/ About Me

About Me

After university I spent two years working in Japan, where I saved a ton of money but also felt totally directionless in my life, which led to me buying a giant backpack and spending several years traveling.

Eventually I found a place to call home and have now settled in Norway.

I blog about life as an American-Norwegian in Norway (my father is American, my mother is Norwegian, and I’m a dual citizen), as well as my continued travels around the world.

My aim is to find a balance between my eagerness to see ALL the places, and my newfound desire to build a permanent home somewhere.

I believe that it’s totally possible to continue to reap the benefits of long term travel even when traveling on shorter trips with bigger budgets – and I’m sharing everything I discover about how to do it!

So if you’re a former backpacker who wants to continue to see explore the most beautiful corners of the world with a touch more luxury, while still getting off the beaten path for authentic local experiences, this blog is for you.

 

But who am I?

I’m Silvia. I’m from Worcester, MA USA, but I like to tell people I’m from Norway.

After launching Heart My Backpack in January 2014, I’ve traveled solo through Iran and the Caucasus, backpacked around the Middle East, and fallen in love with the Balkans.

In January 2015 I decided to leave Asia and for 6 months I traveled overland to a new home in Europe. I passed through places like Burma, China, Mongolia, Russia (Siberia in winter, yup!), the Baltics, and finally the Balkans.

And then I decided to make a home in Norway! I’m still here, currently living in Bergen, Norway. But travel continues to play a huge role in my life, and I continue to write about my adventures in Norway and abroad, as well as more thoughtful pieces about travel in general (you know, the blog posts with all the feels).

What else?

I will eat anything and probably enjoy it. I may have weakened taste buds or something.

I tap dance when I’m nervous, much to the amusement of many an armed border guard.

I don’t feel super comfortable writing about myself so… I’m tap dancing right now.

I’ve lived in seven countries and visited over 80 countries on six continents.


When I told my grandmother this she was all “that’s all? Not even a hundred?”

I come from a family of travelers. Probably because I’m from Norway.

 

Here are a few of my most popular posts about travel:

How I Saved $44,000 to Travel the World

How Travel Killed My Ambition

19 Awkward Things That Happen When You Return from Backpacking

Here are a couple of my travel videos:

You can find all of my recent travel videos and vlogs on my YouTube channel.

Here are a few of my most popular posts about Norway:

7 Ways Norway Isn’t as Expensive as You Think

Norway Says No to Tourists, This Is Where You Should Go Instead

How to Travel Norway on a Budget

How to Plan an Epic Road Trip in Norway

And you can see my Norway posts by category on this page, or by clicking on areas of this map:


Norway

Interested in blogging?

How to Start the World’s Best Travel Blog

How I Make Enough Money Blogging to Live in Norway

5 Things I Wish I Had Done for My Blog Much Earlier

You can read all of my posts about blogging here.

Want to follow along the adventures? You can subscribe in the box below, and follow me on Bloglovin’, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter.

Just so you know, this blog does contain some affiliate links, which means that I may earn a small commission from any purchases or bookings you make from my recommendations – at no extra cost to you. Hope that’s OK!

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Comments

  1. To dear Silvia from cousin Susanna.

    Haha! I’m lucky I’m not missing my spleen from laughing! You’re going to Thailand next? Awesome! I’m becoming green from envy. If I had warts I’d be a frog. I wish you luck on your travels. Say hallo to Bestemor from me! Hope to see you again one day.

    Love,
    The frog like girl.

    P.S. I tell people I’m from Norway too. I don’t feel guilty at all.

    P.P.S. Mom says hi. While attempting to get rid of her spleen.

    Reply

    • Ahh marking this down as my favorite comment ever!

      I’ll send your greetings to Bestemor, who can’t seem to stop talking about you. Whenever my Norwegian fails me and I have to switch to English (which is about every fourth word, ha) she’s all “Kan du ikke si det på norsk, Bettina? Susanna var sååååå flinke til å snakke norsk når hun var her.”

      Ahh I can’t keep up with you, little cousin! I bet you even know how to spell words in Norwegian, bah.

      But how sad is “Hope to see you again one day” ? Let’s tell our parents to get their acts together or we’re going on an adventure without them. Now go give everyone in your family a hug from me. Even Lars.

