We’ve moved on to Norway. Ferry from Denmark to Oslo was an all day journey but a lot of it was in the Oslo Fjord, more of a wide river full of islands but quite interesting. Every island has timber houses and various ferries run between the islands.
Pretty hectic traffic in the city, pleased to get to our campsite. Huge campsite but good facilities.
On our first day here we used the bus to get to the city. We knew Norway was going to be expensive, and we found the most expensive public toilet at the train station, where you have to pay £2 for the pleasure. We took a walking tour of the main sights with a Romanian guide, she spoke perfect English along with German, Norwegian and french. Really interesting time, learnt about the start of the city ordered by Christian IV king of Denmark who ruled here, saw where the city executioner lived and worked (big draw in those days), how the Jewish lost their homes and businesses in WWII and were compensated in 1990’s, how the new opera house design is based on an iceberg in the harbour. We visited the city hall with its murals of the city’s history and saw where the Nobel laureate’s received their prizes. We also visited the inspirational Nobel Peace Prize Museum, I was blown away by the prize laureates’ lives and achievements. Made me rather sad to think how my country now chooses to treat those who ask for our help. We were far more generous when we had far less.
On our second day we drove to the Olympic ski jump, you’ve really got to be mad to even think about skiing down it! Then onto the Sculpture Park which is filled with the sculptures of Gustav Vigeland, absolutely brilliant art and form. Then onto the Viking Ship Museum, a great museum. What a great day.
Finished the day by parking Connie at the airport for a rest as we flew off to Svalbard for a few days’ adventure. Svalbard is just about the northern most permanently inhabited place non scientists can get to. Well inside the artic circle.
More to follow. Cx Vx