Blogs from Eastern Norway, Norway, Europe - page 2

Today we bid farewell to Sweden, the land of unisex bathrooms and over-groomed men, as we make our way over the northern route and on into Norway. Today was another traveling day, as Maja warned us about this trip, the journey is often better than the destination. After a delicious breakfast in the grandest hotel in Falun, we made a brief stop at the Falun Copper Mine. The Falun Copper Mine began production as near as they can tell around the 9th or 10th century, reaching its peak in the 17th century at about 3000 tons/year. In 1687, mostly due to inadequate records of the tunnels dug over the centuries, the myriad of tunnels collapsed. Fortunately, the collapse happened on Mid-Summers Eve, one of the few holidays where the mine was not in operation, so no ... read more

Today was the day for us to head in to Oslo. In the morning, Henning and Hilda were having some work done on the outside of the house and an electrician was coming by to start some of that work. Shelley was able to get her shower in on time, and my sister Kristine was next. She got into the shower, started the water, was able to get wet, and just when she reached for the soap, the electrician cut off the water supply to the house! Ooops! Ultimately, she was able to use the shower next door at the neighbour’s place. Not too long after, we got on our way to Oslo. Siw-Linda, Hilde, Kristine, Shelley, and I walked from Hilde’s place to catch the bus from Snarøya to Oslo. A quick little ride was ... read more

After a lovely breakfast prepared by Hilde, we set off with Henning on his boat to enjoy a view of Oslo from the water. We set sail from Snarøya to sail in the Oslo Fjord. Henning, Ørjan, Oda, Shelley, Kristine, and I set off for the fjord. On the way there, we saw the USS Harry Truman leaving the harbour after a visit. We sailed in the waters of the fjord and then Henning received a text from a friend of his who was moored at anchor close by who forgot to bring enough water. He wanted to make some coffee. So, we came alongside his boat and tied up with him. Oda (Hilde’s niece) decided to go in for a swim. I thought that was a good idea too, but I had no swim trunks. ... read more

Following my refreshing morning hike, I left Flåm behind and first set out to see the lookout point: Stegastein. There is a tourist road to go around the tunnel, but of course it was closed above Stegastein due to snow and season. However, the lookout point was amazing! Aside from the first 36 hours, the weather was absolutely perfect. When i parked, there were only two other cars and five other people. The lookout is a pine and steel structure that extends out from the hillside so you have a full view of the Aurlandsfjordand Aurlandsvangen below. I loved what looked like the interlocked connections. So, I got my initial view then waited until gradually the others had left and I had the whole place to myself! It was so lovely, words and pictures just cannot ... read more

Today we were not getting into port in Oslo until noon, so no alarm today. The nurse came by and took vitals and all was well with both of us. They tested Susan to see if she can get out of quarantine. We watched as the ship came down the fjord. This fjord doesn’t have the high mountains like before. Susan said it looked like a cruise on Lake James. We got to Oslo around noon and luckily, we docked again on the starboard side. Today was like yesterday, food, movies, reading, email,… Just boring. Susan’s results were supposed to be back around 4, but no call. She called down to the medical center after it opened and they said the Dr would call her when he had time. Around 5:45, she got the call. They ... read more