This is why you should visit NORWAY (must do road trip)

[@flyingthenest]

HEY EVERYONE!! Welcome back to our Norway series...Jess FINALLY DOES A POLAR PLUNGE with us! hope you enjoy this one and would love to know what you got up to this weekend :)

[@dagduesund5175]

OK, why the grass on the roof? And how does one cut the grass on the roof. Put goats up on the roof and they eat the grass down as well as saplings. Why have that roof? Keeps the cabin cooler in summer through evaporation and warmer in the winter (as it dries out through summer and fall) there is a good chunk of airspace/soil/plants on which the snow sits which provides insulation without melting the snow.

[@Mel.H_]

The plunges were amazing!! I totally thought Koa would cry and he just chilled like nothing happened 😂 Your videos keep getting better and better!! Sending love❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉

[@DCDiscovery]

Norway is a great country to live in, I have an article about it. Everything from nature, people, living environment is really the best place in the world. To anybody reading this, I pray that whatever is hurting you or whatever you are constantly stressing about gets better. May the dark thoughts, the overthinking, and the doubt exit your mind, clarity replace the confusion, and peace and calmness fill your life.

[@bubble0]

22:50 The grass roofs served both as insulation and to make the roof more waterproof. The added weight also helped reduce the likelihood of cracks in the walls. Older homes often had cracks because the building materials weren't as good as they are today. The weight of the dirt and grass compressed the wood, which helped stabilize the structure. To keep the grass trimmed, people used goats in the past.

[@Ridiculina]

Now, if there are no goats, there shouldn't be trees growing from them though. That's a lazy homeowner who doesn't go up and weed those trees.

[@Nordmann61]

"I can not get over how beautiful Norway is!". Honorary Norwegian citizenship to you! Cheers.

[@flyingthenest]

Hehe awww

[@rebeccaworship8739]

Jess you’re such an inspiration to your children! The way Hunter looks at you in such awe is soooo cute! Literally melts my heart every time! Koa is just Steven’s twin! I love watching your adventures💖 🥰 Safe travels xx

[@flyingthenest]

💖 🥰 aww what a lovely comment thank you Rebecca! hahaha yes Koa is looking more and more like Steve everyday!

[@ahkkariq7406]

Beautiful video from my home country. Most of the videos from Norway show the country bathed in sunshine, but we who live here know that it is not everyday life at all. You manage to capture the beauty even when it's raining, and you don't let the weather stop you from enjoying the moment. I think you must be Norwegians at heart.

[@flyingthenest]

We have just fallen in love with the country so much!!! Rain or shine!!! Stephen did a DNA test and found out he is 70% Norwegian! So makes sense 😅

[@MindTrippin-SinceBirth]

As a Swede who lived a year in Oslo and also by car seen plenty of the northern coastline.. IT IS AMAZING

[@staceyrolfe1841]

Jess, your JOY at seeing your children experience things is EVERYTHING. This is how I feel when my little people get to see cool stuff too (but they're not seeing anything quite as cool as these waterfalls!!). Honestly, you are the best parents and it's beautiful to watch.

[@jayb429]

Norway is just the most beautiful country. I am lucky enough to have been a few times and can't wait to go back. Enjoy x

[@flyingthenest]

aww no way! where did you go?? and totally agree its STUNNING

[@AFTK13]

Koa is the funniest 😂 he was chilling in the coldest water, so unbothered. Love it!

[@artryanrock]

Hunter has to be the youngest person to travel the most countries. Guinness World record should check that. Anyway, your trip is always fun to watch

[@flyingthenest]

Hehe aww I think Lexi limitless has that record right now 😊

[@artryanrock]

@@flyingthenest I mean for children. Not teen and not young adults 😆

[@IsabelJones69]

There should be a Guinness World Record for the most countries visited by a person under the age of 10.

[@charleesage]

last year in december i saw you guys on the disney cruise from Brisbane to syd and i was to scared to say hi because i didn't want to seem weird especially on a holiday but it was nice to see you guys having such a good time and seeing hunter see the magic literally made my heart cry

[@flyingthenest]

aww no way you should've said hiii!!

