Sins of a father

Curses I got distracted again. There has just been so busy tearing my lot down, in order to build up a fantastic garden on behest of my new neighbors. My father is a good lesson in how a brilliant plan turns to carp, when you halfass it and then proceed to make excuses about time and money. If you have the time to start a building project, you have the time to finish it. Especially when it will generate the money needed. Then again that seems to be his modus operandi, go overboard and never pull trough. Which brings me to the sickeningly hot summer we've got here in land of the nords. I like Sun, I like bading, but it is a terrible temperature to work under. Blistering hot sun, with the sweat running down my face full time, lovely. The hot weather unfortunately make the environment into a fire hazard, where a tiny spark can cause a firestorm.
Regardless, I've been busy with tearing down an dingy old hut, plank by plank and dumping the content into a container. The structure was originally intended to be a chicken coup and for a while it was. We had at least fifteen of them, five ducks and nine noisy peacocks. Until a pesky mink got to them and all slaughtered the whole lot aside from the peacocks whom got released into the wild. Where they was free to annoy everyone with their nasal screams. I have no idea what bird shrieks are called, because it is not chirping. I was not a witness to the massacre though, I was still in China at that point in time. Then again it was interesting to hear what they had to say when I got back. Because I had a wonderful time, unlike my unfaithful father whom knocked up an ex druggie whilst being married. Ingesting times indeed. Anyhow, the building is going down and that takes time and energy I rather use on props and finishing my cosplay. After all, that is my plan. The structure was made of anything he could get his grubby hands on, any plank would do. Therefore I had to bring a sledgehammer, crowbar and a circular saw to the demolition party. I should record more of these things I suppose.

Zaceron

Better NERF it

Better NERF it, both kids and adults enjoy practically harmless foam darts. If not, it's because they've yet to try one. I have never paid a dine in my life for one and now I have an armory of at least thirty ones. Some consider them a waste of space and resources. I see it as a business adventure, two Mondays this summer I was hired to host a small NERF war for around fifteen trigger happy kids.

If you have no idea what a NERF gun is. Either do an internet search or read my short explanation. Because redundant, redundancy is how I roll.

Its a spring loaded or electronic plastic gun that fires small harmless foam darts at low speeds and at stupidly short ranges. They also comes with a slew of useless accessories. The guns ranges from revolvers to rifles and many, many weird ones in between. Its perfectly safe and simple to use and due to being brightly coloured, they will not trigger the police. Unless your neighbor is a total and utterly social reject. Every neighborhood has one of those pesky people, full of hate and spite. Whom gladly spoil everyone's fun, because they are anger and bitter.

I took over responsibility for a cosplay club known as black, because fun with acronyms. Anyhow, earlier this year we had to pack up and move to a new and improved location. Thusly I took over responsibility to store the armory at my place. The previous person who had the club used a big part of the budget to buy a big bulk of NERF guns. The company behind the product line has some very odd ones that's for sure.

NERF guns can be nodded to heck and back, painted, decorated and customized in any imaginable way. Usually it's possible to dismantle them also. I gleefully threw away the junk parts and the problematic extension pieces through. As an example, here is my Warhammer 40k bolt pistol. Which can still shoot and look snazzy at the same time.

Never the less, my plan is to host various events and rent my services to various arrangements. Such as bachelor parties. Hell even the county employees enjoy it every now and then, when they host an office party.

So yeah, two happy  hours of chaos. Split the children into two groups send them to each side of the map and watch the team death match unfold. To spice it up, when shot, you retreat and count to fifteen. Some would say this is a terrible idea. What I say is, it works and everyone gets behind it. After all two hours is a very, very short time and it's an easy rule to follow.
Ironically and annoyingly enough, there was one accident, a child shot another one by accident in the eye at close range when we were done. All fun and games until someone loses an eye.

Carrying a big bag of guns is an interesting experience for sure, have a good one.