      Love love love xx

      Reply

          • I am very happy and excited that you agree with me.
            As you know Iran is one of the greatest civilizations of the ancient world, one of the most beautiful countries in the world.
            I dare say that you did not see a lot of places in this big country, For example, Iran has one of the ancient cities dating back 8,000 years with great monuments like the old water mills and old bridges and castles and … ,
            One of the oldest cities in the world that I know you’ve seen unlikely——> One of the oldest known settlements in the region, the building is 4200 BC
            Although the first traces of a residential village with about 7000 BC, and archaeological excavations indicate that this area was in 9000 BC Location farmers

            Sassanid bridge
            Paul Sassanid (old)most important monument of the city. The bridge connects the eastern and western regions, and one way to interface Jundishapur area and Mesopotamia who ordered the first Sassanid Shapur after the victory over the Romans in 263 AD, the Roman and the use of prisoners were made. The bridge over nearly 18 centuries, still stands as one of the oldest bridges in the world is based.

          • I am Amin from Iran…i would glad to see you in Iran..if you want to travel to iran i can help you in Iran as a leader and i would be happy to hear you for any question….
            my phonenumber is +989126208559 ……

            i am waiting for you in Iram

    • hi!
      i am glad that you enjoyed traveling to Iran, please tell your family, friends and other people that iranians and their four season country is not like hell! come back to Iran again,
      with best regards,
      Aria

      Reply

  4. Hi dear Silvia!
    I have been holding my tongue now for almost two months and I just can’t hold it any longer… OK it’s coming….
    45+ countries? Really, Silvia, not even a hundred? I can’t help it, it was the first thing that crossed my mind!
    I think it’s the Norwegian traveling gene that almost the entire population of Norway shares. Europe consists of 45+ countries. By the time a Norwegian has reached 20, he or she has at least 30 countries under their belt (er, in their bag pack). My generation certainly did (let’s not talk about which one that is, but a clue for your readers, it’s not the Titanic generation, which my daughter claims it is), and people travel even more now.
    Well, 45 countries will certainly impress an American. From my chair here in one of the flyover states, 45 is really impressive, but with my Norwegian hat (skis) on, not so much.
    I just read that a person walks on average the equivalence of 7 times around the world during a lifetime. Call me shallow, but something like that would impress me! Try this one, and get a twofer; impress several cultures at once: “I have visited 45+ countries or the equivalent of 30 times (?) around the world!”
    PS! It has occurred to me that it’s not about impressing anyone, but if you are even a tiny bit Norwegian you’ll like to brag (in a safe environment among friends, of course)! He He…
    Lot’s of love. Safe travels!

    Reply

    • Haha oh I know I’m a big loser when it comes to the countries contest – I always have been in my family. I have a terrible habit of revisiting places I’ve been before, and when I do go to new countries I like to spend a lot of time in each place instead of blasting through a bunch of new places. I guess… I’m not as Norwegian as I like to think, sob. xo

      Reply

  5. Hi Silvia, stop by sometime if your ever in the neighborhood. There must be something interesting around here. Cherie says hi. We’re making art. Just back from Mexico where it was warm as well as beautiful. Joe has had a cold you know. He says he wants winter to be over. You could have seen the ice caves in Lake Michigan if only you had come by this winter. Now, I’m afraid it’s too late. Ice caves wait for no one.

    Reply

    • Thanks, Uncle Frank! Send my love to Cherie, and next time Joe complains about being cold tell him to visit me in Thailand! I guess I’ll have to wait on the ice caves for now. Good thing winter always returns!

      Reply

  7. hi ,
    i am an Iranian living aborad , i always explain to my friends Iran and Iranian are better than what they show in news, i am so happy and glad you took the chance and you enjoyed your trip. wish you all the best and hope many other people do that. in general middle east is wonderful. thanks for sharing such a lovely experinces with us.
    take care

    Reply

  8. Hello Silvia
    I am very happy that you have enjoyed in Iran.
    Me with my wife and son live in Milan (Italy) and every summer we go to Iran for the holidays and we have a lot of fun so we stay two months in Iran.
    Dear Silvia you are very sincere and honest to your vision in Iran.
    blessing in your family who have a daughter so Inteligent and talented.

    with best regard
    moshref jalal
    milano

    Reply

    • Thank you so much for such a sweet message! I loved visiting Iran – you are so lucky that you can go there with your family every summer!

