Blogs from Flåm, Western Norway, Norway, Europe - page 5

According to Trude,the post office lady and a sign in the Info Centre, 30km from Flaam, by bus, in Laerdal, there is a shop for the hobbyist. I am off to Laerdal. Pay my senior fare of 41NOK, and take a seat in the front ready for more spectacular scenery. And then we enter a tunnel. And then a second one. Of the 30km to Laerdal almost 27km are inside a tunnel. The one tunnel is 24.5 km long, the longest car tunnel, in the world. From the bus stop can be seen the wool shop and more importantly a KIWI Mini Price grocery store. I need fruit as much as I need wool and even more urgently I need a toilet. All needs are met. The avocado is cheaper, there are grapes, tomatoes, sardines, chocolate ... read more

From Oslo to Myrdal to Flaam - 07:05 -13:20 October 8, 2009 I had picked up my train ticket after clearing customs the day before. Knew the trian was a level below Departures at the airport ... and of course went to the wrong track. Climbed back up ... I am carrying all I will own for the next three months on my back ... asked and was informed that there were two railway companies operating trains into Oslo Central Station ... clear as mud ... am on my way and reach the NSB track. HORROR!! First train of the big adventure and have already missed the %^%$# train. OK...back up the escalator to get a new ticket ... NSB does not open the wicket till 07:30. Talk to a man about off shore drilling ...finally ... read more

Going from Bergen to Oslo, I took the ¨special¨route which includes a regular train, a special train called the Flambana which stops along the way at the points with great views, a 2 hr boat ride through the fjords, a bud around the hills and waterfalls, and a train to Bergen. Altogether took about 14 hours, but it was really pretty! Bergen is a small city - very quaint, quiet, relaxing. I would have loved to spend more time there but only had one day, half of which was rainy. When the rain stopped, went to the castle and top of a hill where there is an amazing view of the city and harbor. Stayed at a hostel and had a great experience! Met two Italian guys who ridiculed me for not putting salt in my ... read more

If you go to the small town of Flam in Norway, you will probably hear a strange rumour about Australian women. Apparently, they seem to lack the basic understanding needed to operate showers. And bath plugs. And doors. And windows. So this is an official apology to all Aussie women who are affected by this rumour: we are really, incredibly sorry that it started with us. But, in our defence, it was far more embarassing to us than you. *sigh* To take things back to the begining... We spent 5 hours on the train from Oslo to Myrdal (we took some pictures of where we could have potentially almost frozen to death on account of our messed-up accommodation), then caught the Flamsbana to Flam. The train ride was spectacular - we especially loved Kjosfossen Falls. Our ... read more

Wednesday 3rd September Writing this blog seems to be the only way I can remember what day/date it is - by checking yesterday's entry - so I think it is fair to say I am now well and truly chilled. Woke up this morning and it was still raining - marvellous. Call me hypocrite of the century but I immediately re-booked to stay another night in my cell. The place has kind of grown on me - not the room, but the hosts are just so nice and the food is pucka. Maybe I am turning into one of those boring lonely sods I met on the boat and am only staying for someone to talk to - sweet Jesus, you all have permission to exile me somewhere up north if I end up like that! ... read more