Zaceron

Places to see in Bergen

Bring one, bring two and maybe three, because excitement awaits. Take a pleasant ride with Bergen bicycle tours. A most interesting way to see the city is to ride in bike with a sofa on the back. The rickshaw also got protection from bad weather and can take you all the way up to Fløyen. A most beautiful local mountain, with an unparalleled view. Why not take a ride over to Nordnes, where there is a fantastic park, an aquarium and a place to swim as well.

Old Bergen is also a must see, a place where an old cozy street is kept intact.
The fish market is distinctively Bergen as well, where a vibrant display of fish and food is sold.

Ulriken is the tallest mountain in Bergen, however that one is not part of the cycle tour, but it's worth mentioning. The fast and smooth way to reach the roof over Bergen is to ride the cable car. Trust me 380 meters is tricky when going straight on foot. The view is worth the hassle. Just avoid days with a lot of wind, the ride might just be closed.
I worked there once and a gale will rock the ride badly. Especially side winds. Foggy days is also something to look out for. People are known to get lost there.


A minor complications, do not worry they will eventually send a rescue party.
That being said, there is a magnificent
 food serving establishment on top and a souvenir kiosk. The view from the top is also breath taking.

Waking trough the neighbor hood residing in the hill side is also an unforgettable experience. Small cocked paths takes any traveler trough a piece of history and peace of mind. The white wooden houses has remained mostly untouched. It's one of the calm places in town.

Someone went against the white house norm and painted their house pink. Needless to say, they got roasted on an open fire.

Drage fjellet (dragon mountain.) Is less known amongst travelers, but the hill as a big bountiful park to the east. A small cathedral in the middle and a cloister like building to the west and more cozy houses. The botanical garden is up there as well. A big lot with plants from all over the world, next to a snazzy history museum with a fine facade. The houses on the hill has an unique style with lavish details not found elsewhere.

All in all Bergen is a brilliant, beautiful town with small charming buildings, broken up by modern architecture.

Njål Sand
https://www.twitch.tv/zaceron

Visited by Vikings

We decided to host a small street party next to this lovely doll theater workshop. A cozy event inspired by  past events and pleasantries. We simply put out some tables and chairs, invited stone people over and had a great time. We also convinced some random people passing by.
The workshop is an old building with a colorful history, where many theatre props and plays have been made. Some other lovely people took it over and kept the workshop going.

I am totally going to use their theatrical knowledge to improve my performance as the Monkey King. After all I need to be. better. However the amount of cleaning going on around here has made things a bit busy and clearing out crap does take its tall.

In the beginning of June a viking festival is held at the outskirts of Bergen, near a farm high school. The area itself is a museum next to a beautiful bay by the sea. With lush green trees and historical buildings, next to a farm. Perfect for setting up white cloth tents and booths. Which also function as a popular bading spot in an affluent neighborhood.
 People from far and near travel there. It's an event where people can peddle products, enjoy merry music and other activities. Such as archery and dueling. There was also a  longboat there that took visitors for a ride. A thing of note is that the entrance fee is very low, the location is lovely and buses are plentiful. There is also a parking lot there.



On the bus ride over there I met two lovely ladies waking around barefoot, with a big backpack, while carrying both shield and sword. I suppose shield maidens is an appropriate term. They where a bit uncertain about were they where going. We also met several other viking dressed folks.

Food was also sold there, despite the burn ban, they brought an electrical grill instead. They sold meat boiled in beer, glazed with honey and served in a burger bun.
Unfortunately I also came across some gorgeous wooden cursive bows, is just too expensive. Ironically enough arrows are cheaper and more plentiful online, then the local stores. So much for supporting Norwegian stores.

Several events went on through the days. Viking wrestling known as glimar was a big draw. It's matches where bare chested people clinch, until one wins based on some quirky rules.




One thing that always irks me with reenactment and that is people too hung up on historical accuracy. So engrossed that they will make an scene if someone is wearing a digital watch. My pal went to the late night feast, where they all drank, ate meat and was merry. Aside from that one guy making a fuzz. His angry complaint was shut down by loud drinking buddies of my friend enjoying his company.

