It was still dark when I arose on September 15, my brother's birthday and the last full day of the cruise North. Tomorrow morning we will arrive at the last stop before the ship returns to Bergen. Raining!!
Had coffee and rolls then bundled up for the walk of 1 hr. and 15 minutes. Rachel would not go; she works late and sleeps late.
Only 2,367 people live here. I walked along with some Norwegians who have family members associated with Hammerfest. They were force evacuated by the Germans who occupied Norway for 4 years during WWII. Pic of German sign
When the Germans left they burned Hammerfest to the ground. Only a little funeral home survived.
But the people rebuilt the town and it is beautiful today. This fountain was particularly lovely. We sat on one of the benches and took it all in.
It is only a 10 min. zig zag walk up Salen mountain. From there we looked down to the fountain from the top. There is a little Lapp cabin on top. Sami culture is really appreciated there. I heard and loved some Sami music. in the distance, we got to go inside. Beautiful design.
Although I didn't see them, I understand there are grave markers dating back to stone age!!
gets to be a member!! Whoo hoo!! Funny.. polar bears are not originally from Norway, but they use it as their logo?!.
In spite of the rain we had a good time. When we got back on board, I headed to cafe for hot breakfast at 6:45 am. Still no
Henry. What's up with him?
This ship is a floating city, really. Beauty parlor, exercise room, game room, internet room, lounges where we could, well, LOUNGE!! But I didn't use any of it. I had such a great suite, I went to the cafe and restaurant..and that's it.
From 9:30 to 9:45am I got a quick look at Havoysund from the balcony. Still raining.
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I was watching Norwegian TV shows, when Rachel came by for coffee. She was excited; her book was going well. She was sort of with me but lost somewhere in her book at the same time. I
haven't passed on our conversations, because she is so private.
But we have become friends.
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At 11:15 we landed at Honningsvag for 4 hour stop. It was raining when we arrived.
But it did clear and the sun even came out a little while.
I just love all the brightly painted houses. People have lived in this area for 10,300 years. Hard to imagine it! The population now is 2,367. In spite of its location the ocean is ice free. The sea has always been main food supplier. In a few gardens there are even trees although only 3 or 4 ft. tall.
It claims to be the northernmost city in the world. But Hammerfest, Norway, and Barrow, Alaska (which I visited in another trip), also make that claim.
The famous St. Bernard, Bamse came from here. He was the heroic mascot of Norwegian forces in WWII. He was an official crew member aboard Thorodd.
I didn't walk the entire 4 hours, but I walked a long time.
When I got back on board, I got some of the cold buffet and took it back to my suite. I wanted to kick off my shoes. I checked my e-mail and was surprised to find something from Henry and startled at what I read:
Miss Annie, I haved tried to tell you before but was so ashamed I didn't. When you read this I may have been arrested and removed from the ship. I have lived a lie. My grandmother and my inheritance were all a lie, part of my spiel to gain sympathy from people I met. Last summer I was recruited by an international company to travel around Europe getting marketing information. They said my innocent look and winsome personality made me just right for the job. Quickly I saw it was illegal; but the travel and big salary enticed me. I kept a gadget in my pocket which can take credit card information through wallets or purses without stealing the card. Then I would forward all the information to a person on the rung above me. I can only guess what they did with it. But I knew what I was doing was wrong.
Since we have become friends, I have wanted to change...and if this is ever straightened out, I WILL CHANGE. I'll never forget you and our talks. Please forgive me. I love you. Your "grandson" Henry.
Henry...no, Henry. I have been such a foolish old lady, flattered that a young person found me interesting. I believed every word Henry told me. I lay on my bed and cried. Then I thought that part of what Henry said was genuine, I believe it. And he will change some day.
I hardly looked at Havoysund 15 min
Didn't notice Kjollefjord. (15 min)v
The last stop was Meham. 7:00 to 7:30.Then I went to the seated dinner. Henry's chair was empty.
Rachel whispered that Henry had been seen being escorted from the ship. We ate silently.
I contacted the captain and told him I would not be making the return trip tomorrow by sea. I wanted Rachel to have my already paid for suite for the seven days back to Bergen. I like
to picture her working there. I will see her book out in late 1012.
I also contacted Memphis to book me a flight with the monopoly money for day after tomorrow to Stavanger. Guess that's it. I will sleep with HOPE
for Henry's future, for Rachel, for all the people I had met and liked on the cruise. I would sleep well....
"Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles;they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
Isaiah 40:31
More when I know more. Love, annie
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