February Getaway: Pagan’s Mind in Trondheim & The Night Flight Orchestra in Munich

For a long time, Cezar and I have had a bucket list of bands we wanted to see live, and one of them is Pagan’s Mind. Hailing from Norway, Pagan’s Mind is a progressive metal band known for their intricate compositions, powerful melodies, and a mix of science fiction themes with philosophical lyrics. Their unique blend of power and progressive metal has earned them a dedicated following over the years.

Since they hadn’t performed live in a long time, when they announced new concert dates, we knew we couldn’t let the opportunity pass us by. This band’s music has been part of our journey for years, so this was a special moment for us. We booked our trip to Trondheim, Norway, well in advance, and to make the most of our time, we also planned a stop in Munich, Germany, where we would work remotely for a week and catch another anticipated concert—The Night Flight Orchestra.

Part 1: Trondheim – A Dream Come True

Our adventure in Trondheim was nothing short of wonderful. The city greeted us with a charming mix of history, vibrant colors, and Scandinavian coziness. One of the highlights was visiting the magnificent Nidaros Cathedral, the northernmost medieval cathedral in the world and an important pilgrimage site. The architecture, with its detailed gothic façade and impressive stained glass windows, was breathtaking.

Another defining feature of Trondheim is its colorful wooden houses along the Nidelva River, especially in the Bakklandet area. These historic buildings, once warehouses, now house cozy cafés, restaurants, and small artisan shops. Strolling along the riverfront, taking in the picturesque views of the city, was a peaceful experience.

The weather was cold and a bit windy, but we were well-prepared for it. To warm up, we indulged in some of the best food we’ve had in a long time. Olivia restaurant was a standout—its warm atmosphere and delicious Italian-inspired dishes made it an unforgettable dining experience.

The highlight of our stay, of course, was the Pagan’s Mind concert. The venue was packed, and there was an electric atmosphere in the air. The band, along with their guest artists, delivered an incredible performance, playing many of our favorite songs. It was an emotional experience, as their music had been part of our lives for so long. We met amazing people that night, which only made the event even more special.

Part 2: Munich – A Week of Work and Rock ‘n’ Roll

After our incredible time in Trondheim, we flew to Munich, where we settled in for a week of remote work and, of course, another concert. Working remotely while traveling always comes with its perks and challenges. While it was great to change scenery, the internet connection wasn’t always the fastest, and working with a limited setup wasn’t ideal. But we made it work!

The Night Flight Orchestra concert took place at Backstage, one of Munich’s well-known live music venues. The place was absolutely packed, with fans singing, dancing, and enjoying every moment. Björn Strid, the band’s charismatic frontman, engaged the audience throughout the night, introducing each song with a story and setting the perfect mood. The setlist featured tracks from their latest album, “Give Us The Moon“, which stays true to their signature retro-inspired rock sound, blending 80s AOR (Album-Oriented Rock) vibes with infectious melodies.

Of course, no trip to Munich is complete without indulging in some traditional Bavarian food. Anyone who says you can’t eat well in Germany is lying! From crispy pork knuckles to pretzels and beer, we made sure to enjoy every bite.

Munich is always a pleasure to visit. The city is an interesting blend of historical architecture and modern urban life, with grand avenues, stunning Baroque and Gothic churches, and the occasional sleek contemporary building. It’s a place where you can walk through history while also feeling the buzz of a modern European metropolis.

Traveling between concerts, working remotely, and dealing with connected flights was a bit exhausting at times, but it was absolutely worth it. Seeing Pagan’s Mind live was something we had been waiting for years, and finally crossing it off our bucket list felt incredible.

This trip was more than just about concerts—it was about changing the scenery, enjoying great food, and experiencing new places together. This was a perfect February getaway that combined work, music, and adventure.