[@brendsvillorente6630]

Okay this vlog makes me want to go to Norway. It's officially in my bucket list now. 🙌

[@flyingthenest]

Woohooo ❤️❤️❤️

[@jparreno]

OMG cuteness overload! 6:46... Hunter you are so brave you little water monster! Your love for being in the water is why i enjoy watching so much! i hope one day you will try scuba diving!

[@TalesFromAbroad-SJ]

Fantastic video, really well done! Norway is truly something special. I was there a month ago, and I absolutely fell in love this country. The landscapes are just breathtaking - there’s something so magical about the combination of the towering mountains, crystal-clear fjords, and those endless waterfalls. It looks like you really made the most of your road trip, from the beautiful lupins in the morning to that incredible Scandinavian ice sauna experience. And I love how you included a visit to Mikkelparken for the kids - it shows how Norway has something for everyone. It’s definitely one of the most beautiful countries I’ve ever visited, and your video captures that perfectly. Thanks for sharing your journey and have a great day 😊 Cheers, Simon

[@caityrobson8872]

I’m a fellow Aussie (From Brissy) and I absolutely love your guys videos! You never fail to bring a smile to my face and most often when I need it the most 💕✨ I have several chronic illnesses and spend a lot of time inpatient in hospital, in ED or waiting for surgeries (I’ve had more than 40 surgeries since 2020) and your videos make those incredibly hard times just that little bit easier. So thank you, thank you for always bringing joy into my life ❤ Hunter and Koa and two very lucky kids to have you both as their parents!

[@donnab9015]

😊 hopefully you will start getting healthy 😊🙏

[@ninaelsbethgustavsen2131]

Hello Caity ! So sad about your health issues... Hope you'll get better soon ! 🤗❤ Here's an update from Oslo ; We're presently flooded with tourists. 😎😎 As August and September are when most Europeans are on summer vacation. Southern Europe has been hot as a griddle pan this year. So many travel north, simply to cool down a bit. The sales of ice cream is hitting the roof in September, as every cone and lolly is half price ! Parks all over town are brimming with people resting their feet, (Oslo is a rather compacted city, so lots of walking). They might be having a snack, while little kids chase seagulls looking for scraps. The City Waterline is encircled by a looooong promenade. There's a beach, piers with floating saunas, the odd prawn trawler, the tall ship "Christian Radich", and an old little steam ship... There are ferries of all sizes, buzzing back and forth, and little islands for swimming and day camping. 🏕 🏊🚣‍♀️ All this within the Oslo Harbour basin area. September slowly turns tree leaves rusty orange. The air gets a little chill, even on sunny days. 🍃🍁🚶‍♂️‍➡️🚶‍♀️‍➡️🍦🌞🚢 Time to bring out a light puffa jacket, and swap those flipflops for trainers. Less than 4 months till Christmas ! ❄️⛄️🛷🧣🧤🧦🫖🍪☕️ Love from Norway 👩‍🦳🇸🇯

[@victorlui5955]

The roads looks so cool to drive on.

[@Julescasper]

What an incredible adventure!! This place is now on my bucket list! Also Jess your hair cut looks amazing on you! Big hugs 💕💕

[@flyingthenest]

💕💕 aww youre too sweet thank you!!

[@timbo742]

Don't forget Stephen's hair 😉😊

[@jonnor6883]

The grass roof have been used for a very long time here in Norway. Often build with planks, then bark from birch that will keep the water out and then last earth with grass. The cool thing is that the houses will be warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Actually will you see that many are starting to use these kinds of roofs all around the world. In cities can these roof bind up a lot of water so you will have less flooding. Of course do they look different. Great Vlog. Great seeing that you find my home country beautiful and a great place to travel around. Enjoy your time

[@toobydude41]

My goodness Norway has been such a revelation thanks to you guys! Those waterfalls...what?!? And what a spot to answer nature's call...surrounded by such bedazzling nature! The enchantment ..and enjoyment...is off the charts. Jess, you could only avoid a polar plunge for so long 😂 and you were great😊 Sorry for the drama at the end...looks like a cliffhanger !

[@mortenBP]

15:50: The tempo you guys show dictates you must be exhausted from everything you embrace, experience and digest. 12 hrs of sleep sounds just right and YEY to mommy getting a full night. :) So happy you enjoyed Norway. You are great tourist ambassadors.

