31 Aug 2010 – Tromsø Palma

The Tromsø palma is beautiful but deadly. Standing strong and high, it dominates roadsides, gullies, creek banks and backyards. The plant’s sap is poisonous to the touch. This weed bothered Morten enough for him to chop it down, thanks for letting me snapped a picture of it! .

It was introduced here as a garden plant in the 1860s. The plant became a must-have by all the socialites for their summer homes. However, it wasn’t long before the plant took over the whole neighbourhood. Every year there are attempts to eradicate the Tromsø Palm but it is very robust.  As yet, there are no proven ways to get rid of the plant other than digging up the roots and churning the soil. So Morten, chopping it down might not help!

When weeding, the best way to make sure you are removing a weed and not a valuable plant is to pull on it.  If it comes out of the ground easily, it is a valuable plant – Author Unknown

Tromsø was first settled at the end of the ice age. In the 19th century, it was known as the ‘Paris of the North’ with a pop 63,596. The city is home to the world’s most northerly brewery, botanical garden and planetarium. It is also May‘s birthtown!

OL Aune was the butcher where I used to shop in the 1970s. It is now a trendy cafe and restaurant. Thank you to Ellen BROX for a lovely night in town.

Built in 1861, the Tromsø Cathedral is Norway’s only wooden cathedral located in the middle of the city and so is the Catholic church Vår Frue. The main street is now a walking street and the library is where one should not be throwing stones 🙂

The old city hall/Rådstua with dog on the roof, a gazebo in the courtyard is absolutely charming and reminds me of the old music school & conservatory where I used to teach. Not sure if I like the contrast of the new city hall/Rådhus.

Random pictures: bank, high school and in front where the statues are now-was where the Tromsø Music School & Conservatory used to be but was sadly burnt down in 1979; cultural house, a shop house, another beautiful manhole with Tromsø’s coat of arm-the reindeer; and the view across the bridge with the famous landmark-the Arctic Church in the background.

Amazing underground parking, seems like the whole town is on top of the cars. Sure am glad that there are no earthquakes here… are there???

Tue: welcome to a new member of the HALD family. Erin (L&M’s cousin) gave birth to a baby girl Astrid, 13 Aug. Congratulations to grandparents Ellisiv&Magnus HALD. To Laila&Morten, my sincere gratitude for their heart-warming hospitality.

Babies control and bring up their families as much as they are controlled by them; in fact the family brings up baby by being brought up by him – Erik Erikson