Remembering Grimstad

 As summer is waning, it's time to look back on what it brought us. As always, weather was unstable, but the various destinations we visited didn't at all let us down. And first on the list of places to go was Grimstad, in the deep South of Norway.


The South Country is a geographical term that stands for the coastal rim facing the often unruly, perilous strait between Norway and Denmark. Dotted with small, charming towns, the South Country boasts an inviting climate, astounding scenic beauty as well as an almost confusing array of options in terms of marine, outdoor activities. So, instead of languishing under the dark rainclouds of Bergen, we instead chose this year to go hunting for sun and fun in this touristic hot spot.


HOW I WAS WON (OVER)


My wife practically spent all of her childhood summers on various camping grounds in Scandinavia. It was cheap, you could move from place to place at a leisurely pace of your own choosing, and only bringing a tent meant you also travelled light - never worrying whether your vehicle would break down from the heavy load.

So when we married in 1996, my sweetheart argued persuasively in favour of this low-budget form of holidaymaking, and swiftly won me over despite my initial misgivings and reservations about 'mingling' with countless strangers. I had no previous experience to bolster my rapidly melting resistance. I had simply inherited a downright prejudiced view of anyone willingly spending their precious time off in this way.


But not anymore. I am a fan, albeit experience has taught me that sleep is an elusive companion during these times of family and bonding.


GRIMSTAD


Oddly, Grimstad may very well mean 'Ugly town' (Old Norse). But this picturesque town is anything but ugly. On the contrary, it's cosy, compact and ideal for a unit of five (as we were) in periodical need of food, drink and inexpensive entertainment. Yes, I know the price level in Norway is prohibiting, according to foreign holidaymakers, but if you're not given to high-brow habits and tastes, there are tactile delights awaiting you even as you casually stroll the cobbled narrow streets and public squares.


Moysanden Camping, a mere four kilometres outside the town centre, is reputedly the only five-star camping facility in the country. For ten consecutive days, it was our temporary holiday 'home' offering the weather we'd come looking for, as well as a decidedly laidback holiday atmosphere fortified by the encircling presence of travellers dead set on avoiding the usual Norwegian affinity for introversion and isolation. 


ROW, ROW THE BOAT


The long, bright Scandinavian summer nights are legendary among those who are not commonly blessed by them. To us natives as well they're a rare treat of extra sun and a cherished opportunity to stay up and outdoors longer than usual. And when the relative hustle and bustle of campsite chores has died down, it's time to indulge the pull of the calm bay waters.

My son early on expressed his desire to hire a rowing boat, and learn the surprisingly difficult skill of handling such a technologically simple vehicle. And for the meagre sum of 30 kroner, he was granted his wish. Less than two hours before midnight in mid-July, unbridled laughter rippled across the watery surface as we were grappling with a pair of oars that proved difficult to synchronize. We doggedly stayed close to the rocky shore, not certain that our muscular strength would allow for an aquatic adventure beyond the neighbouring islets. We certainly earned a pair of huge blisters from our date with the salty liquid, but it was worth it in very possible way.


For the remainder of our stay, we preferred terrestrial activities such as sightseeing new and unfamiliar places - like the priceless pearl of Lillesand, and familiarizing ourselves with the dubious benefits of overcrowded shopping malls in Arendal. All in all, the stretch of soil called the South Country lived up to the myths that surround it. And that's not bad. On the contrary, it makes it higly plausible that we'll one day return for another tete-a-tete with the friendly folk down there.