First Journey Day 69: Cocoa Chronicles

Today's artwork, Cocoa Chronicles — steam curling like a soft aurora inside a Tromsø café.

Date: November 1, 2023
Location: Tromsø, Norway

In Tromsø, Norway, winter gathers quietly. Snow softens the Arctic city’s edges, cafés glow with refuge, and conversations drift like breath in the cold.

Snowfall Over Tromsø

Today, Tromsø greeted me with a gentle snowfall, blanketing the city in a pristine layer of white. The snowflakes, each unique and intricate, seemed to dance in the air, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. The city's charm was amplified, with its colorful buildings standing out even more against the snowy backdrop.

Quiet Moments at a Café

I decided to spend my time at a local café, nestled in a quaint corner of the city. The warmth of the café was a stark contrast to the chilly outdoors. As I sipped on my hot cocoa, I observed the locals going about their day, children playing in the snow, and tourists capturing memories. The café had large windows that provided a panoramic view of the snow-covered streets, and I felt like I was in a snow globe.

Stories from the Arctic Circle

A conversation with a local named Elin gave me insights into life in Tromsø. We chatted about the Northern Lights, the Midnight Sun, and the festivals celebrated here. Elin shared stories of her childhood, of skiing trips and snowball fights, painting a vivid picture of life in the Arctic Circle.

Choosing Stillness Over Sketching

With cocoa warming my hands, I kept my sketchbook closed and simply watched. There was a quiet lesson in letting the day unfold without hurry, in letting snow and stories make the page for me.

A City Wrapped in Snow

As the day came to an end, I felt a deep sense of gratitude. The beauty of Tromsø, the warmth of its people, and the serenity of the snowfall made today truly special. It's moments like these that make this journey unforgettable.

Travel Notes

• Weather: Snowy, around −2 °C; fine flakes drifting steadily; crisp air that tingles the cheeks; short daylight softening colors.
• Scents: Hot cocoa, a hint of cinnamon and baked bread; the clean, mineral scent of fresh snow on wool coats.
• Sounds: Porcelain cups clinking, low café chatter, children’s laughter outside, camera shutters, the hush that snowfall brings.
• Reflection: Warmth is a kind of compass here—found in mugs, windows, and unhurried conversations that open the city like a storybook.

Continue the Journey

You may also enjoy wandering back to yesterday’s quiet reflections in Trondheim, or revisiting another wintry moment from Tromsø itself.