Bente Brenna. What an intense experience to have met and spent time with this remarkable lady. A true ambassador for Norwegian culture and cultural exchange.
Thank you, Bente, for being such a wonderful host to me during the past week.
Thank you for – in return for the modest work I could do in your garden – providing such comfortable accommodation. Thank you for all the meals, the talks and discussions, the Norwegian words, the explanations, the stories and the cultural gems. Thank you for listening when I talked about my country and my language. And thank you for the laughter.
I am leaving with a heavy heart.
The scratches and blisters on my hands and aching body will quickly heal, but the fondness when thinking of Fagernes will grow through the years to come.
I will remember the sweet smell of your summer garden.
The sound of Nordic bird song.
I will remember the river flowing under the bridge.
The rich black soil.
The rain.
The strong eyes of your son.
And I will remember your calm voice.
I will remember.
