’s home. The rain even cleared up and the sun came out.







These people really take pride in their village, and I commend them for their warmth, hospitality, and sheer enthusiasm in welcoming us despite the miserable weather.








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