Random Town Hike

Hiking through town with Enok is an interesting experience. I decided to make a net series all about Bergen and elsewhere as well. Which I probably have mentioned before. He is a local celebrity from a viking themed reality show, an avid environmentalist and male fashion model. Quite eccentric in a good way though. Enok enjoy a lot of the things relating to Vikings and old architecture. The kind that has charm and a lot of workmanship put into them. Unlike the direction modern architects seem to enjoy a bit too much. Which is what the series is gonna be about. Anything that makes Bergen a charming and unique city.

One of the places we visited was a all natural produce store in a cellar in the middle of town. The store specialize in products that have been made through organic farming, with as few chemicals as possible. While being environmentally friendly and tasty to booth. The problem is price though. The boutique itself is a charming place, that looks much like a farmers market, with wooden shelves lining the walls and small stalls with fresh produce. Within the store I also got some nice fish footage of the interior, or at least that is what I hope I did. Wide angle manual focus objectives can be tricky to get just right. The way products are displayed looks a lot better than most grocery stores. It's quite charming indeed. Incidentally its also the perfect place to make a little video about in Bergen.

https://www.reindyrka.no/

The other place we visited was a small white house down by the docks. These old white wooden buildings was originally built for workers and are stupidly small in size. With three floors with a steep winding staircase. The man residing within the abode was also refurbishing the lot. The old wooden panels are practically ancient at this point. However it gave me a nice look into the way old buildings was cobbled together. On the way over there we came across a rickety wooden building held together by straps and physics. The poor old thing stood out like a sore thumb and had probably done so for ages. Weather had slowly peeled the paint of the wall, exposing wooden boards to the element and needn't collapsed the structure. It's an amusing sight, but the true reason for this obvious neglect I can not tell. But what I do know it's an interesting find and such abandoned places exist here and there. On that note though, it really clashes with the neighborhood, since all other buildings in the block looks well maintained b on a surface level.


While recording and talking about the town we went down a charming little cobble stone street of historical significance. A place where most of the buildings kept their original looks, there was at lest one exception. One one side there is a small flower store, with colorful plants on display, where several hangs from the railing outside the store. On the opposite side of the street the facade was made of glass and was obviously been designed by a modern architect for better or worse. These blocks really breaks down the aesthetic coherency of Bergen. Within this place, an eatery know ad Pastryworld. A British company that sell traditional English pie. Quite tasty, that's for sure and well worth a taste.


Next to this building is another one, where an old sign protrudes from the wall and several old paintings adorn the front of the old style ale house. While the place have style and a lot of charm. I have never been inside. Witch is definitely an adventure for the future. Pub visiting, everyone's major pastime. Around the corner is the place that takes care of less fortunate folks, whom have lived a terrible life and now pays the price. These weather logged fellows is also a staple of Bergen. Yes there is a collective of ragged people, whom may or may not have drunk themselves to oblivion, or consumed too many drugs. It's not my place to pry too much into people's past, but these persons often have a story to be told. Because once we stopped there to record, it was obvious that we made someones day, since we ended up talking city history. Interestingly enough there is a church next to the place as well. A tall grey worm out building with two small castle style towers. Another feature of Bergen is the insane amount of church buildings, but that is a tale for another time.
#Zaceron

Independence day 17 of May

Bergen on May 17 is a festive day of joyful celebration and spoiled brats spilling their ice. Independence, national pride and tradition dictate the local events, after all, we're celebrating our independence.
In Bergen and everywhere else  starts with a parade, where people walk in honor of the day and to be social. The one in town also has a commercial aspect to it, since various clubs, organizations and schools highlight their pride and existence. From reenactment, to cheerleaders, museums, larp and a slew of other ones. Those whom abstain from the human train usually watch as it walks by. Outside of Bergen people aslo do the walk. However those are a lot more traditional, with a lot of people scoffing at colorful deviations from their precious norm. Such as dressing up in cosplay, to promote a club or the hobby.


