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!

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.