Would you ever consider going on a local tour in another language? Would you understand? What it if was the only way to see inside a unique place that you were wanting to visit?

I recently chose the Norwegian language tour option to get an inside look at the Nordland culture museum we visited in Kjerringøy, north of the Arctic Circle. Did I understand it all? Not by a long shot. Although I do think my three years living in Denmark gave me a leg up on other non-native speakers. Fisk. He said fisk! I know what that means. Fish! Fantastisk! Ha. Don’t call me an omniglot just yet.

Luckily for us, we knew a bit of the history behind this museum, so could garner some understanding of the scenes being performed before us. It was fun. For me. My husband may have had another reaction. When you meet him, you can ask him. But I loved it. Hearing Norwegian so emphatically annunciated. Especially after living in Denmark, where here, words muddle together and are sometimes impossible pronounce. Try to say Dueodde to a Dane. Or Hovedbanegård.

But during this play, I believe that even those naive to Norwegian could pick up on body language and universal clues. The boy in the performance wanted to woo her. And she, just wasn’t that into him. Norwegian or not. We all know this story. So would you? Go on a tour in another language? Have you? Please share in the comments below. Do you think it had value?

So would you? Go on a tour in another language? Have you? Please share in the comments below. Do you think it had value? You definitely have to be willing to give it a go. Follow along and find your own meaning. Jump in. Explore the culture. Even if you don’t always understand. A willingness to witness goes a long way.

I’m sharing a bit more from our Northern Norway visit with Faraway Files Travel Blog Community this week, but don’t worry – it’s not all in Norsk. That’s Danish for Norwegian. See what I did there? Those who know me will know. As it turns out Norsk is also Norwegian for Norwegian. The languages are like brothers up here, complete with the requisite sibling rivalry. Just kidding. Somewhat. (wink, wink.)

So. Where will you take us this week? Immerse us in your far away places and close to home cultures. But first – let’s high five my favorites from last week’s link up!

Faraway Files Favorites Week #43

Heather from Wanderlust Wayfarer literally immerses herself in Balinese culture when she participated in the holy water ritual at Tirta Empul Temple. She share tips on how to respect the local culture and enjoy your experience. A beautiful read and brilliant advice on how to handle yourself wherever you’re exploring.

I literally snorted out loud when I read this opening line by Alex of My Life Long Holiday’s post on visiting Lake Como. But when it’s a place a pretty as Como, you have to give in to the rainbows. I love Alex’s tone and eternal optimism. May be all be blessed with such sparkle.

You may be forgiven for thinking I live in a dream world, where every town and country I visit shoots moonbeams from its ass and glitter and sequins line the roads we travel. ”

-Alex, My Life Long Holiday

Rob and Ann from TravelLatte shared why seeing the stunning beaches and reefs of Caribbean Belize is better off-season. I am a believer in beating the crowds and making tourism sustainable by spreading out the travel off peak. And suddenly I’m craving a Belikin! Cheers from Copenhagen!

Co-host Katy of Untold Morsels is off traveling this week and we can’t wait to see how Slovenia stacks up under her lens. I’m sharing her shout outs for her faves from last week. If you didn’t catch them, go see why they were worthy. Katy loved Hilary Style Me’s post on keeping the bright lights on in Vegas at the Neon Museum. She also chose Changing Pages’ post about charming Chamonix, France for a visit in summer time. And lastly, but not leastly – you should see Oxford says Katy and Noemi from Pinay Flying High. I’m up for punting – you too?

PS – photo cred for this week’s cover goes to my other co-host Clare of Suitcases and Sandcastles who is hosting this week. This stunner is from Malta where she’s been hiding for the past few weeks with her family. We can’t wait to see what she has discovered over there!

FARAWAY FILES TRAVEL BLOG COMMUNITY LINKUP #44

LINK UP OVER WITH CLARE AT SUITCASES AND SANDCASTLES

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