Both men and women dress up in nice clothes, be it traditional folk dress or a fancy suit. Since Norway is an old country, the various places ask over have their own version of the bunad. A mainly black outfit, with elements of wite and lavish decoration. Red floral patterns is common place, while some of the clothes have blue or green around the chest area. These tailor made clothes is often inherited, along with their silver studded decorations. Which also makes it a very expensive to acquire one, but when you look at the number of times it's used through a life time. It will last longer than the wearer.

The exception from the festive clothes includes high school graduates, whom dress up in various colored pants, depending on the course. Which we decorate with stickers, our name and the year, people also write various stuff on the pants as well. Most russ carry a card with a picture and some funny line. Kids loves to collect these colorful cards. Accompanying the work pants there is a long tailed cap. The idea is to complete challenges on a list. The range from relatively silly and simple, to dangerously stupid. Some focus on sex (a lot), whist some is about drinking and consuming some sort of food. There is an also a bit more combative side to this tradition. A good old fashioned red versus blue, the two most common russ colors. Green and black is pretty much non existent. Unfortunately this event has been commercialized to hades and back, with expensive apparel. Not to mention the horrendously expenses spent on rides. A lot of people insist on allocating a whole bus to this month long event. In essence its about sex, fooling around and celebrating the final year of high school.

The local schools host competitive events for children, people meet up and have  a merry time. Costuming cake, gallons of ice cream and a lot of hotdogs. When I grew up we usually held a very vicious water war. With a lot of water balloons being thrown around. Whilst dodging the crowd. Every now and then some collateral does occur, to the dismay of surrounding people.

This year the mayor held a speech, from top of a viking vessel shaped stage. Followed by the somber national anthem. A little bit later various parachute jumpers landed in the nearby fountain. A quite nifty commercial stunt I dare say. Eventually two tall poles with loot bags on top where raised up. The idea is that people can collect the swag on top, if they can climb up. It's an amusing spectacle, with few winners. It's only five meter tall. To be fair I can't do it at all, but the ones with most success did it barefoot.
All in all a good day, if you look away from the guy I lost in the crowd.
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Njål Sand

odd ones in Bergen and the bus

Bergen is a small cozy town with a colorful history, fascinating people and odd architecture. One day I was taking the bus, a man wobbled out of the ride, wearing a big winter jacket, with a huge hood. Where his phone was, which blasted rap at full volume, as he brandished a butterfly knife and a can of beer. He was quite drunk and rowdy to say the least. Knocking at the bus side with his knife, before he angry shambles away like a zombie.

Another oddball was a two meter tall man, a fellow with a unkempt beard, stained yellow with tobacco. He quietly shuffled through the town in his signature blue trench coat, smelling like piss and vinegar. He had a habit of sitting at various bus stops, asking for coin, with a stern voice. He usually spent money on ice cream or more tobacco. When he eventually passed away, there was a big news article about him.

The fact that Bergen has an institution for people with various mental issues and a selection of annoying drug addicts, combined with the relatively small size makes spotting then easy and encountering then just as easily.

Norway is also a very religious land, with a lot of Christians, some more devoted that other. I've seen several scarfed women caring big signs, while preaching abut Jenova or somesuch, the alleged name of god.

For the most part they squat in various parks, l like a collection of dried out corpses, devoid of life, lacking that spark of life. Mostly harmless though, even if they participate in a lot of petty thefts, especially bicycles gets stolen frequently.


Commuting is usually a simple process, unless you live far outside town, then you've got less alternatives and at lest an hour, if not more travel time. While we have a lot of regular buses, some of them will eventually break down at stupid moments, or develop odd quirks. The same holds true for the drivers. The other day I got a very impromptu call from a potential business partner in town. I do dislike on the same day appointments, anyhow the most remarkable thing happened during the ride. The bus started to wail like a bloody whale, flooding the airways with an ear piercing shriek, a series of high pitched noise vibrated through ventilation grid in the roof.


Another bus had water stuck between the double glass, which made for a fascinating effect as it sloshed back and forth along with the acceleration of the bus.

The most notable driver I've ever seen was an elderly man, whos head was spasming all over the plass while driving. He had a steady hand, but his head not so much. Which made everything a tad bit disturbing.