Day 7
Today was a free day in Oslo, where each could enjoy a walk in the friendly capital on their own or do whatever they pleased. Sofie and I took it upon ourselves to discover as much as we could and cover a lot of ground, walking but also using the local public transportation which was not only fairly cheap but very functional, punctual and easy to use.
The only downside was that today was a public holiday (Good Friday) which meant that most of the shops were closed and even the some of the museums.
We saw the Radhuse (Town Council), Aker Brygge (the harbour center with the huge shopping mall), the Royal Palace, the National Theater and the University of Oslo. We visited the Glas Magasinet (the oldest jeweller of Oslo) and the Dom Kirche (Cathedral). We then took the tram to the famous Vigeland Park with all its statues by Gustav Vigeland. Very impressive. Here we had a coffee with some some local pastries (a chocolat muffin and a Vienna Surprise).
A bus next brought us to the island across the fjord where we wanted to visit the Viking Ship Museum, but it was closed due to the public holiday. It was still a very nice walk. The weather was fantastic. A little ferry boat took us back to the centre of Oslo where we then visited the Akerhuus Fortress and Castle and Parliament.
We had a light and delicious (but oh, so expensive) late lunch on the terrace of the famous Grand Café at the Grand Hotel. Very impressive. I even kept the napkin...
We then walked the Karl Johans Gate (the famous central shopping street) in hopes of finding at least some souvenir shops to bring something for our kids. We found only one shop and were lucky enough to get even a t-shirt in the correct size.
For dinner we planned to meet with one of the original Hoth Troopers. I was able to locate and convince Sigbjorn Henanger to join us for dinner. He had many happy memories to share with us and gladly signed the items we had brought with us. It was a special moment to be there with Sigbjorn who told his Hoth tale over a fantastic dinner of catfish or reindeer in the superb setting of this maritime restaurant. It would prove to be a memorable evening for all parties.
Afterwards we had a nightcap in the Hard Rock Café and went to bed.