[@cecilier.4708]

Wow, love to see how beautiful my country actually really is 😍 I live near Oslo and have never been places you are visiting 🙄😥 Really enjoy the way you inform and explain everything. And love the way the whole family is in front of the camera. You make really good travel vlogs! ❤❤❤

[@torfinnfuglestad2003]

The honor payment at the bakery and park you went with the kids are very common in rural parts of Norway. I live quite rural and know at least 5 places I can stop at the side of the road, pick up a dozen eggs pretty much straight from a chicken, and pay with 100% honor based like this. Its rare, but it happens people cheat it, but if it happens more than once or twice in a week we see it in the local newspaper and it quickly stops lol

[@elaineevans7126]

The roundabouts in tunnels is my favorite part about Norway. 😂. I truly cannot get enough of that beautiful country.

[@kusumaprakash]

Beautiful video and what enchanting views of Norway the falls the sauna the cold dips and the Vikings village and beautiful scenery which will remain with you forever take care

[@hopeemond2840]

I just loved your van series on USA and felt sad when it drew to an end. But this van series in Norway is even twice as nice and absolutely enjoyable to watch! That gorgeous scenery is just out of this world! So breathtakingly beautiful 🥰

[@Yahooice]

So happy your enjoying our beautiful country! So many places to see. Welcome ❤❤❤❤🇳🇴

[@TnjeS]

What a lovely video! Hope you loved the playpark Mikkelparken! We that live localy really enjoy it!

[@lauralee9041]

Wow all that fresh air and waterfalls would make me sleep 12 hours.

[@giuliapariz]

i love norway so much, the kids are growing so cute together

[@susantinnion1794]

Norway is just WOW, those views 🥰

[@flyingthenest]

🥰🥰 agreed!

[@crystalphillips3213]

Very beautiful places , thank you for sharing 😊

[@flyingthenest]

Thanks for watching :)

[@linnea9017]

Seeing someone show other places in Norway that what everyone else do. Kjeragbolten prekestolen etc makes me so very happy. I hope you stop by Trondheim too. You do not want to miss out and the region around is gorgeous too.

[@boppermacca9346]

Brilliant video guys. And Hunter's eyes popping wide open as she took that plunge was awesome

[@marleenschulz9640]

You look so happy in the norwegian nature. Beautiful to watch!

[@flyingthenest]

we seriously LOVE it here!

[@RiannXD]

Seeing this video takes me back to last September when my fiance and I did a roadtrip in Norway. I want to go back so bad now!

[@traceybowen3565]

What a wonderful walk down memory lane, I loved seeing your mum joan camping with you guys,❤ it would be great if she came and visited your new cottage . love your videos keep them coming xxxx

[@JennaDorsey69]

We are going to Norway next year for our 20 year anniversary so we will b e checking some of these places out. Looks amazing there

[@flyingthenest]

aww enjoy guys!! all these places we totally recommend!

[@Annejali]

1:09 😭omg I just died from cuteness overload🫶🏻 the oversize rain jackets and hugging in a flower field, like it’s too much cuteness! Oh I love your channel so much, I cry at almost every video since you’ve had kids😂

[@flyingthenest]

Literally my reaction to seeing them for the first time in them!!

[@jackiebowman3906]

Hi from England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 been following you for years now and love your videos 😊 but can I say this one is above and beyond it’s stunning 😍 I love Scandi country’s especially Norway 🇳🇴 I was there in July on a cruise I did some of Norway and Iceland 🇮🇸 Jess and Steve you are the best and Hunter and Koa are adorable 🥰 keep safe xxxxx

[@prestinaluvr]

The cinematography in these videos is always TOP NOTCH! Editing skills are on point. I always love your videos. Even the voice overs are so good. And of course, I can't get enough of Hunter and Koa. I think Koa is going to end up being a foodie.

[@vallapink]

YAY! I was so lucky to be the first to like 👍

[@flyingthenest]

hehe yay!! thanks so much for your support!

[@markus6635]

Wow all the way from Australia to Norway. What a journey.Thanks for your video.

[@lani_mick]

Koa is so cute!! We love watching him and Hunter grow into their little personalities 🥰💕

[@bronwynquinn4477]

How utterly adorable! I hope you got off the mountain safely and onto your next adventure! Love your little family…Love from a fellow Aussie

[@gloriatingley1391]

So hilarious when you did the polar plunge. I havent laughed that hard in a very long time, thank you.

