Quality Hotel and Resort Kristiansand

This summer has been going by so quickly, and I can't believe it's almost time for me to come home! I worked as a children's activity leader at the Quality Hotel and Resort in Kristiansand-one of the best experiences in my life. My co-workers ended up becoming my family, so it was so hard to say goodbye to them yesterday. If you are ever in Kristiansand, I urge you to stay there, since they are very good with gluten-free food in the restaurant (all of their sauces are gluten-free!), and it's in a wonderful location-close to Norway's largest shopping center and the Kristiansand Zoo. Over the summer it becomes a children's hotel-so our job was to make every child feel special with awesome activities like treasure hunts, face painting, talent shows, and kids' discos every night! I have become quite good at painting tigers, cats, pirates-you name it, I can paint it. All in all, I have had the best summer ever, and will cherish the friendships I have made forever :).
Check out a commercial I'm in here.

Heights and Hamburgers

Yesterday I hiked up to Preikestolen with a good family friend-in the pouring rain and fog. It felt like a great achievement, especially since we were soaked to the bone and extremely tired in the end. Thank goodness we had snacks like nuts and chocolate with us to keep our energy levels up, and at the end of the trip we ate a delicious lamb stew at a nearby hotel :). I ended up sleeping on the car ride home (something I'm usually not capable of doing) as well as through the night!

 

 

Other than adding alliteration to my blog post title, the next part of my blog post has absolutely nothing to do with hiking :). I'm sure most people over the world can recognize the symbol of the fast food chain I am about to review-McDonalds! What I love about McDonalds in Norway is that it has gluten-free buns! Although everyone around me thought I was insane for being extremely happy when I got my meal (although my mood was a bit dampened by the fact that it cost me like $10), I didn't care because I got to eat a hamburger at McDonalds just like everyone else. I ordered the McFeast with a drink and a side salad, and proceeded to eat my hamburger in one of the colorful booths, giddy with excitement (yes, I get excited about food). Although I was a bit disappointed at the fact that my hamburger didn't look exactly like the picture did, it was still fun to order a normal hamburger at such a generic fast food chain. I think that McDonalds in the U.S. needs to start serving gluten-free hamburgers!

:)
-Sema

Two Year Anniversary as a Gluten-free Blogger!

Wow, can you believe I have been blogging for two years now? I've gotten so many heart-warming messages and emails in regards to my blog, and it's really kept me writing each week :). I started my blog to create a positive outlook on the gluten-free lifestyle, because I truly believe that gluten-free does not have to mean taste-free. I want you all to know that I am your gluten-free friend, and you can count on me for recipes and tips to help you navigate through the gluten-free lifestyle!

Today I got to go out with some of my new friends here in Norway-a sort of celebration luncheon. We ate at the Egon restaurant (you can literally find this restaurant in every city), because it has so many options-including gluten-free ones. They have a super detailed allergy menu that covers not only gluten, but many other allergens. If you are currently in Norway, I urge you to check the restaurant out.

Thank you to all my supporters and readers-you keep me writing. :)
-Sema