Part 1: The Long Journey Begins
Hey there, it’s Aksel! Welcome back to VibePinas. The long journey has officially begun as Jessa, Liam, and I head to Norway for Christmas! It’s quite the trek—one bus, one taxi, three flights, and a train. We’ve already made it through Cebu, Hong Kong, and Paris, and we finally landed in a very foggy Oslo.
Traveling with a toddler is no picnic, but Liam is being a champ, even if he’s getting a bit cranky. One thing is for sure: I forgot how expensive Norway is! A soda and water here cost me 350 pesos, compared to maybe 70 back home in the Philippines. Jessa is fighting the cold in her pajamas, but we’re almost there. See you in the next one!
Part 2: Mall and playground
Hey there, it’s Aksel! Welcome back to VibePinas. After being stuck in bed for a while—Norway clearly didn’t miss me as much as I missed it—I’m finally back on my feet just in time for Christmas Eve!
We took Liam to a local mall to burn off some energy at a playground called Skyland. It’s a bit pricey at 1,000 pesos an hour, but seeing him so happy on the trampolines and slides was worth every cent. We finished the day with some junk food before heading home to get ready for the big day. No snow yet, but we're hopeful! See you in the next one!
Part 3: Christmas Eve
Hey there, it’s Aksel! Welcome back to VibePinas. Merry Christmas from a snowy Norway! After a rough few days being sick, I’m finally feeling better, and we actually got a white Christmas for Liam’s first time seeing snow.
It was a quiet, "homey" celebration with just Jessa, Liam, my mom, and me. We kept it simple—no fancy clothes, just comfy Christmas gear—and enjoyed a traditional Norwegian meal of ribs and sausages. I even surprised Jessa with three red roses! We’re saving our budget for our debt-free house build in 2025, but the family time was priceless. See you in the next one!
Part 4: Langesund Badepark
Hey there, it’s Aksel! Welcome back to VibePinas. Today, I took Jessa and Liam to Badeparken in Langesund. It’s a place I visited all the time growing up, so it was a nostalgic trip for me!
We paid about 3,000 pesos for the three of us, which isn't too bad for Norway. Jessa was a little shy about the communal showers, but she handled it like a champ. Liam absolutely loved the water and didn't want to leave! It was a great, relaxing day with the family before we head back to our build. See you in the next one!
Part 5: New Year
Hey there, it’s Aksel! Welcome back to VibePinas. It’s the last day of 2024, and we’re wrapping it up back in Norway. We took a walk down to the local beach and marina—bringing back so many childhood memories of my old boat and the summers spent here.
Unfortunately, the "flu" finally caught up with all of us, including my mom, so it was a very quiet New Year’s Eve. We managed a traditional turkey dinner and some playtime in the snow for Liam before the fireworks. Now, we’re looking ahead to 2025. It’s going to be all about building our dream home in Ronda. Happy New Year! See you in the next one!
Part 6: Going to Sweden
Hey there, it’s Aksel! Welcome back to VibePinas. Today, we’re crossing borders on a day trip from Sandefjord, Norway, to Strömstad, Sweden! We hopped on the Color Line ferry for a scenic two-and-a-half-hour ride, complete with a great breakfast buffet.
It was a milestone trip: Sweden is now the fourth country Jessa has visited and the third for little Liam! We spent the day exploring the beautiful marina, walking through town, and doing some classic "tax-free" shopping. Jessa and Liam went a bit wild on the cheap Swedish candy! It was a fantastic, relaxing family day before we headed back home. See you in the next one!
Part 7: Minicruise to Germany
Hey there, it’s Aksel! Welcome back to VibePinas. We took a "vacation from our vacation" on a mini-cruise from Oslo to Kiel, Germany! We stayed in a deluxe suite with an incredible view of the fjord—Liam and Jessa loved the mini-bar.
My aunt Anita, who works on the ship, gave us a tour and joined us for dinner. In Kiel, we braved the wind to explore and even rode a massive Ferris wheel, which was a bit scary for me! Meeting some Filipino followers there was a highlight. After some pool time and a show, we’re sailing back to Norway. See you in the next one!
Part 8: Going home again
Hey there, it’s Aksel! Welcome back to VibePinas. Our Norway visit has come to an end, and while I’m a bit sad that we were all so sick during Christmas and New Year’s, I’m glad we at least got to spend that time with my mom.
Now, it’s the long trek back home: Oslo to Amsterdam, then a long 11-hour flight to Hong Kong, and finally back to Cebu. Jessa, being herself, managed to squeeze in even more chocolate shopping during our six-hour layover in Hong Kong! We’re exhausted but happy to be back where we belong. See you in the next one!