      Reply

  9. Hi Dear Silvia

    it’s very nice to konw you and hear about you , I’m From Iran and i’m very happy that you could visit our country , I wish I could see you in here . maybe the next time 🙂 . i have face book page may be we could be friend there (( Hengameh Soltani —– soltani.hengameh@gmail.com ))
    wish you all the best honey

    love / Hengameh

    Reply

    • Wow, what a difficult question! I don’t think I can say one place I liked the most, but I particularly enjoyed traveling through Iran, Tajikistan, and Nepal.

      Reply

      • Hi, good to hear that you loved travelling through Iran, Tajikistan and Nepal. I was passing by your blog and really enjoyed it. I am an Indian living in Iran now. I was always a travel maniac and I spent half of my university life in forests and mountains.(That’s how software engineers are made now a days :-P)

        Now me and my wife(Iranian) wanna restart the habit of travelling. Iran is currently having 31 provinces and we are looking forward to cover all. We will start from Kermanshah in two weeks. We will also take a new step in our restart action, a travel blog and we are working on it now.

        During my university life I traveled to Nepal and Tibet from India in motorbike. The best experience till date. So I can imagine your feeling about Nepal.

        Wish you all the best, enjoy your backpacking and stay tune and safe.

        Reply

  11. Hi dear Silvia, today i heared about your travel to Iran, next time aware me to see more great historical and natural places and be more familiar with my country, thanks a lot for your admires.
    best wishes

    Reply

    • Thanks for the offer, Mehran! I hope that I can visit Iran again someday and see more of its beautiful sites.

      Reply

  12. Hi
    Dear Sylvia
    I’m so glad that my trip to visit my home Dygrshhrhay Tehran and are happy.
    I hope this will meet again on our trip home to live in this family have Mrzv canvas.
    You ignore friend
    Hoshang

    Reply

  13. Hey
    I am a persian boy living in Isfahan. I am happy that you as a young American girl has visited my city. I know this country has too many religious limitations but I hope you have had good times in Iran and see you here again in Isfahan.

    Reply

    • Thanks, Farshad! I had a wonderful time in Iran and will definitely try to visit Isfahan again in the future.

      Reply

  14. Hi silvia ,I am very happy that you have enjoyed in Iran.
    would you like to travel to kerman iran? ,
    kerman have alot of beautiful & historical places ,
    if you need a information call me plz
    amirlakzadeh@gmail.com
    mobile no: +989133436630

    regards
    amir

    Reply

    • Thanks for your offer, Amir! There are so many places I still want to see in Iran. I hope I can visit again someday.

      Reply

  15. Hi silvia.i think u should travel to northwest of iran.azerbayjan and particullary ardebil is the best area with fantastic people and nature.we wait you
    and a question.what is your job?i think you are a wealthy girl that you can travel every country .am i right?

    Reply

    • Thanks for the tips! And no, I wish I were rich, then I would travel the world forever! I worked in Japan for two years to save money and now travel on a very tight budget, but soon I will have to stop traveling to work and make money again.

      Reply

  16. Hello! We recently met your parents on a train from Berlin. We got chatting about travelling and they were very interesting and lovely people, and they recommended we check out your blog. Seems like you’ve had some amazing experiences! We definitely hope to travel to some of the places you’ve been to. Hope your parents had a good time in Dresden. All the best 🙂

    Reply

    • I had to laugh when I read that my parents told you to check out my blog – ahh parents! Though regardless, I’m glad you made your way here if it brought any travel inspiration. 🙂 And I’m incredibly jealous that you just got to spend some time with my parents!

      Reply

  17. What would your readers think if they knew you had a real live Uncle Sam, born very near to the 4th of July? Hey, nice blog.

    Reply

  18. Hi Silvia! I’m a big fan of the fact that you’ve traveled to so many places people wouldn’t necessarily peg as travel destinations. Sometimes I hate that I always find myself on the tourist trail and that everyone has the same (or at least similar) stories and experiences. I aspire to be more like you! Although I wouldn’t trade my time in Chiang Mai for anything in the world…happy travels! xx

    Reply

    • I do think it’s important to travel to unpopular places and have loved my experiences doing so, but I also wouldn’t trade my time in Chiang Mai either! I think this is now my fifth or sixth time return to Chiang Mai, ha.

