Welcome to Norway

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Hello!

Welcome to our first blog on our tour. We attempted to say farewell to the UK from a place of less than outstanding natural beauty by leaving on a ferry from Newcastle. Unfortunately, even South Shields was looking lovely in the sun, and a small tear was shed at the last sight slipping over the horizon (there maybe a touch of artistic licence there).

After a night on board (during which we slept soundly and the crew were, apparently, seasick), we arrived in Norway expecting hot weather. It was pouring down and we couldn't see the tops of the mountains. However, despite this the scenery was stunning. Reminiscent of the west coast of Scotland, but on a larger scale, and without the midges.

We transited through Stavanger and Haugesund, and went north along the scenic coastline between a myriad of small islands connected with innumerable bridges. We arrived in Bergen late in the day, with showers outlining the small but beautifully formed port. Bergen is renowned for being one of the wettest places in Norway, a country which is not short of water at the best of times, and our days there were no exception.

On arrival, our travel plans immediately proved to be flawed. We had booked into a swanky hotel for our first two nights, and expected to be able to drop our luggage and tour the town. The staff in the hotel couldn't bring themselves to throw out the band member (not sure which one) of Metallica who was loitering in our room, so we had to wait. I would have asked for an autograph, but was too busy eating the free dinner we got out of it!

Bergen is the second largest city in Norway, but still feels like a small Hanseatic trading port, with a population of only 200,000 spread over a number of islands. Its best feature must be the great food, with a fresh fish market every day on the quayside. Take out a second mortgage (or sell your house), and you can eat like a king! As we've discovered, Norway does quality, but definately not bargain basement.

In all we spent two hectic days in Bergen, taking in the sights of the old town, the stunning views from the top of the funicular railway, and being entertained by the wildlife in the aquarium. Bizarrely, this was advertised as a great way to see the local species, but included alligators and penguins. Fortunately not in the same enclosure. The special 'creatures from Finding Nemo' tank was fun!

After stuffing ourselves again with a great breakfast (fish again, for me at least!), we were ready to head east into the Fjords.

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Photos

Goodbye England
What better last sight of the UK than South Shields?

...hello Norway
Has anyone noticed the slight change in climate?

Stavanger
In Norway, this is a city. Well, the outskirts, anyway. I would say that it compares favourably to the edges of Manchester!

Bergen, wettest place in Norway!
Bergen has a reputation for dampness - we've worked out why!

Finding Nemo
He tried to hide, but after a dedicated search (it was a small tank), we succeeded.

Bergen old town
Clapper-board cottages on steep slopes and cobbled streets are the norm, and even in the tourist areas are still used as houses (or in this case, a garage).

The fishmarket
The market sold fresh fish every day, which we then promptly ate in the nearest restaurant.

Bergon from the top
Bergen is surrounded by seven hills, with great views from them all. We were too lazy to climb them all, so went up the funicular to the north east.

Comments

[Matt]

Thats better!
Good to see you have sorted out the IT. Now have a great trip and tell us all about it so we can travel with you. Happy traveling