We arrive in Oslo an hour late where Tony, a friend of friends whom we have never met is patiently waiting to whisk us to his and Ruth's very welcoming home. Here we enjoy fabulous meals, good conversation and learn about living in Norway.
On day 2 we experience the wonderful public transportation system of buses, trains and subways, all running frequently and on time...and I get half price for travelling with seniors!
We visit the Viking Ship Museum that houses the archeological finds of 3 Viking ships in addition to other artifacts.
A short ferry ride across the Oslo fjord brings us back downtown to wander the waterfront. We notice the candles outside of doorways to welcome people to cross the threshold.
Here we learn the Norwegian adage that gets them through the long winters and the rains of spring as the happiest people on earth:
"There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing" ... and the concept of "koselig" or coziness (candles, blankets, fire, and getting together with friends and family.
The waterfront is busy with a mix of modern and old ferries, racing sailboats, cruise ships and students learning to sail wooden ships.
On Saturday the 4 of us head to the Vigeland Sculpture Park ... the world's largest park by a single artist, with 212 works in bronze, granite and wrought iron.
It felt joyful to be here. The sculptures depict relationships between men and women, young and old, males, females. The 4 stages of life are represented: childhood, adulthood, parenthood and old age. After walking a long, broad avenue of sculptures, you're led to an enormous fountain and then beyond to a monolith of over 100 figures representing humanity's longing for the spiritual and divine. Finally, we reach the Wheel of life, 4 figures bound together for eternity.
Lunch on the busy Oslo waterfront. Music from a stage in the background. Squeals of delight from kids interacting with some cartoon costumed folk. We are huddled under blankets and overhead heaters and all is good. 4 bowls of soup and 4 beer later the bill is over $150...ah, the cost of living in Norway. But the streets and eateries are full, so wages must reflect the costs.
We move on to explore city hall. Outside at one entry to the building are 16 huge wooden friezes depicting Norse mythology...the life of gods and stories of wisdom & love, war & hate and the Goddesses of destiny bring visions for the future.
Other statues on the outside of the building pay homage to the past as City hall is located in the former red-light district from the Victorian era.
Inside are art galleries and rooms filled with beautiful frescoes depicting fishing, forestry, industry and more of life in Norway.
The grand hall that hosts the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony is magnificent. One can only imagine the hall filled with sound from the great pipe organ. A 49 bell carillon plays every hour.
The day finishes at home as it started with more of Tony's great home cooking. Mussels for dinner tonight.
One more day in Oslo, then on to Flam.
Sunday: a nice slow start to the day including medicine and force-feeding little Chaing Mai who has been a sick kitty lately ...hopefully on the mend.
We cycled about 20 km to Son for a walk on the waterfront, a visit to a gallery and a rest in a cafe.
Our time here has been fantastic. We hope we can host Ruth and Tony one day.
Some random photos of the day, some struggling with first-time use of a selfie stick.
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