      Reply

  19. Hey Silvia!
    Wanted to come and have a look after you left a comment on my blog.
    Love the colors you use on here.
    I was thinking about adding a little brown to my blog when I redesigned it, but then didn’t. Just because, you know:)

    Reply

    • Haha thanks, Sofie! My blog is incredibly girly, so the brown was a bit of an attempt to offset that. Though really it’s very nearly pink.

      Reply

  20. hi dear silivia.im iranian and im so glad that u meet our country.i really want to be contact with you.maybe u can comeback here.waiting for your email.

    Reply

    • Thanks! I so badly want to go to South Africa. I was actually supposed to earlier this year but that trip fell through. Hopefully I can go soon!

      Reply

  24. Hi Silvia!! Found your blog via Instagram… I loved it!! Not only the look of it, but your stories too… you have been to soooo many cool places!! I see you still need to go to South America, hope you can make it to my country (Brazil) sometime 😀 lets stay in touch, I will add you on my other social media channels 😀

    Reply

  27. I think it’s safe to say… I have a new favourite travel blog!
    Love everything about it, I could spend my whole weekend on here.
    Keep it up, amazing posts and such great stories!

    Reply

  28. Wow, 60 countries is a lot! And I thought that 20 was something that would impress people. Apparently I was wrong 🙂
    Love your blog! I am from Denmark and have lived in Norway for more than a year. It was awesome!

    Reply

    • I almost studied in Denmark, and I still hope that I can’t spend more time there someday! I’m planning on moving to Norway in the summer, so at least I’ll be close by 🙂

      Reply

  29. I’m glad I found your blog. I was reading about Central Asia yesterday, in LP guidebook, as I’m planning a long trip through there starting from my home in Bulgaria, thru Turkey, Georgia, Armenia & Azerbaijan. Then Iran if visa isn’t a problem and up thru all tha stans to Novosibirsk, on to swim in Lake Baikel,then Mongolia, back to Russia & down again to Almaty to fly to New Delhi and on to Pokhara my most favourite town of all. I am setting out the day after my 70th birthday, so thanks for all the news and photos. Richard.

    Reply

  30. Hey Silvia, love your blog, and your style! And that picture of you in Japan brought back memories! I lived there for a year as an exchange student exactly 20 years ago (aaah how time flies) and have the exact same picture, crawling through that pillar. It was in a temple in Nara right?

    Reply

    • Oh wow, that’s so funny! And yes, it’s the temple in Nara! I went back a couple of years ago, but sadly I was a little too big to try to fit through the pillar again, haha.

      Reply

  33. I just discovered your blog via Twitter. And I am envious. Traveling through the ‘stans and Iran must have required you to toss out a great deal of received wisdom (“it’s so dangerous!”) and to have a whole lot of confidence in yourself and your fellow humans. I hope I can do something similar someday.

    I have a Worcester connection through the fact that my son attended Clark. When he was a freshman, I remarked that there were more Norwegians in his class than there were people from Ohio.

    Anyway, thanks for writing about your journeys. They are inspirational to me.

    Jim

    Reply

  34. Hi Silvia.
    it’s unbelievable!!
    I’m proud of you.
    i hope you again travel to iran and specially Kashan
    Good Luck
    MAK from Iran.

    Reply

  35. Wow, you’re just like my grand uncle Tibor Sekelj! ! All my life I envy him for his adventurous nature! 😀

    Reply

  36. From MA, cool! Me too, residing in NH now and looking to travel the world. Heading to Tanzania to climb Kilimanjaro in September. Great motivation to see a New England travel blogger making it, happy 2 year anniversary! Roar!

    Reply

  37. Hi Silvia.

    I came across your blog and liked it. I truly envy your courage to go to Iran, and I am amazed by how many countries have you visited. 70 is a lot for me! hehe
    I just had my first glamping experience last June. I went to this new Glamping spot in Madeira Island, Portugal and girl, I was truly amazed! Have you been to Portugal before?
    I am not exaggerating when I say that Roberto’s (the owner) place is the nicest little paradise I ever had the honor of sleeping in. The bed was super comfortable, and the shower in the morning, right next to the Tipi, with a sea view window… Wow… !
    The waterfall, the sea, the sounds, the flowers, the fruits, the apple bananas… everything was so relaxing! And, Roberto was also very nice, always available to help me.
    This experience of “camping” with all comfort is definitely to repeat! Good luck with everything! Loved your blog. Bye!

