During their different journeys of the MEMORIA Norway project, SpringerParker will update the Logbook on a regular basis.
It documents their route and events in forms of on location photos and descriptions sent directly via the mobile phone to this website.
Clicking at the geographical data to the left of the entries lets you follow their route on the map.

EXPLORATION AUTUMN (Nov. – Dec. 2009)

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Lazy Sunday Afternoon


Compared to the days before it's quite warm outside, just around zero. And it has been raining, the still frozen floor turned the rain instantly into a slippery cover, so we decided to wait until tomorrow to continue driving north. We went to see Hilde Methi, who we know since our first visit to Kirkenes and who happens to live around the corner, in one of the very few houses that hasn't been destroyed during the war. It's always nice to be able to drop by for coffee and cookies and to do some project update exchange and planning.


The Russian Monument


The so called Russian Monument just next to the city center was built as a memorial to the Red Army troops that freed the occupied city in 1944.


That's the way we like it


Today we spent most of the day finding and buying tools and stuff just to spend even more time to dismantle and successfully repair the caravan toilet. There are better ways to spend your hours outside at -12 degrees, but that's the way we like it ;)


Bjarge Schwenke Fors


Joining us for dinner were Luba of "Pikene på Broen" and Bjarge Schwenke Fors (photo), who currently is stipendiary of the Barents Institute. He is doing research about the current border situation between Norway and Russia. In beginning of 2011 he will puplish his philosophical approach about borders, which will also be his Dr. phil.


The mysterious production of snow


When we went to have dinner outside of our mobile home we did not only experience the first huge polar light formations during this trip, but also were able to witness the production of snow for the building of the "Snow Hotel", which is done by huge snow cannons, covering the whole scenery with a misty curtain.


Friday the Arctic 13th.


What could you possibly expect to happen on a Friday 13th in an Arctic region? Well, let's start with the local gas station which has a device where we are supposed to be able to get rid of the waste water and toilet, but which is currently out of order. ... to the nearby camping space. Closed during winter. The other two gas stations? Do not have this. Local waste disposal company? No, sorry. Tourist information: "Try asking at the local fire department." The fireman phones a lot of people, using the word "desperate" in Norwegian, which really kind of sums it up and sends us to a bus company out of town. The guy there: ask my boss. Outside Springer slips and tumbles, not hurt, and the boss saids: "Yes, of course." Problem solved. Half an hour later, the toilet stops working. It is Friday, November 13, 2009, outside it's dark, -10 degrees. And how was your day?


Meeting Rune Rafaelsen


Again we had the chance to meet Rune Rafaelsen, the head of the Norwegian Barents Secretariat, to give him a project update and to hear new developments from the region.


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