oslo is for lovers
Tuesday, October 12, 2010 at 4:37PM Our mini cruise to Oslo was awesome, absolutely perfect aside from Christian’s steak on the first night, haha. But no, we had the perfect weather (well what you could expect for fall in Scandinavia!) and seamless travel.
As part of the ‘honeymoon’ splurge I got us a room in the ‘Commodore’ class which meant our room had a private balcony and we had access to a lounge with an endless flow of snacks and booze (honeymoon is bliss, yes?). We spent more time in the room on the way home than the way out (hello cruise boats are just so exciting) but I’m glad we splurged!
The ‘cruise’ is really a ferry, marketed well. So it meant that we only took 7 hours in Oslo in the end. We could have of course booked a night in Oslo but between me being in school on Saturdays and my time off not being paid yet (you buy your time into 6 weeks paid vacation here!) I think the back and forth was just right.
It was just so great to spend some one-on-one time with hubby away from the stress of real life. We wined and dined and took a relaxed tour around Oslo on our bikes. Of course that meant we didn’t see nearly all Oslo had to offer but that means we can take the trip again with friends and family when they come visit!
I didn’t fall off my bike once, you’ll be happy (and relieved) to know. The streets were quiet as it was a Sunday so that probably helped quite a bit.
We got off the boat right near the Opera & Ballet House so we took that as our first destination. You can literally walk all over it – very cool concept. It looks like a ski slope straight into the harbor. Very cool stuff – and it allowed for some fun with the camera!
After there we biked through the center of town to the Royal Palace. I think it’s a little plain looking but their gaurds entertained me. It was here we were approached by a very erhm… drunk and/or drugged out Norwegian guy going on about the soccer match the night before as he juggled 5 children’s soccer trophies and a broom stick. He was actually quite hilarious to talk to – but he was definitely on his way home from an epic night I would guess.
From there we biked to Vigeland Park – this giant park holds 200+ sculptures/statues made by Vigeland. The park was actually designed by him as well. I’m not sure why this guy gut a whole park in Oslo dedicated to him and his art but I suppose it is impressive. He made each sculpture all on his own without any help – that has to be a lot of work in the end!
We biked back into town and stopped at the town square area – right near the Akers Brygge harbor area. The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded here.
In Akers Brygge we got lunch at TGIFridays, pffft. I have no shame. It was outside and as cute as any other café for the same outrageous prices but they had buffalo wings. And I knew I could count on Fridays to use proper buffalo sauce (how I miss it!). They did not disappoint. It’s the little things when it comes to me… ;)
After lunch we biked over to Akerhus Fortress across the harbor. It was really beautiful with all the foliage in full fall form and some leaves on the ground. With the sun angles it made for some fun pictures!
From here we biked around some more and then just relaxed by the Opera House again before going back to the boat. Once back on the boat we took some time out on our deck to enjoy the view as we left and the fjords in late afternoon sun into sunset. So pretty!
Some more cruise ship activities and a good night sleep and we woke up right next to Helsingør (town where Christian and I met) on the way back into Copenhagen.
It was such a perfect little trip. Albeit expensive, it was worth every penny! I highly recommend and definitely want to do it again sometime!
So where should the Als travel next? I am thinking maybe either Vienna for a cute holiday feel or Eastern Europe for cheap Christmas shopping in early December? We shall see…
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biking, cruise, oslo, travel in celebration, travel, wine & dine
Reader Comments (5)
great to hear about trip. I can tell you're truely happy! In
our busy lives we tend to forget to slow down, take time to love ourselves
so we can give love to others. now that you remember it is the small things in life that truely give us passion.
To the states, and take we with you!!!!
you guys are soooo cute....kills me....you look sooo happy and i am so happy for you although I do miss you a ton and wish you could just be a tid bit closer to me!! Looks like an amazing trip and the pictures are awesome...love ya! xoxo
awww thanks everybody! we are two lucky ducks to have each other, that is for sure! i miss you home in the states, too! so maybe the next trip is home and of course jeanette you are more than welcome to come with!! hehe. xoxo
Hey hun! I got a nikon D3000 and im in love with it!
If you're going to buy one -- find one you like and then stalk amazon everyday -- the prices fluxuated a lot and I ended up getting it for a $100 less than it had been listed on every other site I checked!
Hope all is well!