Shadowlands

On our way out to Beitostolen we passed this place.

An unsuspecting island only a half hours drive from the city. A stones throw from the mainland which is covered in rolling farmland. The perfect place really for a break.

Today it was in shadow, albeit with the sun shining down, but it has had it's day in the spotlight, unfortunately for all the wrong reasons. For this is Utøya. The Island where the 22/7/11 massacre happened.

I didn't realize we'd pass it and I found it, perhaps ridiculously, disconcerting to be there (not actually on it) . It's proximity to the mainland is incredible. 500m. So close, but so incredibly far when a lunatic is trying to kill you.
It was and hopefully it shall be returned to what it once was. The state has poured money into its rehabilitation so it doesn't become tarred with the stigma of tragedy. It is a beautiful place and if it didn't have the history it does, it would be just another island in Tyrifjord.

It's horrifying the way one person can have such an impact on so many.

"Om én mann kan vise så mye hat, tenk hvor mye kjærlighet vi alle kan vise sammen"
"If one man can show so much hatred, imagine how much love we can show together"

"Ondskap kan drepe et menneske, men aldri beseire et folk." - Jens Stoltenberg
"Evil can kill a human being but never defeat a people." - Jens Stoltenberg (Norwegian Prime Minister)