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Published: April 9th 2011
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Date of Travel: 11-15 May, 2008
Duration of Travel: 5days
Major Cities Visited: Oslo, Geilo, Brimnes, Bergen, Brijravik, Hemsedal, Gudvangen
Upon arrival at Oslo by ferry, we headed straight for the Vigeland Sculpture park where its statues and monuments are apparently tainted with controversy. I think their controversy stems from the apparent nudity and sexual positions and angles which some of the sculptures have. Not that it mattered and this should not seriously eclipse the fact that they were really quite awesome sculptures. We were really thankful to have visited Vigeland in the summer because sun and stones go really well together. If it was winter, it would be so gloomy and the park wouldn't have looked as lively as it did while we were there. We proceeded to the Holmenkollen Ski Jump area next for a view for a panoramic view over Oslo. I wonder what it must really feel like standing right at the tip of the ski jump area awaiting the jump. It must be easily 10 over stories high and edged over a hill, can really imagine tons of adrenaline pumping if I ever dare to do this in the future.
In the evening, we
traveled along the lovely Halligdal Valley to reach the Geilo ski resort for the night. I must say I really love this hotel. Situated right smack in the middle of ice capped mountains, where views over the mountain ranges were simply breathtaking, this hotel was awesome. The bed in particular was really comfortable. I kind of felt that the beds were from Ikea because they were really soft and comfortable. The best part however was waking up in the wee hours of the morning to train along the mountain ridges. Up and down and up and down, I simply loved it even though it was really quite a lung tester considering the high altitude and cold air. We were hoping to spot reindeers as we ran around but unfortunately it was futile.
We ventured west on the 2nd day onwards to see the classical Norwegian fjords. En route, our first stop was the old fishing village city of Bergen. This was supposed to be Norway's principal port and city during the viking era. Bergen is filled with timbered houses along its waterfront. And yes they were really colorful. Somehow the pace of life just seemed so slow there. It
was a pity we reached Bergen slightly over noon and by then the all famous old fish market had been closed by then. Was seriously hoping to get some nice really soft juicy tender succulent raw Norwegian salmon sahimi! RAWR. We tour the city where we visited the 12th century old Maria Church. I think it was closed so we could only see its exterior.
The third day was all about the fjords. We must have traveled few hundred miles from Oslo just to catch the fjords. We boarded this river cruise at Gudvangen which was to sail through the longest and deepest of all fjords in Northern Europe and finally disembark at Laderal. I honestly think that the fjords were kind of overrated. Having traveled over hundreds of miles I was seriously hoping for some jaw dropping scenery. But maybe that made me have too high an expectation of what was to come. And yes it was really cold sitting at the top deck. Was so tempted to hide inside the sheltered level of the cruise but I kept staying because this was supposed to be really awesome stuff! But it wasn't! sadly. I think the fjords looked
kinda pale, or maybe it isnt high summer yet and thats why the scenery was not at good. Unsatisfied, back home after the trip, I actually did went to check which were the best fjords in Norway and apparently Geirangerfjord at Oye is rated as one of the best. Dam it.
Upon disembarkation, next stop on the agenda was Borgund's famous Stave Church which was apparently Norway's oldest Stave Church from the 12th Century. Now we were really talking Vikings! The church was really unique and awesome. I was quite impressed with it and it reminded me of scenes in Vking movies that I used to watch. It did look a bit small though and somehow we were not allowed to go inside the church which was a pity. I really wondered was was stored inside. Who did these Vikings worship? I really wanted to know.
On the last full day in Norway, we had an entire day to roam in Oslo. Visited the Old Town Hall, Stortinget (Parliament Building), Det Konggelige Slott / Slottet (Royal Palace) and had a fantastically good time shopping around the Aker Brygge district. Somehow Zara in Norway (or Scandinavia) for that matter
seems cheaper than in Singapore. Maybe its the lack of shipping I dont know, all I remember was walking out of Zara with 7 new shirts. Yes. Seven. haha. Apparently, the old town hall once hosted either a united nations event or some equivalent ... I think its the Nobel peace prize award once. Was not really listening to the guide. oops. Was really tempted to dine out in Oslo but somehow zara just took up too much of the time we were allocated for strolling the city. Back to the hotel in the evening as we prepared for the next destination on Scandinavian adventure: Stockholm
PS: If we certainly had more time in Norway, I would really have loved to see the Northern Lights or take a long journey up north to Trondheim. Guess that will be for the next trip back to Norway...in a really long time.
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