Voyage 2008: Chapter 3

9 Dec 2008, Oslo Norway by Ferry, 59 57.00 N/ 010 42.00 E

Yesterday, we prepared for our trip to Norway via MV Color Fantasy, a Norwegian flagged ferry ship. Of course we all went shopping in the morning before we boarded the ship at 1400 LT. Bob and Wolfgang were tasked with fetching 4 seats in the observation level of the ship. Bob got run over by a couple of old ladies while Wolfgang sprinted to the observation deck. Wolfgang saved us spaces while we went to our rooms. We all met Wolfgang at our perfect table facing the bow where we could see all of the Kieler Förde.

Our rooms were quite nice but a bit small. We had big (really big) portholes that faced aft. We could see all of the coastline and the vessel traffic as we passed it by. The room had a TV and Bob marveled in watching TV in Norweigan or German. The news broadcasts were especially mystifying but he seemed to really enjoy them. Of course Ann discovered the casino and spent little time finding her favorite 'one arm bandits'. Ann and Denise went shopping on the Promenade (of course) while Bob and Wolfgang looked a bit lost. All but Bob went to the shows. He would rather watch the Norwegian news broadcasts.

10 Dec 2008, Our brief stay in Oslo, 54 21.60 N/ 010 12.60 E

We arrived in Oslo at 0930 LT under nearly dark and cloudy skies. It is amazing how cloudy Northern Europe is in the winter time. Every once in a while we would get a glimmer of sun but it was usually short lived. Oslo looked different than the cities in Germany that we have experienced. Not sure how it looked different but it did.

Denise signed us up for a tour of the city. It was great! We got a tour of the city, saw some churches, old boats, and a bit of sunlight. We also saw the beginning s of the new ultra high ski ramp being constructed. Sadly, much of it was difficult to photograph as the clouds and fog obstructed much of the scenery

Next stop was the controversial Vigeland Sculpture Park with over 600 stone and bronze sculptures. Wolfgang and Ann liked the art while Denise and Bob were not as thrilled. The building fog did help the mood much for those that did not like the sculpture much. Still it was an experience.

At 1400, we were headed back to Kiel. Clouds and fog were not abating so at times it was difficult to see the coast. Before long it was getting dark and we started doing the eating, shopping, shows, TV thing. The food was good except the eel that Bob thought they were kippers. Wolfgang did not tell him until the end. The next morning as we entered the Förde the fog lowered so we could see pretty much nothing. As we approached our mooring, we could not see the pier until we were almost on it. Pretty exciting. At 1030 we were back in the car heading for the Zentrum.

We picked up Denise's computer from the computer place. They are pretty good there as they repaired the on/off switch which had been exposed to a bit of saltwater. Denise was very happy. Then we went to Conrad's Electric so Wolfgang could buy some Moony parts(LEDs, connecters, and other assorted goodies), then to a rare treat; two McDonald burgers and fries. Taste as good here as they do in the USA. Then off to Inge's for one last job for her computers, and last but not least: Weihnachten Markt. After all, we have not been to the Markt for two days.