[@Kristin_and_Sveins_journeys]

Great informative video from many beautiful places in Norway.. 😀

[@kodreng69]

Norway is a very beautiful country with fantastic nature. up in the mountains the animals roam free in the summer. therefore all the grates you run over. in some places goats can get up on the roofs where there is grass. they are outstanding lawn mowers. I have lived in Norway for 12 years and I loved every day. When you come to Lysefjorden, you can take the ferry from Lysebont to Lauvvik or the other way. it is a very beautiful trip under the Preikestolen.

[@denisepoder8668]

Magic! What an experience for you all! Brilliant lifestyle!

[@Ella78Norway]

So much fun watching you enjoy the area I'm from! We live in between those two waterfalls (Voss). (I should go see them again, you forget how beautiful they are...) Thank you for an excellent video!

[@adriannacabrera9013]

Aww thank you so much for sharing this beautiful journey with us and you guys are so amazing together keep up the good work

[@flyingthenest]

aww thank you Adrianna! really appreicate the support :) how was your weekend?

[@adriannacabrera9013]

@@flyingthenest your welcome anytime it’s ok so far

[@ViriuZ7]

That has to be the cutest baby ever, well done on spawning this creature

[@Witnessdomaining]

Sometimes I just have to watch some of these Norway travel videos to remind myself of the beautiful country I live in.

[@rebekkaaanensenvedy9554]

Oao!! You guys are here!! We are doing vanlife as well and have followed you since our dream started! much love from our little nordic family🤍🙏

[@Lightlightlight777]

I'm a new subscriber and I just want to thank you for sharing your adventures with us. Your sweet family brings me endless joy...blessings to your family 🫶👏🏼✨

[@caitlinargyle570]

I can't get over the roundabouts in the tunnels!! I want to go to Norway just to see this! Haha! Coolest thing ever!!

[@dndrusso]

Bravo Hunter and Koa 👏🏻👏🏻 Good for you too Jess. Great moment for the whole family. 💙

[@marshamauldin6284]

Can't wait to see more of Norway with your sweet family!

[@noppppe1314]

What a great idea doing a road trip to see such an amazing country.

[@NZKiwi87]

Koa’s got such a thoughtful little face 😍

[@avikingman]

I am so pleased. that you loved my country ! I have folloed you long before you moved home to Australia !

[@paulasymonds9100]

You guys are such great ads for visiting Norway even with the road waits. I can't believe that Koa and Hunter both did the plunge. so amazing. I remember when my son and his cousins were about 10 and we were at Lake Tahoe in Cal. It is Very Cold. I watched them jump pff the pier into the water and then just like reversing the picture in a film they were back on the pier. I think they would have had trouble jumping in with ice floating by. Koa is growing up so fast, just following right behind big sis. If she can do it so can he!!

[@gwynethglas-brown9171]

Wauw the Awesome footage and those views 😍 are spectacular .that was some waterfalls 😜 after all the Rain they have had made it extra “ Special “ .The viking museum looked very interesting . 😂brrr the change in weather and Stephen your Still in shorts 🫣🥶. Love koa in his Blue rain coat just adorable the footage of koa and Hunter sitting on the see/ Saw with their frozen ice lolly just the sweetest thing 🫶. Have a Great week safe travels 🥰

[@Viper87th]

The family park is located in Kinsarvik, Hardanger. Tropefryd is the water park in Mikkelparken with heated water, three pools, spray systems and water slides. Definitely worth a visit if you are traveling with small children.

[@please-wake-up-now]

Wow, those waterfalls are mesmerizing! 😍 I love how you guys make every moment feel like an adventure. And Jess doing the polar plunge? Total bravery! I can only imagine how refreshing that must've been. 🥶 But I think I could only dip my toes in, lol. Can't wait to see where you explore next! 🌍✨

[@emlizw1]

Go Hunter and Koa!! Jumping in ice water as kids wow. OK, your adventure looks like so much fun. All accept the possible sleeping on a mountaintop lol. Good luck!!

[@paulinewatkins8327]

Wow what beautiful waterfalla, magical magnificent, i love waterfalls. 💕🚐 🚌❄

[@jackienaiditch7965]

My husband and I went to Norway several years ago. The scenery was breathtaking. And those roads along the fjords were breathtakingly scary to drive on. BTW, Bergen is definitely worth seeing.

