Hammerfest is the second city we have visited in Norway. There are 9493 inhabitants.
Because of the position within the North pole circle, the sun do not undergo between 16 Mai and 26 July. In the winter the sun doesnt come above the horizon between 21 November and 21 January.
We had bought some books about this city. In the past Hammerfest was an important fish port. In 1890 the city was half devastated by a fire which started in a bakery. After the fire, Hammerfest received many contributions and humanitarian aid from over the whole world. The largest donor was from Helmet II namely the emperor of Germany. He had visited the city for several times and felt himself attached to the city.
In Hammerfest they organize many activities for the tourist. We did the Hiking Tour- Kjøttvikvarden. We went by boat from Hammerfest to Akkarfjord on the island Sørøya. When we arrived at this island we walked a long and easy path to Kjøttvikvarden. This building is over 12 meters high and built around 1850. They had build this to provide a landmark for fishermen. The walking time was 4 hours. When we arrived back in Hammerfest, we were very tired and went back to our hotel to take a shower. In the evening we went out to dinner and went early to bed.
This morning we participated with a city tour. With this tour we have seen the most interesting and popular sights in Hammersfest. While the tour, they gave us information about the history of Hammerfest. The highlights of this city tour were the Meridian Column and the mountain Salen. At the mountain Salen you have the best view in Hammerfest and I found it very impressing.
In the afternoon we did a roundtrip by boat. The roundtrip, with a catamaran boat, is from the centre of Hammerfest to the small fishing villages on the island of Sørøya.Yesterday we already visited this village. They organize this trip because the coast of Finn mark is one of the most beautiful in the world and we can only aim this.
I think it is a good initiative from Hammerfest to organize all these activities. It is not a very known city and with these activities you visit all the important things of the city.
In Hammerfest you have an airport. It Is the third national airport of Norway. The owner is Avinor. Tomorrow in the morning we are leaving back to Belgium.
Unfortunately, this is my last post because our trip is already over. The weeks have flown by but I think we all were glad that we could go home because we have missed our families.
It was an amazing trip that I'll never forget. We have seen many beautiful places and we had lots of fun! Every country that we've visited, had much to offer. I can still remember the day we left, the 14th of February. We were all nervous and curious about what we could expect.
The first country we've visited was Nigeria. It was a really long flight because there was no direct flight from Belgium to Nigeria. In that country we were confronted with the poverty which the inhabitants have to face. By seeing these situations, I realized that we can not complain about how we live.
After Nigeria we went to Niger which is also a poor country. We found it very nice to visite Zinder, Birni and Sabon Gari. The Sultan's palace was so beautiful and special, we all loved it. We also went to Agazed, the largest city in northern Niger.
Next we went to Algeria where we've visited Algiers and Constantine. The fourth country that we've been to, was Tunesia. I think that we will never forget the trip through the Saraha because it was really beautiful and funny. I think that Tunesia is the most beautiful country that we've visited during our trip.
After Tunesia we went to Italy where we've visited Sicily, Palermo, Rome and Milan. It was nice to see al the clothes of the famous designers in Milan. Unfortunately we could only afford watching the shopping windows because of the high prices.
After we had been to France, Belgium, Germany, Denmark and Norway our trip was over. I think we all enjoyed it very much and we would like to do this again! Girls, I want to thank you all for this amazing experience!
this morning we arrived in Belgium. When the plane landed, I couldn't hold myself anymore. I had to see my family and friends. It has been such a long time! My whole family waited for me to arrive at the gate. Delphine, sarah and anouk's family were there too.
Our first day started a bit sad. We saw a lot of poverty in Nigeria. People are living on the streets and don't have anything to eat or drink. We gave them some of our food and they were so happy. From that day, I think we all agreed that our country is very rich and that we have all the luxury we need. There were also some beautiful things to see, like Sicily. I really loved the port in Palermo. It is such a romantic place. Also the Colloseum and the Pantheon in Italy were very beautiful.
In my opinion, Milan and France were the most beautiful countries. I really enjoyed the culture and the shops. In Milan, the cathedral and the Parco Sempione were impressive. I've never been in Milan before, but I will definitely come back. France was very beautiful too. The vineyards, churches, and the famous products of Dijon were the highlights here. It was very relaxing to be in France.
The switch from France to Norway was not so nice. In France, the weather was very beautiful, compared to Norway, where it was freezing. Going to the zoo made it a little bit better. By seeing all the cute animals, I forgot how cold it was.
I have to say that it was an amazing trip. I've never thought that I would have so much fun and that I would see things I never thought that I would see. I made new friends in the countries and made a lot of picture. I hope next year, we can make another trip to other countries, but of course with the same people. We had a great time together and I'm going to miss them very much!
Thanks for the great trip Sarah, Delphine and Anouk !