Pollen in Arendal

Imagine sitting there, in the middle of Arendal town, all summer long. Finding a space when the sun just starts heating the benches in Pollen.

Eating fresh rolls and cheese for breakfast while watching the leaves grow large and green on the trees. Nod at some stranger on the neighbouring bench and enjoy these first real summer days where you can walk around without a jacket from the early morning.

Perhaps go for a walk, past a couple of benches, and sit down again with some delicious ice cream while watching more and more people finding their way to a short rest by the water. Boats stop by for a shorter or longer stay in the harbour. Maybe they're only showing off, maybe they are on shore just to buy some fish cakes or Arendals famous and delicious pastry called "munke", or maybe they are off to work.

Then open your eyes and study the peaceful faces of tourists back from their boat trip around the river. Watch them as they disappear in groups into shops, restaurants and back to hotel rooms. The sun's been up all day, and it's time to find some shadow.

Most of the restaurants are to be found around the harbour bassin so dinner can be savoured with a view to the heart of Arendal, both indoor and outdoor. And while taking small bites of the dessert, drawing your breath, you're getting ready for a night out of the ordinary. Jazz and blues and other good music fills the town when July closes to and end, and the concerts are many and great at the Canal Street festival. Bring friends to the many concerts, and feel how the heart of town truly pumps blood into all corners.

And if you're there when the sailors come to town in August, you can safely state that you know Arendal, you understand Pollen. Then get up from your chair late at night, and walk home happy. The autumn can come after a while, summer is with you. Just lean back, draw your breath, and smile the good smile. There's some Pollen in all of us.