[@juicie25bt]

Norway is stunning. I love how u shop on the Honor System. I live in San Francisco & people are stealing the stores blind, very scary. Can hardly wait to hear the outcome of this side of the road adventure...

[@FireCracker3240]

Happy Sunday, Steve & Jess! So, Norway. What an Absolutely. Stunning. Country. I guess the road closures are a tradeoff for what are some of the most spectacular landscapes imaginable. It reminds me a bit of Italy. They close the tiny winding roads that take you from one town to another, and pretty much just shrug it off like "hey, what can you do"? I'm actually a bit envious of that laissez-faire European attitude. 😊❤

[@peacefulminimalist2028]

Hi from Norway. There's very often construction or road work during summer, especially in the mountainous areas because obviously they can't do it when there's snow, and so high up it can snow from October to May. In addition there can be rock slides like you saw in the video, and they keep it closed to clear the road. Luckily it doesn't happen that often, and the areas are being surveilled. So yea, what can you do :) Mother nature is powerful.

[@EspenX]

I would think the same is the case in the US too if there has been a rockslide or they need to do maintenance work on the road. It is not like you have any other options except driving hours to buypass it - and of course in Norway you can't to road work in these areas in winter, so you have to get it fixed before the snow comes.

[@CM-ey7nq]

Whenever I'm back in Norway I can't wait do to the sauna plus cold water (or snow) dip. Best cure against jet lag there is :)

[@kristaready8812]

Lmao, nice cliff hanger 😋 Love your little family and all the adventures you get up to. Thanks for bringing us along. Hunter was so brave doing the polar plunge. You must have been so proud of her. Dad is just a big kid jumping over the kids, lol. Look forward to seeing what you get up to next week! 🤗💞

[@Erika-gm2tf]

Best public toilet EVER!!! Way to go Norway! Such an epic country❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️

[@tammaralongman6791]

Can't wait to find out this next adventure of yours. Awesome video 🎉

[@marcuclaudia6972]

I just love your vlogs so much, i smile trough them every time, you make my heart happy :))! I love you guys, keep doing this amazing vlogs, they are perfect, the editing is amazing, the kids are just adorable. Much love from Romania! ❤❤🤗🤗

[@AbbyRossetter-lj6zn]

Thank you for sharing 😊

[@rachel.isabelle]

Loved this! Jess freaking out to do the polar plunge was so relatable, that would've been me too! 😂 It's also so nice to see other parts of Norway besides Lofoten which is all I see of Norway on IG haha

[@isaline831]

9:55 "Booing booing" Steeve is having so much fun haha

[@djohnson5348]

Great job on the plunge everyone! Beautiful scenery!

[@flyingthenest]

Hehe yay thanks so much

[@pusenmille]

Love from Norway ♥️♥️

[@cathyholt5215]

Stunning trip! Love how kid-friendly Norway is.

[@flyingthenest]

It really is!

[@melissatemple8052]

It looks so gorgeous!! What an amazing trip!

[@flyingthenest]

It really is! So thankful that we could visit

[@reemr2656]

I visited Norway twice one time during summer to see midnight sun and one during winter to see the aurora in tromso and it’s worth it,,, never enough for me… would love to go again solo.

[@Travelling_Jonoberries]

Wow guys another absolute fantastic episode, where do you manage to find all these great spots so all can enjoy! Thank you once again for such a wonderful, informative and amazing trip of discovery. Don’t think we will make it over there but hey thanks for allowing us to be with you all the way. Take care, safe travels and God Bless you all. 😇🙏🚐👍

[@magtje]

Enjoying to see you visit my home country ❤ watch you reactions to places, things and nature which we takes for granted. Good thing for you (not us) that the local currency (NOK) is so weak at the moment so you can afford to do more then normal. To clear up few things for foreigns: Reason you find so many places open and free in Norway is a law called "Allmenrettsloven" (roughly translated to Open Acess) which gives everybody access to everywhere with few exceptions such as residential areas or for (national) security reasons. If you etc own a lot with access to water or nature (forrest), but there large distance (larger then normal backyard/ garden) btw that and you home you have to allow people to access. This also explains why open tourist spots and national parks is free in Norway, although they can charge for parking but not for access. You can also camp everywhere in Norway for up to 72 hrs if you are at least 150m from buildings and not on farm lands. Sauna is not a tradition in Norway unlike in other Scandinavian countries but rather new thing which has become pretty popular, especially these flooting saunas on water. I hope you enjoy the rest of your visit in Norway and looking forward to more videos from you.

