The Seniors Do Norway

WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY, FRIDAY & SATURDAY IN NORWAY.

Driving through Oslo with my cousin Sue at the wheel, leaving the airport gratefully behind, we were at once struck by two facts: 1: Norwegians all drive small, fuel efficient cars. 2. All signs were in Norwegian.

We were impressed with the squeaky cleanliness of Norway, the length of the tunnels we drove through on the way North to our cousins' house, and the totally uncountable number of sailboats in every harbor on the way! Also impressive, and scary, are the innumberable 'turn-a-rounds in Oslo. Not a lot of traffic lights, just traffic circles. Our cousins had no trouble negotiating these at lightning speed. We were glad they were driving.

The rest of our afternoon was spent getting acquainted with our new surroundings and with our cousins. The views from the deck of our cousins' home were breathtaking. We were on a rocky hill, overlooking Oslo fjord. It was magnificent. After a great dinner of (what else?) Swedish meatballs (!), some wine and some GREAT conversation, it was time for the weary travellers to crash out. And we did.

Dawn on the deck of our cousin's house was amazing.

After a walk down to the beach, where my cousin Sue ACTUALLY WENT SWIMMING IN THE ICE COLD WATERS OF THE FJORD, we logged many wonderful, memorable experiences.

Here are just a few:

Walking in Norway: There is NO flat land. Up and down hills. Does wonders for the body tone. No wonder Norwegians are thin! Pick and eat wild lingonberries, blueberries, rose hips.

Sights to See: Kon Tiki Museum, Downtown Oslo, Gadeland Glassverk, Oslo Harbor.

Things to Do: Sail the Norway Fjord in the Cousins' Sailboat, fish the fjord. Watch Glass Blowing at Hadeland Glassverk.

Try New Foods: Whale Beef, Dried Cod, Norwegian chocolate (wow!); Norwegian Coffee (wow!)

Have a Rural Experience: Farm stands, barns, Norwegian corn on the cob

Watch the birds: Magpies everywhere! Variety of gulls. Wild swans.

Watch the people: bicycles and walkers everywhere!

That's all for today. We'll write more and post more pictures soon.