July 1st, 2018 – Canada Day back home, but today we are exploring Oslo, Norway

Unbelievable as it may be – we are having another sunny day with temperatures in the mid 20’s. 

Harry and I signed up for a tour of Oslo which picked us up at our fabulous hotel then drove us around the city – past numerous sites including the new Opera House and so many new and older buildings which are quite spectacular. 

Our first stop was the Vigeland Park– which unfortunately Harry could not do because of the distance and stairs.  This incredible park was the dream and life’s work of the sculpture and artist Gustav Vigeland who lived and worked from 1869 to 1943.The park was actually completed after his death in the 50’s. 

His sculptures represent the circle of life – which is so well represented by the many sculptures and surround the fountain in the middle of the park.  From birth through puberty to love and children then middle age and finally old age and death.  There are also many other sculptures, one of which is an Angry boy whose hand and other parts are now gold as they have been rubbed so many times by visitors to the park.  This is supposed to bring good luck. 

The other sculpture that can be easily misinterpreted is the one with the man apparently juggling and holding with his foot several children.  Our guide Mari told us that for Vigeland, the babies represented ideas which give the sculpture a very different meaning – that of humankind juggling ideas to determine the future. 

The tour of the park ended with this amazing monolith which again represents the circle of life or it - could be human’s desire for resurrection depending on who is interpreting the meaning of the work.  The top sculptures are of babies and the bottom ones are of older people.  Apparently, it is one large piece of granite and although Vigeland did not carve it himself it was his design which took a number of artist many years to complete.

After that amazing journey we boarded the bus again and then traveled across the city to the Holmenkollen ski area including the ski jump.  This area is used extensively during winter months for all aspects of skiing from cross country to downhill and obviously ski jumping.  Because we were associated with Viking (which of course is Norwegian) our guide had access to the Royal or King’s suite which gave us an amazing view of not only the ski jump but also the whole city.  We spent about ½ hour there just taking in the scenery and noting the number of folks that use the area to work on their fitness – first by biking all the way up the hill to running up the stairs then doing various exercises at the top of the seating area.  Very motivating. 

From there we returned to our hotel for some time to rest and to write this blog – then I was off for yet another walk around the area to see what more there was to be seen on foot.

I had a great time – got completely disoriented a couple of times then saw the very distinct Deloitte building and new exactly where I was – about a 15-minute walk from the hotel.  During my walk I ventured up to the top and inside the opera building – quite a climb but worth the view.  Then I found this walking bridge and marveled at the amount of construction that is going on in this downtown area.  There were 6 cranes that I could see, so the buildings – which I learned were to be condos – are certainly going to change the skyline of the city centre, mind you there are already lots of tall buildings – thee will just add to the landscape.  I also appreciated Oslo’s idea of a beach – lot of sunbathing.

Once back at the hotel Harry and I set out for dinner at the Burger and Beer place just around the corner.  There I once again indulged in a serving of mussels – 30 in all and Harry enjoyed some wings. 

Now back to the room as we prepare for our journey home tomorrow.  We meet our transfer at 8:15 and from there to the airport – to Amsterdam then home to YVR where Jay will greet us.  We are both looking forward to spending tomorrow night with Chloe sleeping between us.

June 30, 2018 – Bergen to Oslo by Train

We were up and around at 5:30 AM – a good thing because I ordered breakfast for 6 to 6:15 and it arrived at 5:45. We looked out the window to check the weather – another beautiful sunny day – we have been so blessed with the weather, and this is totally amazing with Bergen being the rain capital of Norway.

Just a note from last night – because we had some last-minute laundry to do I didn’t actually get to bed until 11:30 – here is a picture from out deck at that time – amazingly beautiful beginning sunset.

Anyway – back to this morning.  We loaded onto a bus at 7 AM and took the short journey to the train station.  Here we learned that we were to get on the 8^th car – which was at the back of the line-up from the terminal, but at the front of the train.  A bit of a walk for Harry but we made it!  We set off exactly on time at 7:57 AM and proceeded on our way to OSLO – a 7-hour journey. 

Just a little information about this train ride. The ‘Bergensbanen’, also called the Bergen Railway is a 371 Km long standard gauge railway line between Bergen and Honefoss but the name is often applied for the entire route from Bergen via Drammen to Oslo a distance of 496 KM.  It is the highest mainline railway line in Northern Europe, crossing the Hardangervidda plateau at 1,237 meters above sea level.

The railway opened from Bergen to Voss in 1883 as the narrow gage Voss Line.  In 1909 the route was continued over the mountain to Oslo and the whole route converted to standard gauge.  The line is single track and was electrified in 1954-64. 

The line has 182 tunnels totaling 73 KM of which 10 are over 2 Km. Finse station remains the highest station at 1,222.2 meters, while the highest point is in the Finse Tunnel at 1,237 meters.

