Ålesund has an impressive footprint for such a small town, with a population of 45k it's a lot bigger than just over half an SCG population. We've got a lazy start on a 10am tourist train. The train leads us around the little streets and up to the main attraction of the city, the viewing platform and cafe right at the top of the mountain.

Like many wooden cities, Ålesund suffered a devastating fire in 1904. Kaiser Wilhelm holidayed in the area each year so contributed significantly to the rebuild of the town. Being built at this time meant it took on a heavy Art Nouveau influence, it's everywhere in the city from the building decorations to the manholes. Today it's big attraction to tourist seems to be shopping, with massive outlet stores across the harbour.

When we arrive back in the port after the train ride we see a massive queue of people stretching clear across the port. We assume it's cruisers heading to the shopping precinct, but find out later that the big summer festival is on today, these are all locals heading to the show - must be half the town going! We stroll along the water, find an important old chemist shop that is now a cafe. The kids play street chess while we enjoy some rare sunshine for awhile. 

We head through the shopping precinct and pop out on the other side in another waterfront entertaining area. Another Franziskaner opportunity, before we find a park - the kids join a giggling pack of local kids spinning on a round about. We get an icecream and head back along the harbour and into the canals. 

The clouds are gathering, this rare sun won't last much longer. Across from the pier Gab notices an Australian flag flying on a superyacht - 75m Ilona is a long way from her Sydney home. I can't find out who own's it but they've picked poorly to leave home at this time of year and come all the way up here just to find more Sydney winter weather :)

If you're a fan of the History Channel's Vikings series you'll get some idea of their travels to find out the real life Rollo was originally from around here at a town called Giske, before he sailed all the way down to Paris to become the cities protector. Amazing to travel so far on wind and such archaic navigation tools. 

The clouds are really gathering so we head into a little place for lunch on the water with a clear line of sight back to the top of the lookout at the top of the mountain. As we're there the Hanza truck turns up to refil the beer stocks. No kegs here, it's a mini tanker that pulls up out the front and drags a hose into the restaurant before pumping the beer right across the street and into the internal storage - clever!

It's the favourite dinner of the cruise tonight - Animator's Pallette for the draw your own character night. The drawing skills are in full flight, I even managed to pull off a decent looking Viking. Emerson convinces Gab & I to join her for the Tangled Musical, the stage version of the Rapunzel movie. Amazing stage show, I't spossible I even enjoyed it more than her :)

We're back in O'Gills for the Italy Germany game, they're through extra time, into shoot out, past the first 5 and it's still tied. A few more rounds and Germany clinch the game, the first time they've beaten Italy in a championship game, good thing I'm drinking on brand :)