I have some Handy Heffalumps given to me in the dim distant past by a friend. We knew each other for many years as friends and work colleagues; at one stage she was also my very kind boss but, as often happens, post retirement we have lost touch. Life sometimes intervenes. The Heffalumps usually live in my handbag, and are taken out to carry bits of shopping all over my home town. At every use I send a "thank you Rhona" to her, wherever she is, and hope life is being kind to her. They are one of those miraculous breed of fold out shopping bags which, by some Zen principle of origami, can be persuaded to go neatly back into their inbuilt carry pouch, if you are especially patient!
They haven't travelled abroad before though, until now, when they went to explore Norway, in an airplane across the sea
Along the way the Heffalumps saw many wonders, tucked away in my bag
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Edvard Grieg's house nestled in the woods above the water
wonderfully Jule festive looking ports
His little composing hut, sheltered down on the shoreline
The eerily wonderful Fantoft Stave Church, again, tucked away in the woods
The delights of Bergen looking Christmassy
and Art Nouveau Alesund
Until on one fateful shore trip, the Heffalumps were dropped, position unknown, complete with pair of cleats they were carrying!
The owner's bag went on past more wonderful sights in Trondheim: the glorious cathedral (where cleats might have been very useful in all that ice)
Many strange bits of delightful street art or memorial
until the owner suddenly stopped, here, realising the Handy Heffalumps were gone!
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| Powerhouse Brattørkaia – Snøhetta |
There was some considerable sadness for such a mundane thing, but they had been my companion, memento of my friend, for many years.
The shining gods of the eco powerhouse must have been smiling on me though, along with some kind fellow cruiser, who retrieved that nylon bag, bringing it back to the ship. The following day I and my Heffalumps (and cleats) were happily reunited in the lost property section of our Hurtigruten ship. I will never know who rescued them, and they will never know the impact of their kindness. So thank you, whoever you were, for returning a nylon shopper (plus all essential pair of cleats) to MS Polarlys in early December. Your kindness enabled the Heffalumps to see more delights, including
A snow hotel with huskies
The crossing the circle ceremony onboard; occasion of much jolliness and laughter at others' discomfort. Feel free to speculate as to the contents of the icy silver bucket! A ladle was involved.
The rather magical Arctic Cathedral in Tromso
Glorious scenery
Days where sunrise and sunset are all the daylight you get, while the sun hides below the horizon.
More Christmas cheer
And many more marvels besides. The Heffalumps may have been deployed on several occasions to carry wool, or fabrics, or other lovely things back to the ship.
And the question you always get asked, "Did you see them?"
I am thrilled beyond measure to say I did.
I hope you have all had a very merry Christmas, Solstice, Yule or whatever other way you celebrate the turning of the year.
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