The train journey between Oslo and Bergen is rated as one of the best in the world and it is not difficult to understand why. Very shortly after leaving Oslo the scenery was magnificent - deers grazing in the meadows, mountains, waterfalls, picturesque villages and houses - it had the lot. Arriving in Bergen I was happy to find Sally and Thel waiting for me, Rob and Mal were parking the car and after dumping my bag we headed of to the Funicular to view Bergen from above. After a wander round the old town of Bergen and the most expensive beer in the world (£7.50), we travelled back to Nordheimsun where Sally and Rob were doing a house swop. It was great to have time to catch up with all the news and what everyone's families had been up to. We go back a long way and have known each others' kids since they were babies.

The following day we stayed close to home. The men drove the girls to Oystese which has a rather lovely wooden church. We then visited the Kabuso Art Gallery which had very large paintings in just one colour. Not impressed especially as we had to pay but it was made up for by the Ingebrigt Vik Museum which had some wonderful sculptures. We were then picked up and driven to see the Goldfish pond.

Leaving the Catheral behind, we went off in search of prawns from the fishing co-op but being Monday the co-op was closed. However, a perfect restaurant on the waterfront was found, a large bucket of prawns ordered and a delicious lunch had. I have always liked travelling alone but it was nice to have someone to chat too and my companion was interesting. Next stop was the castle where we joined a walking tour. The fluency of the young guide was amazing (don't know what we do wrong in Turkey but all the young Norwegians speak great English with barely an accent)and when I commented on her excellent English, she told me her father was Australian! The view from the castle seawards was rather marred by an enormous cruise ship. Heaven forbid that I ever have to resort to that type of holiday.

A visit to the Resistance Museum, a guided walk around Oslo and a superb meal at a Vietnamese Restaurant and I was ready for bed. Fortunately there was no-one in my dorm. so I could have a long hot leisurely shower and although there was a clog dancing party taking place the room above me, I slept like a log and did not wake until my alarm went off. A quick dash to the station and off on the next leg of the journey.

Norway Summer 2010

I sat on my Ryan Air flight and read Lonely Planet from cover to cover so felt quite clued up about Norway but nothing could have prepared me for the beautiful scenery and the amazing waterfalls. Or for the cost of things! The backpackers was well organised and I left my bag and prepared to go wandering around Oslo. I was picked up by an elderly American gentleman (I seem to spend my life at the moment with people a lot older than myself which makes a change as I am usually twice the age of my travelling companions!) who asked if he could join me. He was quite amazing actually as he had just flown in from USA but kept up with me all day. Arriving on a Monday is never good as many things were closed but there was still plenty to see and do. Our first stop was the Cathederal which was beautiful. I rather love churches and mosques so always try and visit one wherever I go.