ELIASSEN TRAVEL

Killough Monument The winding black top country road shaded with huge east Texas pine trees protected us from the hot July sun as it pried its way through the branches.  As descendants of the Killough Klan living in a distant state, my husband and children had never seen the family monument dedicated to one of the greatest tragedies in East Texas history.  A massacre and tales of conspiracy are still keeping us guessing to this day of what really took place that set this tragedy into motion.  This was how legends are started so we wanted to uncover the truth.  Is it fact or fiction or could it be both? Our directions and GPS seemed to fail us as we drove deeper into the countryside on Farm to Market (FM) roads that didn’t seem to end.  Farm after farm and roads that appeared to shrink in size as the large oak and pine trees overshadowed them with their huge century old branches.  As we parked along the side of the road a couple who live...

Holding the Midnight Sun Norway was our destination.   My husband and I spent two weeks exploring the cities of Bergen and Trondheim as well as the Islands along the western fjords.   Our Norwegian relative tour guides told us we could not leave Norway without experiencing their midnight sun. We searched for the best place on one of the Islands and found it! The midnight sun was glowing across the horizon off the coast of Norway deep into the summer night.   There was a thrill just for being on top of ancient rocks that lined the coast of the Atlantic as the light was starting to fade in the distant horizon.   Our words and laughter seemed to echo across the rocks as the waves crashed high into the air.   We were not only enjoying the view but the sounds and smell of the open air of the salty ocean.    The glowing sun became a light in our hands as we stood and faced the camera.   As a couple we “held” the sun ...

Colorful waterfront in Trondheim Norway Door of the Church Trondheim Norway is a very beautiful city with old historic buildings as well as one of the most beautiful Churches, the Nidaros Cathedral. For additional travel information check out the following link for the city tourism guide to Trondheim ! Outside sculptures on the Church   We enjoyed our stay with family who showered us with Norwegian hospitality and gave directions on how we could navigate the city on our own to explore the unique and awesome culture of the city. Canon on display We found new and old within the city center.  Our highlights were visiting the Church and viewing the many sculptures that were spread out within the city, especially around the Nidaros Cathedral.  The Archbishop's Residence was amazing and colorful.  So much history to cram into a short stay but we did the best we could.  Window in the courtyard area The pictures here were captured ...

2014 Tall Ship Race Festival - Bergen What a surprise for us when we arrived in Norway to find out the Tall Ships Races 2014 were in Bergen and the festival was in full swing at the wharf! There were so many unique sailing ships from all over the world.  It was not only breathtaking but spectacular.  We loved it! The historic wharf was such a beautiful back drop to the festival.  The colors and smells of the open market with mouthwatering seafood only added to the senses. Viking Ship We weren't expecting the festival since we were mainly in Norway to visit relatives of my husband that he had not seen since he was a young child.  Our cousins were our tour guides and we pretty much left it up to them on the sights that we would see.  I have to say they were the best ever and for that we are truly grateful. Day one off the plane was probably the longest day of my life.  No, literally!  We stayed awake except for a quick nap that I took wh...

The Beauty of Everything Norwegian NORWAY Traveling is one of my favorite things to do. You need time and money so it doesn't happen as often as I would like it to.   When I do travel I always bring along my camera to capture the moments!  It seems every time I go some place I see the terrain and elements of light in a whole new perspective. The shots are not all lined up and in order. They have gained character and substance as I have grown older and wiser. Nothing has to be perfect it only has to be.