On to Oslo and the Poor House August 29,2006
We were up early and so went for a walk on a paved path that ran along side of the Aurlandsfjord before having the field ration breakfast offered by pensionat where we are staying. We then packed up and walked to the Flamsbana Station where we logged on and booked our room for Copenhagen. Another huge cruise ship pulled in during this time and the reign of peace ended. The lords of cruisedom wanted to be sure of their victory so sent another, albeit slightly smaller, ship in to anchor in the outer harbor. This ship used its bright orange motor launch to ferry passengers ashore and insured that chaos was the order of the day. We took the 11AM Flamsbana back to Myrdal at the top and the main line. The 11AM was fully booked with people having to wait for the next train which will also be fully booked. Four hours ago there were not enough people in this town to fill the train for one ride.
At Myrdal we caught the 12:25 east bound train for Oslo. The Bergen to Oslo line is supposed to be one of the most scenic rail trips in Europe. The scenery is fantastic when you can see it as the train ventures through a tunnel or snow screen frequently. Shortly after leaving Myrdal we were crossing a treeless plateau with large glacial lakes and numerous opportunities for hiking in the summer and skiing in the winter. We reached Geilo and were treated to a view of a mountain named Hallingskarvet and the glaciers which reside upon it. Another stunning Norwegian view.!
Our train pulled into Oslo on time and after loading the human mules we struck out for our hotel. After a short orientation period in which we inadvertently explored a few extra alleys and avenues we found the P Hotel Oslo. When checking in we were given a code for the wireless internet but quickly found out the fifth floor room did not receive the signal. A call to the desk and we were on the third floor and on line.
We decided to have dinner because of today’s logistics schedule we had had a very light lunch, but we were tired and did not want to go far. There was a Burger King next door which means cheap fast food in the world’s number one most expensive city. Actually in the surveys that I have seen Oslo is tied with London as being the budget breaking champion. You have to hand it to Oslo for trying to clinch a solo title as Holly’s grilled chicken salad with coke and my Whopper Jr meal cost US$28! We were talking with a Norwegian gentleman the other day and he told us that the minimum wage in Norway now is the equivalent of US$27. As much as we have enjoyed Scandinavia it will be nice to move on to more reasonable prices. Having said that we are planning on moving to London (co-champ) in about a week. Details to come.
At Myrdal we caught the 12:25 east bound train for Oslo. The Bergen to Oslo line is supposed to be one of the most scenic rail trips in Europe. The scenery is fantastic when you can see it as the train ventures through a tunnel or snow screen frequently. Shortly after leaving Myrdal we were crossing a treeless plateau with large glacial lakes and numerous opportunities for hiking in the summer and skiing in the winter. We reached Geilo and were treated to a view of a mountain named Hallingskarvet and the glaciers which reside upon it. Another stunning Norwegian view.!
Our train pulled into Oslo on time and after loading the human mules we struck out for our hotel. After a short orientation period in which we inadvertently explored a few extra alleys and avenues we found the P Hotel Oslo. When checking in we were given a code for the wireless internet but quickly found out the fifth floor room did not receive the signal. A call to the desk and we were on the third floor and on line.
We decided to have dinner because of today’s logistics schedule we had had a very light lunch, but we were tired and did not want to go far. There was a Burger King next door which means cheap fast food in the world’s number one most expensive city. Actually in the surveys that I have seen Oslo is tied with London as being the budget breaking champion. You have to hand it to Oslo for trying to clinch a solo title as Holly’s grilled chicken salad with coke and my Whopper Jr meal cost US$28! We were talking with a Norwegian gentleman the other day and he told us that the minimum wage in Norway now is the equivalent of US$27. As much as we have enjoyed Scandinavia it will be nice to move on to more reasonable prices. Having said that we are planning on moving to London (co-champ) in about a week. Details to come.
posted by Gary and Holly Davis @ 11:03 PM
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