Oslo By The Sea

The water in the harbor inlet was as still as glass this morning casting a perfect reflection  of colorful wooden houses and boats on the way to the airport.  Already the city was waking up and the fish market was setting up for a busy day.



Our flight to Oslo was under one hour and the view was spectacular the whole way.  Pine forests surrounded pristine lakes and tiny villages.  We will have to come back and explore some of these hidden places.

Once again my suitcase did not make it onto the plane, the second time this trip, but after it was quickly located somewhere else in Noway, and a promise was made to deliver it this evening, we boarded a swift modern train to the city center.  Our accommodation, Cochs Pennsjonat, is right behind the Royal Palace.  The Royal Guard was having a concert when we passed through and we followed them to their bus.  They kept in perfect cadence even as they boarded the bus while the drummer kept the beat.  We noticed the guards in their sentries. Each one had a crisp royal uniform and hat, but also carried rather intimidating looking modern weaponry.  As they stand at their posts they continually scan the area from left to right and back again.



The waterfront is just a 10 minute walk from here and is lined with many museums. While visiting the Resistance Museum, we learned that during World War II, Norway was invaded in April of 1940.  Old photographs, letters, hand stenciled newspapers, and videos told the story. 








Just outside the museum is the Akershus Fortress. Parts of it date back to medieval times in the 1300s.  The old stones were quite an interesting contrast to the enormous cruise ship sitting in front of it.

Food is so expensive here.  We decided to go to a gourmet grocery store and have a picnic right at the harbor.  We  weren't alone with this idea either and it was so pleasant to see the ferries, sightseeing boats, and fishing boats come to shore.  Following a wooden boardwalk along the harbor, we came upon a group of people dancing,  Some had fancy dance moves while others just kept moving to the beat.



Walking back to our accommodation, we noticed pretty cafes in park like settings ringed with tiki torches.  Each cafe had almost a party atmosphere.  Tomorrow it is supposed to be a warm sunny day. With our Oslo Pass in hand, we will explore what this city has to offer.