Our Big Adventure

FERRY TO OSLO

THE CROWN OF SCANDINAVIA

From FERRY

This is definitely the largest and most modern ferry we have been on so far. Our cabin, yes we have a cabin this time, is spacious and comes with a good sized bathroom. There are bars, a theatre and even a disco on board, but after a nice glass of wine in the bar and some dinner we head to our cabin for a goods nights sleep so as to be fresh to meet Adam and Else tomorrow morning in Oslo.

OSLO

The arrival into Oslo by boat is quite spectacular. As you sail up the Oslo fjord, a narrow inlet bordered by high steep cliffs you pass many islands, both inhabited and un-inhabited. Even in the early morning the water was filled with fishing boats, some pleasure craft and of course the car ferries that the people who live on the islands use to get to the mainland.

The harbour terminal where cruise ships, and the ferry we are travelling on dock, is situated at the base of the Akershus Fortress. This medieval landmark, built in the 14th century now houses some government offices, museums, and a military training facility.. The original moat and stone walls still surround the fortress, a once impenetrable obstacle to invading armies. The fortress was however used during WW II by the Nazis, as a prison and execution ground, and there is an excellent museum devoted to the Norwegian Resistance Forces and life under German occupation.

At this time of the year the sun doesn’t rise till well after 8.30am and by 4pm it’s dark, so much has to be packed into the few hours of daylight available. Adam had organized weekly bus passes for us and we made good use of them travelling the excellent public transit system in Oslo. Where else could you take the subway to a mountainous forest complete with ski and hiking trails?

Our ten days passed quickly and in no time at all we were packing up for our three hour bus ride into Sweden, and the final house/pet sit for this trip.

posted by Brian and Julie @ 12:23:00 AM