[franksolich]

Actually, sir, when I was looking at photographs of Alesund, I was most entranced by the photographs of Alesund in wintertime (as the Norwegian guy has on his web-site; the red link).

Alesund in winter struck me as.....the closest one can come, to Heaven on Earth.

But then and again, I know I'm in a distinct minority; I prefer winter.

[muawiyah]

I'm reminded a lot of the pictures of Oresund I found once when digging up a stray Huguenot refugee ancestor. (That's an island between Sweden and Denmark that's changed hands hundreds of times).

A beach, with sand, with water, with some weeds, with NO TREES.

It's a lot further South too!

[TheGeezer]

Icy, cold Winters are a great thing: it makes the crazies head south, leaving northern climes more civil and sane...at least this is the tendency in the U.S.

One also may have a loving spouse, a hearty stew, a good movie, and a cup of brew, forgetting the world without for the warmth within, all while the snow taps at the window.

[68 grunt]

Beautiful place, thanks for the post.