The journey to Oslo was interrupted due to a problem with the trains and we changed on to a bus. I arrived at the station and was met by Jackie and Lucy who I have not seen for 29 (?) years. Jackie drove back to her house and we then went out to do some sightseeing. We went to Vigeland Park which was as lovely as I had been led to believe and viewed the statues and dodged the showers. We then drove up above the town to have tea and view the new ski jump. Then it was on to Bogstad Manor before going out for an Indian meal. Every meal out in Norway was from a different country - Indian, Thai and Vietnamese! I had an early start in the morning for my flight back to UK. It was a great holiday, so different from what I usually do. The next blog will be from Turkey where I am going on Sunday.

Moving On

Early next morning I caught the bus to Bergen as I was catching the ferry to Stavanger. I had time in Bergen to nip into the National Gallery and look at the Munch paintings there. On the boat I rushed upstairs to get seat outside and thought it was strange that there were only four seats to be had. Feeling quite smug, I settled myself down on one of them and prepared for a wonderful six hour voyage. We headed out of the harbour and the wind started. I quickly realised where there were no seats on deck - it was freezing. I stuck it out with the smokers as long as I could before retreating downstairs to the comfortable, airline style seats. On arriving in Stavanger I found the hostel, dropped my bags and headed into down to look at Gamle Stavanger.
It is a lovely area with very pretty houses and gardens. I returned via a local Thai cafe where I had a reasonably good meal and then back to hostel for waffles and coffee before bed.
The next I was up early, had a great breakfast and prepared a packed lunch and caught the ferry to Lysebotn to attempt the Pulpit Rock climb. I only had walking sandals which according to the sign were forbidden but I thought if it got too bad I could just head back. The walk/climb up was fine if a little aerobically challenging and the view from the top just amazing. I did not get anywhere near the edge although there were people dangling their legs over.

The climb down was another matter as it was steep and a lot of the time you were going from rock to rock so it did not feel that safe. I was very relieved to be on flat ground again with no injuries! That night after my waffles and coffee, I went to bed early but woke up at midnight with everything hurting. I managed to find an aspirin and slept till an early alarm call. It was pouring with rain so I took a taxi which was incredibly expense and settled myself on to the train for another long journey. Unfortunately it rained continuously so really couldn't watch the scenery but that did not matter much as I slept most of the way. The walk the day before well and truly knocked me out!

Trip up Fjord

The next day was brightish so we took a ferry up Hardangerfjord or at least a branch of that fjord. We saw many beautiful waterfalls on this fairly short trip. After we got back we went and ate waffles and strawberries and afterwards sat down by the boathouse and had beer. Note the boathouse with a "hairy roof".

I definitely need a teenager to come and sort out my blog. Photos do not stay where I put them and then I cannot add one when I want. Frustration is mounting! But to go on with my Norway trip.

I was fascinated by the Stave Church but the crowds made it difficult to see it all properly. How different from travelling in Turkey when usually we have a huge site to ourselves! Later we went to Lysoen, Ole Bull's house. I had never heard of Ole Bull but he was Greig's mentor and a fascinating character. We got to the island by a little ferry and it was lovely and peaceful and too far out to be a coach tour destination so refreshingly deserted.

On the way back we stopped at our waterfall which is possible to walk behind and then back to house where Rob cooked a wonderful barbeque.

Thel, Mal and I went on the Flam excursion. It started with a boat trip from Gudvangen. Fortunately we were at the front of the queue for the boat so got good seats and then the people just kept coming on till we were packed like sardines. The Flam railway was considerably more comfortable and brilliantly spectacular. It is hard to think of enough superlatives to describe the scenery especially the waterfall that the train stops at. We were in the last carriage so did not know what we were going to see till we walked out of the tunnel and were faced with the biggest, most powerful waterfall I have ever seen or am likely to ever see!

The following morning we started out early as Thel and Mal were heading off. Sally, Rob and I then went on to Troldhaugen, Grieg's summer home. It was set in the most picturesque setting and we spend an hour or so wandering round. Rather loved this photo. I have never felt the urge myself to dive off a toilet seat!