Norway

More than once I was explaining that one of the many reasons I chose Norway for my big birthday celebration was that it was a safe country to visit. None of the unrest that is so prevalent in many parts of the world. Beautiful Norway, such a wonderful visit only to be darkened by the outrageous bombing of the building in Oslo and the camp shooting. I'm still in disbelief that it actually happened there. What a naive person I was to believe that anywhere is safe from terrorist dangers. This trip did not stop in Oslo, but I have been there many times before. I haven't followed the news on the incident but my heart goes out to all the people effected by that terror.

The trip was lovely, so many incredible sights to see along the way! The highlight was the zodiac ride in Geirangerfjord as I mentioned before. Felt very brave and am so glad that I overcame the trauma I dealt with leading up to the adventure. I survived the zodiacs in Antarctica and these actually had seats in them, a much more 'luxurious' experience! The driver purposely made it exciting, flying right up to the sides of the fjord and going the full speed, 50 knots as we leaned to the side being sprayed with water. I complained about the intense heat when we had to put on the life preserver suits that covered our entire body, but once out in the fjord I was quite pleased to be cocooned in the warm, bulky outfit. The bouncing wasn't good for my back and neck, but a small price to pay for the thrill! To have floated through the fjords that way was an experience to remember! ten years ago, twenty years ago, when I was teaching class after class about Norway, I NEVER could have imagined seeing the fjords, much less cruising on the zodiac adventure in one.

My actual birthday was also a memorable day. I was in Bergen and took a tour to the home of Edvard Grieg, the famous Norwegian composer. I am not familiar with much of his music but the troll-ish music from Peer Gynt called something like Mountain King was something we listened to in class when we studied Norway. There was a piano concert of his music, in a 'concert hall' overlooking the hills and lake of his home and it was stunning. Dinner was a delight as Diana and Alec took me to dinner at Sabatini's restaurant. We had a great time even though they have changed the way it works and it wasn't as good as before. Disappointing a bit, but it was so special to be there with friends for my day. Even had a bit of the champagne that the hotel had given me. I wish I could remember the card Diana gave me it was perfect...something about one should be celebrating 60 with dignity, but the way I was doing it was much more fun. Cute card and so perfect!

When I was on the tour in Aldasnes I met 2 ladies who were celebrating their 60th birthdays together on the trip because one of their husbands had given them the trip as a gift. They had been friends for 54 years! While we were at dinner at Sabatinis they came in and had found a card in Norwegian that has a big 60 on it and said they hoped it said something nice because they couldn't read it and dropped it off and left. What a fun surprise and when I get home I'll put the text into a translation program and see what it actually says, but a great memento of being in Norway for my 60th!

Disembarking the ship wasn't bad at all, I know to go out early and there was no problem with them letting me off so I had found my luggage and was on the bus before the rush began. Once in London I chatted with my friend the concierge and enjoyed his life story, what a kind man he has been for the last 4 years and now I know more about him. He is from Macedonia, speaks 6 languages and he has put his money into a lovely home he has had built to retire in, in Macedonia. Everyone has a story and it seem seldom can it be guessed!

I spent the afternoon in Covent Gardens, lively place with street entertainers and many people wandering. I was exhausted so I had a quiet evening at the hotel and was up and now at the airport waiting for my flight to Lisbon. I wish I were more excited about it but this is the first time I'm going and not being met by Cesar. Evidently he won't be at the hotel until the middle of the night because of his job so we will have a short time together tomorrow and then Tuesday morning I fly back to London for the next part of my adventure.

Cheers from London...safe and sound!