[@saranelson2031]

Not to add MORE work your busy life, but I would love it if Jess did a separate vlog about motherhood. If it were bi-weekly or monthly I would love to see more content about her daily routine, homeschooling, the highlights and challenges of having two littles on the road, the kids' milestones, etc. This occurred to me when she was cooking and talking to the camera about Koa sleeping through the night. I would love little chats like that and more intimate glimpses into her life as a mom.

[@mywanderways]

Never been to this place, on my bucket list now, thanks for the amazing content 😍😍

[@flyingthenest]

My pleasure 😊 thanks so much for your support and hope you can go one day

[@madeleinetunstall5690]

Love following on your adventure in my dad’s home land. It’s such a beautiful country. Would love to be able to explore it more. I haven’t really seen much of it. When you say good by say “ Ha de”.

[@flyingthenest]

aww i hope you can go back and explore more! what have you managed to see?

[@madeleinetunstall5690]

@@flyingthenest I have mainly visited my family while being there. My husband and I spent a few days in Oslo last year when we were there. I’m born in Sweden so also visited Sweden ( live in NSW Australia). Had the pleasure to spend some time with my aunty last year before she sadly passed away. They lived near Trondheim. My dad is my an island north of Norway called Hoglo. Which is near Nesna. I might have seen more when you but don’t remember. But I’m sure we mainly visited family when there. Enjoy your time there as you make wonderful family for your beautiful family

[@tshore4099]

AH first! love you guys!

[@flyingthenest]

hiiii

[@irener1111]

Great video, I really really want to go here now!

[@beverlysboutique]

LOL IDK who was funnier doing the polar plunge.. Hunter or Jess. THAT WAS FUN. Thanks guys!

[@flyingthenest]

hahaha! aww yay!! so glad we FINALLY got Jess to do a plunge!

[@jennifersondej5551]

YOU ARE MAKING AMAZING MEMORIES & THEY WILL LIFETIME. Your kids are Amazing and Steve & Jess you are Amazing parents. Hunter & Koa are going to have MEMORIES OF EVERY PLACE THEY HAVE GONE.💙💕💕💙🌞🌞🌈

[@BelindaBower]

Hunter is the coolest little chic ever! Fellow Australian here. I'm visiting Oslo and all the other Scandanvian/Nordic capitals in November. This awesome vlog makes me thinking about planning my next trip to see more of Norway than just the capital.

[@jonnor6883]

just remember to bring some rain clothes. November can be fantastic, but also rain or snow. Last year did we here in Oslo have some early snowfalls in last days of october and the start of november.

[@simenarntzen3664]

What a lovley video! The grass roofs get trimmed by goats they put up there :)

[@AnneJutras]

What a fun adventure! First, the polar plunge, congrats to Jessica (you did amazing!), I don't know if I would have the courage myself 😅 and Koa (Hunter too). And the view is spectaculare 🤩Hope you didn't get stuck on the road for the night. 🤞😉

[@ingridneugebauer7562]

Absolutely stunning!

[@darkknight8139]

Guys, what a fantastic adventure! You are all heroes for jumping in the ice cold water :) Koa just thought: meh, it's just like a swimming pool, I could't stop laughing seeing that. Norway's nature is stunning, for me it is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe. You are already having a great time, please have some more :)

[@floridamezzo8734]

I was in Norway last summer. Miss the pastries!!!

[@EverAfterAdventures]

I cannot believe Hunter went in the water! What an absolute legend 😊

[@EverAfterAdventures]

And then I just proper LOLed when you jumped in Jess! You should be proud, not sure I could do it!

[@babylol8]

Creating lasting memories!

[@maseeharassack7525]

Thnx guys Norway looks amazing. Plz get Hunter J the How to train your dragon book series. My son has them and we loved reading them for bedtime over and over. They are sooo good and illustrations very funny❤. Thnx for taking us along on ur travels. Lover from South Africa