Oslo, Norway

Continuing our tour of Scandanavia we went to Oslo, Norway. The train from Stockholm was almost 7 hours! We sat in the "pet car" which is a 6 seat compartment especially for travellers with pets. We obviously didn't have any four-legged friends with us, but it was a full train.

We met a cat named Dennis and a chihuaha named Mike Tyson, who were both very friendly...oh and so were there owners. We also met a woman named Astrid who travels around the world for a fashion clothing company. She had been to India, Thailand, and Australia, plus various places in Europe. She was on the train the entire trip and gave us lots of pointers for Oslo and other areas we are going to visit. Like most Scandanavians she spoke English, so we had a wonderful time getting to know each other.

From the station we found our hotel and got checked in, then it was off to explore Oslo. We walked about 30 minutes to the Vingeland sculpture park, which in one word was breathtaking. The park is home to 193 granite and bronze sculptures all by Gustav Vigeland, including 'The Monolith' which is the world's largest granite structure. Most of the sculptures are of men, woman and children in various poses or portraying various actions. None of the sculptures repeat and all of them are detailed so masterfully it is hard to pick a favorite. The park also offers a wonderful view of Oslo from on top a large hill. It was really gorgeous to see the tree lined paths with their Autum colors. One of the most beautiful Autum scenes I have ever seen.

From the park we went back toward the center of the city and found a TGI Friday's! We decided to eat there for dinner. Something about eating at an American resteraunt in a very foreign place is comforting. Not to mention, who could pass up TGIF's potato skins!? Dinner was delicious, as to be expected. The resteraunt looks like any you would find in the USA, plays American music and provides an English menu. It wasn't until you listened to the language being spoken around you, that you realized you were in Norway.

After dinner we returned to the hotel for an early night. We simply hung out and did nothing! It was very relaxing. We stay at a hotel about once a week, as a present from H's folks. It is super nice to have a private room with attached private bath! Its also nice to sleep in the same bed. Since it was a hotel I decided to forego pajamas (every night is another use and we don't get to do laundry too often).

Well as well as I slept, I woke up with a rash covering 75% of my upepr body! Its super itchy but is nothing more than an irritant, probably to whatever the sheets were washed in. I took a hot shower and some allergy medicine to soothe the itch. Heather didn't notice anything on her earlier, but she has some rashy patches too. No worries, with our first aid kit we're covered. Should clear up by tomorrow.

We went out and found a souvenir shop to buy our patches and postcards from. I also bought a cool Norway shirt, because as Heather says "who has a shirt from Norway!?!". She bought a cute little viking ship to add to her world travels cabinet at home. :)

Now we are currently on a train back to Sweden, which then connects to a train back to Copenhagen. We get another day in lovely, Denmark!

Monday marks the 1/2 way point of our journey! Wow! We will be celebrating in Berlin!

Safe Travels,
- Kit & Heather