From Bergen to Finse we travelled almost exclusively uphill, making several very short stops along the way.  Just long enough for a few passengers to either get on or off.  We did learn that the morning train from the first stop to Bergen is frequented by commuters as it is only 8 minutes by train and the cost of living is much more reasonable than within Bergen or by driving.  

Throughout the trip Magdelena our guide kept us informed as to what we were seeing out the window.  It was to say the least a spectacular ride with changes to the scenery as we increased our altitude and then the reverse as we proceeded back down to sea level at Oslo.  Taking pictures was a challenge as the train was moving at a good clip and trying to click between trees took a keen eye and a quick finger, but we did get some beautify shots as you can see.

When we arrived in Oslo we got off the train and walked to our hotel which is located just around the corner from the train station. 

              

After checking in at the hotel I went for a walk down one of the main streets of town – which is packed with people today as it s Gay Pride Week – great fun with lots of individuals and families dressed for the occasion.

This evening we will have a quite dinner in a restaurant close to the hotel then tomorrow we have booked a tour around the town.  

June 29, 2018 – Bergen Norway - Our Last Full day on the ship

I awoke at 5:30AM – thinking it was 6:30 and our ship would be pulling into port in Bergen.  Anyway it did provide me with some wonderful view of the magnificent entrance into the port of Bergen Norway.  I watched until we backed into our berth which turned out to be a 10 minute walk from the very interesting pedestrian/tourist part of this beautiful city.  Despite the forecast of 70% rain – we had a beautiful sunny day which remained warm until well past 10 PM in the evening. I think sun down is past 11 PM.

After breakfast we made our way onto the pier and had a lovely 2 hour sightseeing tour around Bergen.  During that time we had a couple of chances to stop and view the magnificent Fjords  and scenery that surround the city.  Picturesque Bergen is the second-largest city in Norway, having been founded in 1070 it has deep Viking roots.  It was the country’s  the country’s capital and in the Hanseatic League, a merchant powerhouse with ports throughout the Baltic. 

Perhaps the most iconic landmark is the gathering of quaint, historic wooden buildings of the UNESCO-listed Bryggen wharf – in which we were stationed. This city is build almost exclusively of wood and therefore more than once in its history as been completely burned to the ground.  There was also a Nazi Warship during the WWII that had entered the harbour due to mechanical difficulties but with tons of dynamite exploded, destroying many of the surrounding city structures.  During our tour we also visited different districts in town including some very affluent areas where we could look out over the magnificent Fjords.  Several times we drove through tunnels which we learned were prevalent throughout Norway as the only way to economically get through and around the many fjords and mountains.

We also viewed – though did not take the funicular up one of the 9 mountains that surround the city.  The view from the top is deemed to be one of the best – maybe on our next stop here in Bergen in the future.

After lunch I ventured into the town to explore not only the  multitude of shops, but also the fish market – which proved to be a place where one could spend a fortune insuring a wonderful healthy menu for many days.  There was a festival going on so on several streets were bands of young people playing.

After returning to the ship we packed up our bags as they were to be picked up at 8 PM and will be transported to our hotel in Oslo – which we will stay in for the next 2 nights.  After packing we had a lovely dinner, had a chance to exchange email addresses and contact information with some friends we met from Ontario, and of course with Brian and Carver.  It has been a wonderful cruise and we had a chance to thank all those who made it special including our amazing room service  and dining room staff.  This cruise has been absolutely amazing – and anyone reading this blog should consider Viking as their next cruise company. 

June 28, 2018 – Sea Day – Sailing the North Sea

It started out a nice cool but sunny day, later got cloudy but no rain.  Not too many pictures today as it is a sea day and all we can see is water and sky.

That being said – it is a lovely day filled with as many activities as you could want.  Everything from Trivia (really tough but the Crazy Canucks got 6 out of 15), scarf tying, learning the cha cha or meeting with the ship’s officers.  There was also Port talks about Bergen including a run down on all the possible excursions available in Bergen – which is the final stop of this cruise. 

Of course there is music playing in three different locations on board, several lectures on very interesting topics and the Captain’s Farewell Event. 

At 5:15 we proceeded to the Atrium for the Captain’s Farewell Event.  It really was a great performance.  Starting off with the Resident Guitarist Daniel and singer Madelaine, a talk about how he became a captain and his desire to be a captain from a very young age, followed by a Thank you video from all the staff.  This was followed up by all the staff entering the atrium and gathering at the front.  Then to top off a great farewell event Brian Rodriguez entertained us one more time.

After a lovely supper we made our way to the Theatre for a performance by the fabulous four singers and the Viking band featuring the songs of the Beatles and ABBA.  What a way to end the cruise – such energy and talent.  Then it was off to bed to prepare for our entrance tomorrow into Bergen.