    Reply

  38. Hi Silvia! I simply had to comment ASAP because firstly, your blog is currently my FAVORITE travel blog. And secondly, the moment I read that you were from WORCESTER, MA, I felt so proud because I as well am from Woostah! I just studied abroad this past semester and although I am originally from Albania, I did a bit of traveling while in Europe but reading blogs like yours truly inspires me to go back on the road and this time completely out of my comfort zone. Thank you for writing and can’t wait to read more and more about your travels and adventures!

    Reply

    • Whaat no way! I never thought I had any readers in Worcester! I hope you get back out on the road and love it as much as I have 🙂

      Reply

  41. Hi Silvia!!!

    You can’t imagine how happy I am to have found your blog!!! I am planning a big holiday in Norway next year and I have been looking for soo long for a nice travel blog with a lot of content on Norway. I couldn’t find any I liked until I found yours! Also, apart from sharing the same name, I have also started an expat travel blog and I lived in Worcester a couple of years ago! Maybe that is why I took an immediate liking to your blog! lol

    Looking forward to following your stories!

    Best, Silvia 🙂

    http://www.findingupendi.com

    Reply

    • Wow, so many coincidences, that really is crazy! And I’m so happy to hear that you’re enjoying my stories to Norway – I’m sure that you will love it as much as I do!

      Reply

  42. Hi Silvia! Just found your blog and love it! I too have the Norwegian travel gene and will be visiting in September 🙂 While looking at breath-taking photos of the island Hidra, where my family is from, I tried to figure out what could have possibly inspired them to leave and immigrate to NY…but, as you say, it’s the explorer gene!

    Reply

  43. Hi Silvia ! You are very very very inspiring ! I wish I could travel such! hitch hiking is still on my bucket list, and Africa, India and Georgia and Armenia. Germany and Belgium as well ! A little question, d u work online ?

    Wish you beautiful moments !
    hugs from Shiraz

    Reply

  44. Glad to have stumbled upon your blog as I very much enjoy off-the-beaten travel. I look forward to reading more about your adventures, as well as your decision to reside in Norway. I have some friends that I met on a previous trip that live in Bergen and Oslo, so I hope to visit them sometime.

    Reply

  45. So here I am, 71 years old, sitting here reading your story and suddenly I’m transferred back to 1976 when I sold my house and car after deciding to hitchhike around the world. About two months before I left I met a girl I liked a lot who had spent four years “on the road.” She unexpectedly joined me in Wales a month after I left confident we would be together for what turned out to be the first of many great adventures, long term travel all over the world. We spent the next 18 years together which I call my middle years 31 to 49. Unfortunately she died when we were both 49 but I was very lucky twice as I have been with another wonderful woman for the last 18 years and we continue to explore the world experiencing ourselves in all sorts of new places. I’ve traveled in 72 countries and enjoyed learning about the art, culture, politics, food and belief systems of each place. But, as I’m sure you know it is really about learning about myself. Thanks for reminding me about love, bold traveling and the ingredients of a great life.

    M

    Reply

  46. Hi Silvia,
    Really like the pictures you took in Norway .My Fiance and me will go there On October 5th .There are so many amazing places and really have no idea how to arrange our itinerary . Do you have any suggestions ?Thanks

    Reply

    • I really love the west coast. If you can afford to rent a car I would maybe drive north from Bergen to see the fjords, otherwise you can take trains or just explore from around the cities. I’m not a big fan of Oslo, but some people love it. Have fun!

      Reply

  47. Hi Silvia,
    Thanks so much for creating your blog and doing what you do! I just started the digital nomad life in June and am loving every piece of it! I am hoping to document all of my travels and one day also make an income through blogging. 🙂 For now, it’s a hobby as I try to flex my writing/marketing skills and discover my voice/style! You’re an inspiration!

    Emily

    Reply

    • That’s the perfect way to start a blog! If you love it the monetization and other things will come eventually. Sounds like an exciting journey you’ve just embarked on!

      Reply

  48. You said that you traveled to Iran, may I ask how you did this? From all the websites I’ve read an American must go with a guide or a group tour. I’m not a fan of tours and having a guide follow me all over doesn’t sound like fun.

