Impressions of Bergen

We stayed in a vacation apartment in the first floor of this 1760s era building.

It was a charming neighborhood of cobblestone roads and walking-only "streets."

Believe it or not, this is actually a driving street!

Our first morning, we took the Fløibanen (a funicular, or type of railcar) up into the hills to enjoy the panoramic view

We enjoyed a fabulous meal of fish and chips here at the fish market.
It was so good there was not even any question of us returning for lunch the second day as well!

This is the classic photo shot of Bergen (mine has the lovely crane in the background as well as the two church spires that are completely surrounded by scaffolding and wrapped in some kind of plastic as well). These old buildings, called "Bryggen," date to the 1700s and housed a vital industry of trading and fishing. They happened to be saved by the man who owned them--he didn't upgrade in the late 19th century like all of his neighbors. At the time he was thought to be slightly mad, but now Bryggen is the much-photographed "face" of Bergen.

The "new" buildings built around 1900

It was fun to walk the narrow alleys of Bryggen and browse the specialty shops that have now taken over the old warehouse spaces.

We also visited Edvard Grieg's home, Troldhaugen. Here is pictured the performance hall (added by the museum--the grass-roofed building) as well as his little composing cabin down by the lake. 

Edvard Grieg's home

Taking the Train to Bergen

Bergen is a harbor town on the western coast of Norway. It has a long and colorful history as a shipping port and fishing center, and now as a tourist draw as well. The regional train trip from Oslo to Bergen is considered one of the most beautiful train rides in Europe (some argue it is the most scenic!). Just after Easter we were able to take the whole family out on the train and spent a couple of days enjoying Bergen's sights.

The train took us from the city center of Oslo, through the farm fields in the surrounding area, along lakes and reservoirs in the valleys of the middle of Norway, and up into the highest of Norway's mountains before coming down again to the harbor city of Bergen. Because we were traveling on Easter Monday, we left Oslo with just a few passengers, but along the way we picked up many Norwegians who had been up in the mountains skiing for the Easter holiday.

It is about a seven hour train trip, but there was never a dull moment, either inside the car or with the scenery outside. It is impossible to really capture the experience, but here are a few photo highlights.

The city of Drammen, on the far outskirts of Oslo

Note all the holiday cabins in the mountains--for skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer

Even though Easter was quite late this year, there was still quite a bit of snow in the highest mountains.

Holmenkollen Ski Jump and Ski Museum (again, this time in the sunshine!)

With one set of parents visiting this week, we are playing tourist in a big way and getting around town to see the sights. One trip I've been looking forward to for a long time is a re-visit to the Holmenkollen ski jump and ski museum. Way back in the fall, we had planned a walking visit to the area with some friends who are locals. However, it was pouring rain and our walking visit turned into a "walk-by" visit and one quick photo. 

Now that spring is here in a big way, however, we enjoyed a lovely sunny day and were able to get up to the top of the ski jump for a look out over Oslo (a bit hazy, but we caught glimpses of the fjord and harbor) as well as a visit to the Ski museum. After having watched the World Cup competition in February (held right here on the grounds), it was particularly fun to be in and around the jump and stadium.

The view down from the visitor's platform.
Glad I didn't have skis on and have to do this jump!

The jump from the bottom, with the newly renovated stadium seating on both sides.

Middle Child and I went bravely into the Ski Simulator and tried out ski jumping and slalom racing.

From the Ski Museum: These ladies in the 19th Century enjoyed their skiing in long wool skirts!

Just read the sign. Norwegians are into skiing. Enough said :)

Nobel Peace Prize Museum

Also last week, we paid a short visit to the Nobel Peace Center (while the rest of the Nobel Prizes are awarded in Stockholm, Sweden, the Peace Prize is awarded in Oslo. We had a limited-time tour of the museum, but it was interesting nonetheless. The kids enjoyed the interactive children's section about refugees throughout the world. Most striking was the room where digital photos and text about each of the Peace Prize recipients were featured. They were not in any particular order (that I could tell), so it was a little hard to find specific people, but the overall effect of the room was quite stunning.

An interactive touch screen told the story of a refugee camp from the perspective of a young girl.
It was actually quite touching. She talked about gathering cardboard to help make their shelter,
and playing football with a ball made of rags wrapped up with string.

Display of all the Peace Prize recipients

2010 Peace Prize recipient, Liu Xiaobo

Back to Vigelands Park, in the Snow

Last week my aunt and cousin were visiting, so we headed back to Vigelands Park in Oslo. The weather was really gorgeous (in the high 40s F) and lots of people were out, never mind the snow (this being Norway, of course). Every time we go, I find "new" sculptures that catch my eye.

I love the interaction between this father and son--the way they seem to be fully engaged with each other,
maybe passing on words of wisdom (maybe debating the latest football scores)

As usual, the "waffle cart" was well positioned by the entrance.
Waffles are a favorite Norwegian snack (served with jam and eaten with your hands when outside like this)

Spring is here (and it's wet!)

I really shouldn't have been surprised at how much fun we had playing in the water last week. Temps were in the 40s and even up to 50 F--the street was like a canal. Good times!

What We've Been Missing . . .

Before my aunt and cousin came to visit us this week, they asked what we might like for treats from home. Here is a photo of our "care package" to give you an idea of what we miss from the U.S.