80 | December 2011 | woman this month Travel The low-down: Experience Norwegian traditions by visiting a Christmas market, enjoying a holiday concert, or even better — catching a glimpse of the northern lights. Also known as Aurora Borealis, they are a spectacular phenomenon which comes about when the sun’s electron rays collide with Earth’s magnetic field. Folklore recounts that the lights are the breath of warriors who sacrificed their lives for their king and country. It is really a sight worth catching, if you’re lucky that is, because wintertime in Tromso means you will experience nearly 24 hours of darkness. The best time to look out for this is on a cloudless night or early morning. X-factor: Dog lovers must try this. Sled on your own or let a guide take you. Groups of eight to10 Alaskan huskies or Malamutes will take you around the snow-clad hills and you can pet them before and after your tour. Dog sledding is one of the top ten things to do in life. Finally, check out the colourful wooden houses on the mountainside which have inspired many to call Tromso the Paris of the North. Best for: The exotic cuisine on offer. This includes the rare and wonderful reindeer meat. Try their cinnamon refreshers which are uniquely Norwegian. Stock up on their candles with unusual scents like “cookies and cream” or “blue lagoon” — perfect for gift-giving. Tromso, Norway Alternative Christmas Destinations For some people, Christmas is all about staying at home. For others, staying at home and following tradition just doesn’t cut it anymore. If you fall into this second category, take a look at some of these alternative Christmas holiday destinations. Elma Bartholomew
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy Mjk0MTkxMQ==