    Reply

  49. Love this, I am from Texas originally, having backpacked through central america and parts of the US, funny I know live in western mass with my boyfriend and we are getting ready for our next adventure. Love your blog, Love your stories, really resonates within me, good luck with your future ventures 🙂 Norway is defiantly on our list!
    bless
    Cierra

    Reply

  50. I liked your blog

    I have been in Norway before two years , I felt in love with it , and the Lofoten Islands could be a part from heaven.

    I m sad to know that you didn’t visit UNITED ARAB EMIRATES , you should !! Dubai is the first tourism destination in the Middle East , if you are planning to visit Dubai please feel free to ask if you have any questions 😀

    Reply

  53. Too cool!!! I also lived a few years in Japan before I moved to Norway for…..free education. Pretty legit masters degree i’ll be finishing up here soon! If you’re ever in Oslo, let me know! ,we can go for drink or two!:)

    Reply

  55. An Iranian wants your opinion.♥

    hello. I read your article on your site because I want to participate in the contest that matters. : “When is a foreign tourist coming to Iran, what is the strangest thing he sees?” I now ask you to help write a beautiful text, Lady of Mercy.
    You can contact me with regards to culture and art, history, places of interest, cities, civilization, people and the things that attracted your attention.♥

    Reply

  56. Dear, you should visit Central Europe – Slovakia, Hungary and Austria. These countries are very beautiful, to visit Opera in Vienna, the coronation church in capital of Slovakia – Bratislava (the only church in the world which has the hungarian crown in pure gold in top instead of cross), parliament building in Budapest, is amazing!

    Reply

  57. All that you’ve done, still do takes guts and passion! I really admire that about you.
    All the best to you always!

    Reply

  58. Just want so say it’s lovely to hear that you love norway. I’m from norway and live just outside of Trondheim, and if you’re near by just contact me on email. I would love to show you my hometown Meråker, just look it up and you’ll understand me!

    Reply

  59. HI Silvia. Hope you are doing great!! I just read your blog about Norway and found it very helpful! I am travelling from London (originally from Boston…saw you are from Worcester thats so cool!!)) to Bergen on April 13 and I was hoping if you could assist me in my travel plans.

    I land at BGO on april 13 at 2pm. I rented a car and was debating whether I should drive/ferry from airport to stavenger OR take a bus/ferry to Stavenger and stay the night there??? do you know how much buses cost vs how much ferry will be if I parked my car in it? please let me know if you know of any website that will provide information including if i could book ahead of time or not??

    Next day april 14–i was hoping to go for early hike to Preikestolen and than return back to Bergen by evening, again either by car vs bus.

    April 15–drive up to Geirangerfjord early morning and hopefuly make it there by noon and spend rest of the day there. I am assuming there will be acomodations there at night such as hostel or hotels?

    April 16 early AM–try to go see Neijerfords and than drive back to airport for 7pm flight

    Is this do-able do you think? My main question is how much it will cost to take ferries (with car) multiple times during trip to south and north of the country???

    I would be very greatful if you could help me. Please provide further ideas/thoughts as well as I have only 3-4 days for this trip to make the most of it.

    THanks again!

    Reply

  60. Hello Silvia! I love your blog. I noticed that you’ve visited Slovenia but you never mentioned your experience there. I think you would have loved the Triglav National Park, a true paradise for hikers; it has lakes, high peaks, remote villages, vast forests, and even an aquamarine river. Perhaps you can include Slovenia in one of your upcoming journeys? You weren’t too far from the Slovenian Alps when you visited Croatia.

    Reply

  63. Great to see you keeping your pages open. Friends of mine are off to Norway and lofoten in particular. I have family in Bergen. Norway seems a good place to visit.

    Reply

  65. Goeie More Silvia (as we would say in South Africa – in Afrikaans).

    Like most of the people mentioned above, stumbling across your blog – just amazing! Thank you for sharing your love for traveling and writing with us (the world). I myself love both those things as well.

    My wife and I (2 weeks after getting married in 2016) went over to South Korea to travel, owh I mean Teach 🙂 We backpacked and camped the most of Korea over weekends, and to the ends of the Philippines un-traveled Palawan. What an amazing year it was. An extended “honeymoon”. But came February2017, it was time to say “totsiens”. After a quick stop for a couple of days in Hong Kong, we were back on our doorstep – South Africa.

    First, we had to re-travel to our favorite parts in our most amazing and beautiful country, and just for fun, had to go to the Namib Desert, our neighbor, Namibia. Traveling with our small car, we had loads of fun and laughter under the African Sun. Camping throughout the country.

