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.