cheaprooms.com

You have to hand it to those hardy old Norwegians. Where we see a giant mountain and call it impassable, they shrug and drill through it … to create what is our humble opinion one of the greatest train journeys on the planet.

Norwegians, as visitors quickly learn, don’t mess about when it comes to getting around. They drive like they mean and they have a no prisoner’s attitude to their train trips as well. Mountains made of seemingly impenetrable gneiss rock are simply one more thing to go straight through. Anywhere else, the Bergensbanen or Bergen Line would be heralded as a wonder of the world. Here, it’s a matter of fact way of linking the country’s two most important cities.

The Bergen Railway travels a mere 231 miles through from Bergen to Honefoss, Norway. It is the highest mainline railway line in Northern Europe, crossing the Hardangervidda plateau at 4,058 ft above sea level. The plateau is the largest remaining wilderness preserve in Europe and you’ll likely spot the occasional reindeer as well as acre after eye-achingly beautiful acre of scenery – from grassy plains to deep lakes and more. Norway may well off the beaten track – but it’s a train track worth exploring!

View link

Well I’m stumped, it looks like the real McCoy but I’ll let you be the judge of that. Ever wondered where all those quirky sayings we use everyday come from. Here’s the full kit and caboodle…

View link

Calling Major Tom, is there anybody out there? If you’ve ever fancied the idea of a quick buzz up to Saturn (we’re looking for he cheapest rooms up there as we speak), but don’t have the time this Thanksgiving, try this instead…

View link

And speaking of all things Spacey, ever wondered what it would be like to drop from a helium balloon 90,000 feet high and float to earth? Wonder no longer…

View link

Have you wondered what the suburbs of Sydney, Australia looked like? No, nor have we but this is kinda cool! View link

So you’ve done the travel, you’ve filled the memory card, whatcha gonna do next? Create a book of course! Don’t let all the happy snaps sit on your camera, download some software and create an album full of memories. Check these guys out: View link

If you love travel, you probably love photography… have you got a favorite pic of yourself from long ago? Then do it all again and love the result! View link

Thanksgiving soon and maybe that means the family coming over to yours… if you’re in need of a break at just the thought of it, take a mental one with a little trip to the Big Easy, laugh at road signs on the way and stop for a little intellectual touring in San Francisco.

Of course there’s the running of the bulls Pamplona style…

… and the running of the bulls Big Easy style. And we know which one we prefer!

The Big Easy Roller Girls do it in style every July with their homage to the famous Encierro (bull run) in Pamplona. The gals do their stuff in chasing the spectators and a pretty good day is had by all.

Architects, lawyers, students, bankers, artists and moms by day, the Big Easy Rollergirls go big with enthusiasm and a competitive nature. From 21 to over 50, it’s a chance to get fit, stay fit and maybe slam a little – all in the name of good, clean fun. Their home base is University of New Orleans and the driving force is a belief that women can do anything – whilst supporting various caritable organizations.

No bulls were harmed in the making of this blog.