    Sadly, we then had to get back to business, and earn money and make a living. Luckily both our parents still live on Farms, so we still get out a lot, either mountain biking or camping. Being raised on a farm, we LOVE nature. We love the rugged feeling, untouched nature. We traveled and camped throughout Southern Africa, incl. Botswana, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe.

    We saved up a bit, and with our jobs (lawyer and occupational therapist) we do not have amplified holidays to spend. Saving up on that now.

    This brought us to the idea to spread our wings to one of the worlds most beautiful Nature-Countries. and LONG overdue dreams – NORWAY!

    First we thought and read it is too expensive. But as I came to notice on most of the blogs etc., we can CAMP anywhere. And our plan from day 1, was to rent a car, travel, camp, eat cheap and SEE what Norway is about.

    And today, while taking a break from work, I stumbled across your blog.

    I would really love to get more insight on Norway, the small untouched places. The Less visited. The beauty. The Rent-a-MTB places. The outdoors. The ins and outs.

    Warm African Greetings,
    “Baie Dankie”

    Leopoldt

    Reply

  66. Hi Sylvia, just wanted to say thanks for your awesome blog posts.
    I’ve shared already a ton of them on twitter because I like reading them and they all contain great content.
    Great to see that it is possible to “settle” and still live a travel centered lifestyle!

    Keep up the good work,
    Matthias

    Reply

  67. Hi Silvia,

    Glad meeting you in Shinjuku in Tokyo during your trip yesterday.
    I was really surprised seeing your blog by searching card.
    I thought you were backpacker then but never thought you experienced living in Japan 2 times in the past!
    And further more, never known you were so incredible travel writer!! 😀

    I felt something similar to your passion from amazing essays, already big fan of yours!

    I hope you enjoy your happy life in Norway and keep writing. 🙂

    P.S. I should have talked about my past Norway life with you then! Keep in touch with me via email 🙂

    Reply

  68. Dear Silva,
    Me Augustin from India. I went through your blog and saw that you have visited so many places and with that experience you are writing the blog. It is good. But you never visited some other parts of India. I will suggest mainly south India. The reason for this are,
    South Indian people can accept different cultures.
    The people are more conversant with other languages, specially English as their languages are different.
    They are more cultured.
    You can see that the human index of Kerala state is far better than Portugal.
    The living standards of the south people are higher when compared to North India.
    The beauty in South, especially Kerala are,
    Scenic beauty of nature, hill stations, enchanting beaches, backwater tourism, boating in house boats (special in Kerala), year round festivals, food availability for different cultures, availability of forest trekking, best budget hotels.
    If you are a tour operator or guide this can be utilized for a better option or opportunity. I will help you in finding more.
    I am also a person interested in traveling more. But being a government employee in India we have limitations, but I visited Thailand and Malaysia.
    Within the mainland there are so many places for Indians to visit and I am visiting it one by one.
    Hope that my message may help you.
    Regards
    Augustin K Antony.

    Reply

  69. Hi Silvia

    i’m wondering could i get your email address and ask you a question Kiwi.com
    The section about the luggage, I’ve bought the flights and the luggage is twice as dear as the flights. I do not know what to do.
    Can i add luggage on directly with the airline if/ when i get the flight numbers direct.
    or do i have to suck it up, and pay €85 for 1 20kg bag. With 2-3 bags

    any help would be greatly appreciated. Nice blog, extremely motivational & helpful.

    Meghan. x

    Reply

  70. Quite the travels.
    Though I am baffled… how did you go through Iran solo?
    Do you have a U.S. passport or Norwegian, last I check you need a tour guy with you to travel in Iran.
    Thanks in advanced, best of luck with your future endeavours.

    Reply

    • I have a Norwegian passport, so I can get a visa on arrival at the airport and don’t need to travel with a tour guide.

