Medevial Castle to Modern Opera House

Today we had a bit if extremes in our sightseeing. We started out this beautiful sunny morning by visiting Norway's medieval castle at the Akershus Fortress which was built in the 1300s. It is still used today for State events. I think we all enjoyed listening to the tour while roaming the great halls, winding staircases, dungeons, crypts and the royal tomb. All the while I tried to envision them filled with Norway's and Denmark's royal families....The harbor views from the castle were pretty amazing too.

While at the Akershus Fortress we also visited Norway's Resistance Museum. It recreated the 5 years from Nazi invasion to liberation during WWII. I did not realize how extensive the Nazi's occupation was of Norway (400,000 troops), how much the country was terrorized and how instrumental the Norwegioan resistance was in it's own liberation. From secret radios, underground newspapers and home-made weapons, the reisistance movement was very inspirational. Wow! But it was also very sobering to learn that some of the very resistance leaders featured inside the museum were executed by the Germans right outside the museum....

To cool off and relax a bit after a heavy morning we decided to take a quick dip in the Oslo fjord! Once again the boys got to practice their dare devil diving skills  while the rest of us soaked in the sun. But I must confess, I eventually did dive into the salty water too! 

The day ended with Stein joining us and giving us a tour of the Norwegian Opera & Ballet which was built in 2008. It's unique structure reminded me of a big glacier rising from the water's edge to it's extended slanted roof made of a beautiful white marble and glass. It was quite stunning and we had fun walking up the roof all the way to the top!

Once again, my feet are tired and it's time to retire for the day... 

Artsy, Wet and Wild

We started our day today with a visit to the Astrup Fearnley Museum of modern art. The architecturally impressive museum is located on the water's edge of the Oslo fjord. However I must admit, I don't get modern art.... I mean if I have to listen to an audio to gain a deeper understanding of multi-colored trash bags piled up in a heap.... Well, I think I'll pass... Anyway, the building was very cool and having my architect/engineer son Jon explain it's design was very cool. (Oh, and by the way my artsy kids didn't get most or the art either so now I don't feel so dumb.)

Since it was such a lovely day we decided to head to the Oslo pool. Wow! That was refreshing and it was so much fun watching the boys dive off the platforms. No injuries (thank God), just some oohs and aahs and a few good laughs too. 

With our damp swimsuits still on, we hopped on the train towards the Olympic Holmenkollen downhill ski jump. It became obvious very quickly that these skiers must be insane.... As we stood at the top of the jump I cannot begin to imagine how one gets to the point of thinking of doing something so crazy and then living to tell about it!! And after going in the ski jump simulator, I definitely know it's not for me... 5 minutes felt like an eternity and it's probably not a good idea to scream and shut your eyes as you fly down the ski jump if you want to survive let alone land upright!

Anyway, from the top of the ski jump we experienced a 360 degree panoramic view of the city, fjord and surrounding forest. It was breathtaking. 

We had a wonderful meal on the waterfront and now it's time to get some rest. 

Bygdoy Island Museums

After catching up on sleep, we spent most of the day exploring the museums on Bygdoy. We too took the ferry across the harbor and enjoyed seeing the traditional Norwegian homes and Stavkirke church at the open air Norwegian Folk Museum. Then we spent the afternoon touring the the Viking Ship, Kon Tiki, and Fram museums. I was so impressive with vision, passion and hard work of those early explorers/ scientists. Wow! They all faced extreme obstacles but continued to pursue their dreams.... We ended the day eating next to the Norwegain Parliment at an open air cafe and did some people watching. Then we indulged ourselves with a delicious ice cream cone and dipped our tired feet into the the nearby water fountains. Ahhhh.... 

We arrived and are reunited!

I can hardly believe it but we made it to Norway today!! Somebody pinch me....Our flight from Mnpls via Iceland arrived about the same time as Jon, Michea and Chris's flight arrived from Texas. It was great to see each other again!!! After collecting our luggage (another story!) we made our way to our hotel via the train. At the hotel we were re-untied with Stein and Linda!! What fun we had getting reaquainted and reminiscing. After a lovely dinner and walk to Vigeland Park with Stein and Linda we were all ready to crash! Somebody pinch me because it's hard to believe that we're really in Oslo!! 

On our way....

After months of planning and with eager anticipation, we start our adventure to Norway. Unlike other vacations we have taken this one is particularly unique. For you see we not only have places to see but instead distinct people to meet. 

First we are very excited to be re-united after 22 years with our foreign exchange student, Stein Vidar Karlsen. He stayed with our family during the school year of 1990-91 while we were living in Sioux City. Jon and Chris were only 4 and 2 years old then and Stein affectionately referred to them as the "little monsters". We can hardly wait to see him and his family in Oslo. 

Secondly, we are anxiously awaiting to visit the area where Bob's great granparents immigrated from. It reads like a fairy tale.... We will take the express boat up the coast from Bergen to the island of Vagsoy, then to the village of Vagsvag to see the Vaage family farm.... In Vagsvag we will finally meet some of Bob's relatives and share an unspoken bond. 

Well, how can one not be a little emotional about all that!

 I am filled with warm thoughts.