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| Hanging
out in Bergen |
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Rating:
 (5.0) 1 Vote)
Bergen, Norway
July 2005
Pros: beautiful fjords
Cons:
None
We had a few more days in Stockholm, one day wandering around the
old city and the harbour eating ice creams and looking at the views.
Another day we borrowed Bjorn´s (Christian´s uncle)
Maserati (a very cool looking red convertible) and drove around
the area, visiting Vaxholm - a holiday spot for tourists and Swedes
and other nearby islands, we found a great swimming area (the water
was now 19 degrees according to Christian´s new watch with
a temperature feature) and spent another day hanging out in the
sun. On our last day in Stockholm, we visited Bjorn´s boat
he is re-fitting in order to live in. This boat has had a colourful
past, having been a passenger boat, ferry, and freighter, originally
built in 1888. As a general comment I am finding that I am most
impressed on this trip with the unexpected and non touristy sights
and in Stockholm, seeing Bjorn´s boat was one of the highlights.
On a touristy note, we also checked out the Vasa Museum which is
the most famous museum in Sweden, it holds a 400 year old ship which
sunk on its maiden voyage. Apparently, the king insisted that the
builder add another deck onto the hull to remain the biggest ship
of its time, three decks with canons proved to be too much and it
sunk. Boom, boom!!!
We then caught an overnight train to Oslo, this time I did not go
first class which in hindsight would have been worth the extra money.
We had two bunk beds in an incredibly small cabin with six beds
in all, I never felt so claustraphobic before, my knee bent touched
the bed above. To make matters even better there was a Spainard
in the cabin with the worst smelling feet I have ever smelt.
We made it to Bergen in Norway and we are staying with Christian´s
cousin and his family. Yesterday we did a day tour called `Norway
in a Nutshell´which involved scenic rail journeys and a boat
trip on Sognefjord which is Norway´s deepest and longest fjord,
the fjord was spectular with sheer mountains directly rising to
800 plus metre peaks, it was awesome. I have been to the fjords
in New Zealand and this was more impressive. The Flam Railway was
over rated though, we were crammed like sardines with other tourists
many of whom could not see out the windows.
Today we explored the city of Bergen: taking a steep rail to a high
point to get a view of the city and looking at all the different
types of fish for sale in the markets including one of Norway´s
premier eating fish, a bloody ugly looking fish known as the Frog
Fish, and just generally wandering around in the quaint atmosphere
of Bergen. Once again, we were thoroughly spoiled by the excellent
hospitality of Christian´s family.
Tomorrow another rail journey back to Oslo.
We have just had a couple of days in Oslo which I really like, it
is my favourite of the Scandanavian capitals so far: there is quite
a relaxed feeling here, a fairly lively city centre, the sea is
close by for a swim (25 degrees the other day!) and in winter cross
country skiing.
We went to the big ski jump yesterday, these people must be mad
flying down that thing! Christian asked me how much money it would
take for me to go down - someone couldn't pay me enough. Mostly
we have been hanging out with more family and friends.
Oh and by the way, Christian's luggage has been finally located
- now all those plans for new stuff with the insurance money have
disappeared, bugger!
Today we are off to Bota in Southern Norway where Christian's family
own cottages, I am looking forward to catching fish, getting even
browner and exploring the islands. Most likely we will have limited
email so you wont here much from us for the next two weeks... |
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