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Published: July 21st 2019
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Opera House
Oslo Opera House OK. 10pm we just got back to the hotel. Yes…dinner again. Late again – will we ever learn? I’m not a betting man, but I would not take that bet. We found a nice Italian place just in front of the City Hall – politicians usually eat at better places, no? We each had Pasta Carbonara, quite good, a glass of Chianti – meh and grappa of Tignanello EXCELLENT! Oslo does not have air conditioning. Perhaps if there was a way to circulate air, something that would move air around so the space would appear less stifling. If only….. I say this because it has been raining all day, and the sun finally broke through the clouds at around 9pm, and it became even more humid.
So our day started as usual; looking for a place to sit at breakfast. PACKED with more coming daily. Oceania has a welcome desk, a company called GO also has a welcome desk associated with Oceania as well. We were both surprised to find Oceania here.
Breakfast was almost uneventful. Almost. It seems my cup and saucer was somehow launched in the air as I tried to cut through a meatball (a little
Vigeland Park
Vigeland Park tough). Naturally the coffee landed smack dab in the middle of my eggs and sausage. Just made eating breakfast a little more efficient. UGH. Thankfully, I was almost done. Back for the waffle- which was a pancake today. So happy. Strawberry jam and a little butter took the sting of my coffee mishap away rather quickly.
Today the Royal Palace which is literally across the street. We did not purchase advance tickets, so took the chance and stood on line in hopes of securing a ticket. We were number 12 in line. They announced they would take between 10 and 15 people…fingers crossed. BINGO! We’re in. Wouldn’t you know it, the minute we pass through security and walk towards the Port Cochere a DELUGE. I. MEAN.A. DELUGE. Christopher ran ahead, I had an umbrella which I struggled to open and hobbled to the entrance. At least I didn’t get wet. Christopher was damp, well a little more than damp. But at least he wasn’t soaked through to the skin. Our things secured in a locker, booties on our shoes. Let’s get this tour started.
The tour lasted an hour. We started in the Vestibule, which King Hakkon (crowned
Vigeland Park
Cauldron Fountain in 1905) referred to as “the outside” (HARDLY) – one of the most expensive (not ornate) rooms in the palace- over 30 meters high, grand staircase, white venetian plaster on every column buffed to a gleaming white; one can almost see their reflection. That took time and money!! The palace dates to 1884 or thereabouts. The Royal family of Norway has a rather interesting history – as does the country of Norway; given their struggles with Denmark & Sweden. King Hakkon was a Danish Prince married to Maude (Granddaughter of Victoria) who was approached and asked if he’d like to be King of Norway! Nice job if you can get it. He would only take the position if the people wanted him. So, they held a referendum and he was installed as King. SO…the modern Royal Family goes back to 1905 (even though their individual family lines are from royal houses throughout Europe). Your History lesson is over.
The palace is quite nice, if “small” by Royal standards. Each room is more grand than the next, ending with the Grand Ballroom, which can seat 250 for dinner. On exhibit in each room are gowns from Queen Maude (first of
this line) and Queen Sofia (current reigning Queen) – Maude had a 46 centimeter waist (that’s 18 inches) and stood 5’3. She was a FASHION ICON of her time. Too difficult to select which of the many gowns was my favorite, but if I had to choose one – it is the black silk chiffon and charmeuse rhinestone studded art deco masterpiece from 1932. Sophia is no match for Maude. She does take fashion risks – in terms of color. Bold bright color in simple designs. Nice, but she’s no Maude.
After the tour, we left the palace and discussed our next move. Given the rain, perhaps another museum. So, we chose the Architecture Museum, which is located at the base of the fortress. A bit of a hike, so we took the tram (Included in the Oslo Pass). On our way, of COURSE…another deluge. This time, unfortunately, Christopher was drenched. He is proof that Loro Piana Storm System works. His top was dry - his pants, shoes and hat didn’t fare as well. As quickly as the deluge started, it was over.
The architecture museum is small but indeed interesting. There are two exhibits Landscape architecture and
Houses. The exhibit provides a context for how housing in Norway changed over time, what the needs of the common man were/are – and how the needs of citizens have changed over time – including materials etc. Quite interesting.
The landscape portion of the exhibit dealt with private gardens, public gardens, public parks and spaces, ending with (ahem) cemeteries. We were introduced to the major players in the history of Norwegian landscape “gardeners” moving through to landscape architects. Again, wonderful- we both learned something.
By this time it was 3pm, and we were in need of sustenance. So we found a Pub open, the Scottish Pub, and has some fish and chips with a Guinness! We watched a bit of the Tour de France while eating at the pub. Those poor riders – it looks so hot. Then, it rained on them!! No thanks. At least they have Monday off (right?).
Our Oslo Pass allows us to ride all public transportation in town. Since the pass expires tomorrow, we decided to take the first tram that came along to the end of the line. The 19 arrived and we rode through town (south?) past the hospital, past
the sculpture garden (NOT Vigeland) all the way to Ljabru. A nice trek through the streets of Oslo. We took the 18 back from Ljabru into town…and were falling asleep in our seats. Time to get back to the hotel and rest up before dinner.
OK….back at the hotel. 5pm, room hadn’t been touched. About 45 minutes later…tap, tap, tap housekeeping. We gave her the room and went downstairs. OMFG…the lobby was overrun with people. The line to check in was out the door. Three stations checking people in. There are at least 6 busses parked in front and along the side of the hotel. From the Tauck bus to Local Tour Busses hired by travel companies. The luggage racks were loaded as well as the wall along one side of the lobby. The luggage was three deep and piled high.
Poor Christopher. We sat on the only available sofa next to the gift shop, a “gentleman” sat (well, actually flung himself) down on the sofa. I thought he was going to land on Christopher. No, he only stepped on his foot. Never apologized. WTF????? THEN, this man started shouting for his wife. SHOUTING! When Christopher got up
City Hall
Oslo City Hall (who wants to hear that in his ear) the man took his seat as if to hold the place for his wife! I got up, we decided to go back to the room, whether or not it was finished. It had been about 20 minutes. The room was done. I don’t think this carpet has ever been vacuumed. I really don’t. I won’t go into the condition of the carpet nor the chairs. Suffice to say we will NOT be recommending this place. Even though it has a very good location.
Observation time once again….SCOOTERS! Those crazy scooters haunting cities like Chicago and San Francisco are here as well. I think there are 3 or 4 companies (at least there are that many logos on the scooters…which could be sponsorships – who knows or cares). I’m still getting used to walking without the boot. The pavement here is quite uneven and with the rain – it gets a little dicey. With the scooters…FORGET ABOUT IT!. We have to bob and weave our way down the sidewalks. These scooters are dangerous. There I have officially become the crusty old man! And with that, tomorrow IS another day, and our last
City Hall
Close up of the Entrance, tour starts on the right full day in Oslo before we board the ship on Tuesday.
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