Anglesey Abbey

On the way home, I decided to call into Anglesey Abbey where I found an abundance of snowdrops. There was only one problem, I only had the 85mm prime lens, so I will have to return!

Icy Fjord

At last I have a replacement camera! There is lots of ice here to chill the Champagne!

 

Flaxstad, Nordland, Norway

Vigeland Sculptures Frogmer Park, Oslo

Vigeland Installation so named because it is a permanent exhibition of work.  Vigelandsparken is one of Norway's most visited attractions with more than 1 million visitors every year.   The unique sculpture park is the life work of the sculptor Gustav Vigeland (1869-1943) with more than 200 sculptures in bronze, granite and cast iron. This Norwegian sculptor was the designer of the Nobel Peace Prize medal.  Some of the figures in this park gave me the impression of tortured, disturbed souls.
Ann and I were in the park at sunrise as where many others, running, walking cycling, dog walkers and tourists! 

Travelling back to overnight in Oslo

The flight from Reine was cancelled but we did fly out that day after two snow ploughs flew up and down the runway clearing snow. We made the SAS connecting flight to Oslo where we had booked into the Comfort Hotel Express Central station in a balcony room on the top floor, not that we could sit outside but we did go out to view the square. It was an excellent hotel, similar style to Citizen M and convenient for the station and airport.  Checking in was well organised and one could do it oneself though if one needed help there was someone at the bar! Communications were clear and Cool!  WIFI had been available and free in airports and on trains but the WIFI at the hotel was incredibly fast. 

Connectivity -  First things first, lets get you hooked up, our WIFI "Telenor" it is fast,  free and open. (and they were not kidding, lightening fast!) There are no room phones so if you have any questions, skip on downstairs and grab one of the happy crew members. You can also call us at +47 22 40 ** ** for international guests, we recommend using calling apps like Viber or Skype. (oh no, I have been watched skipping).

View - Now, its time to take in our urban surroundings.  Head on up to the 7th floor corridor to enjoy the urban view through the floor to ceiling windows. 

Ironing- Are you in that sharp, super clean and wrinkle free look?  Head on over to over to the 7th floor where you will find our ironing room. (The Arctic travellers gave that a miss.......)

Barception - Next, head on down to the Barception. It's a great place to get a drink before your urban adventures, meet new people and enjoy some music. 

Breakfast - Some people like to have it in the morning, some don't. Staying with us means you can choose.  Buy a cup of coffee and something to eat in the Barception or do your breakfast urban style in one of Oslo's many great coffee shops.  Again, download the Urban Experiences app for insider tips. 

Staying in the centre enabled us to get to the Sculpture Park in the morning before getting a flight to London Heathrow. 

Everyone seemed to be accessing WIFI and the timely train service offered self-service coffee.

Haukland Beach waiting for sunset

Mary Ann and Borge Iverson - Ballstad, Lofoten

Borge and Mary Ann have provided wonderful fish dishes over the last four days, Whale Carpaccio, Hake, Coolfish (Colley), Lutefisk, fresh Cod, fish caviar, shrimps and fish soup. The weather had not been good for Borge to fish for fresh cod so Mary Ann could not cook cod tongues. I am not sure that sounded too appertising but one never knows, it is supposed to be special! Borge a solo fisherman who likes to be alone at sea, was proud to show me his boat, and then next there was the fridge with many of the fish that had been cleaned and ready to cook.  Mary Ann was also busy cooking for guests and taking bookings. They have "Overnatting Og Fisketurer" where you can stay in a Rorbu.  Not only would you experience the fisherman's house there is the real fisherman!

The model IVERSON boat

Mary Ann taking bookings