      Reply

  72. Have you ever met any Kinbergs in Trondheim? My son is visiting and would like to connect with relatives tomorrow ! My great grandfather had an in on the river in the late 1800s and early 1900s it is on the Kingshighway and supposedly there still a structure there ?I would love for my son to visit there or see it if possible and so it would be good if he had some kind of local to guide him where to go to find the homestead!!
    Thanks! I love your blog site!!
    Carol

    Reply

  74. 9 seniors , 2 males & 7 females will be flying to Norway from 2 Oct – 12 Oct, 2019. We shall be renting a van. Please recommend budget clean hostels & most important, where to visit.
    Thanks a million.
    Cindy Ooi 66 years old

    Reply

  75. When I read “80 countries”, I was wondering “what was left behind?”, then I saw the map. You have a lot do in Latin America! Im from Brazil and of course, I suggest you ti visit my country, but also Peru, Chile…

    Reply

  76. I’m guessing she doesn’t check this blog that often anymore? I was curious how she manages to live and work in Norway if she’s originally from the USA. I would love to live & work in Sweden, but the visa requirements and process is prohibitive.

    Reply

  77. I love your post about moving to Norway! Living there permanently is a dream of mine. I’m a massage therapist in the US but I’m guessing those skills wouldn’t transfer to Norway!

    Is it really possible for a US citizen to move to a small town in Norway, get a job, and stay permanently?

    Thank you!!!

    Reply

    • You would need to get a job within your degree – so I guess as a massage therapist. I’m not sure of the demand here, but maybe it’s possible?

      Reply

      • Oh my gosh, thank you for responding!

        I don’t suppose you know what the requirements are for massage in Norway…. LOL

        I should probably start learning Norwegian so I can look at Norwegian websites….

        Reply

  78. Hi Silvia! I’m loving your travel blogs and the way you include the extra information and links to where you purchased your winter woollies!
    I want to buy ice grips but am unsure about which brand to buy . Any suggestions?

    Reply

  80. Hej Silvia,
    Love your site!
    I’m a travel blogger and recently found your site as I’m planning a trip to Telemark to meet a friend in late March. I’m going to be reading a lot about Norway on your site over the next week or so, but though I’d reach out and say hello.
    Also, if your around, it may be cool to meet and compare travel stories. Hopefully that doesn’t sound creepy in any way!
    Julie

    Reply

  82. Hi Silvia,
    I loved your central asian blog and the fact that you sought out the more remote places.
    Im in Australia and planning a post Covid self drive trip through central asia with friends (ideally camping on the roof of a 4×4 Land Cruiser for example). Ive done a similar thing twice in southern africa and intend to take the back roads and dirt tracks into the remotest areas of Central Asia we can find if we can. We would take maybe 3-4 months. Im having difficulty finding anywhere in eastern europe or central asia to rent off road vehicles set up for such a trip. Are you able to steer me towards any rental companies. Maybe in Turkey or ??? to start our trip.
    Thanks so much Silvia

    Reply

  83. I previously planned a trip to Iceland for my dad & I. It was a great trip but, while I like planning the details at the end, I found out I get very stressed initially putting together the high level plan as there’s so many great options/suggestions out there & it’s hard to choose. We’d like to take a trip to Norway in the next year. Would you be willing to put together a high plan if I told you what my dad & I liked to do, duration, etc? (for a fee, of course!)

    Reply

  84. Hi Silvia
    Just wanted to say “thank you* for your wonderful website! Just finished browsing through the Mallorca section and making notes!
    Happy travels from a fellow addict (Anglo-Swiss 🙂
    Sabrina

    Reply

  85. Hi Silvia,

    Thanks for your wonderful work, I discovered your blog today and marked quite a few spots on Google Map thanks to your Mallorcan trip. 🙂

    Keep up the great work and greetings from your neighbour across the pond.

    Cheers,
    Arthur from Amsterdam

    Reply

  86. Hi,

    we’re a couple taking a cruise and I was wondering if you can recommend some locals in Molde and Bergen who could give us a 3-4 walking or vehicle tours while we are there.

    Thanks,

    Zoran
    Slovenia

    Reply

  87. I’m planning a 10 trip to Norway with my husband in late September (coming from Minnesota). Your blog and e-books have been ESSENTIAL to my planning. Thank you so much!

    I have one pivotal question that I’d love your input on. We plan to spend most of our trip around Lofoten, but I really want to see a fjord. Do you think it would be doable to start our trip in Alesund for ~1.5 days so we can take a 4 hour Hjørundfjord cruise and then fly to Bodo to start our northern Norway adventure for the remaining ~8 days?

    Reply

    • Yes, I think that’s a great idea! Lofoten does have fjords, but not like the majestic fjords in the south. And Ålesund is a beautiful city as well.

      Reply

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