Bergen, Norway

Aloha Everyone,

Destination presentation on Bergen by Kevin was excellent. Based on the tourism map we received, we started to head towards The National Stage. The day was hot and today we were prepared by dressing lightly. 

J.J. wanted to take a break so I walked and was able to take photos of The National Stage and the iconic building, Theater Kebab & Pizza. 

Bergen like other Norwegian cities is clean. After seeing a workman pressure washing graffiti, we saw an insight into how streets are kept cleaned and well maintained.

At Kiwi mini pris, a local supermarket, we purchased bottles of drinking water before returning to the ship.

Ice cream and Cappuccino coffee before we sat down for an early lunch.

Aloha -- Cathi

Andalsnes, Norway

Aloha Everyone,

Amazing panoramic view below consisting of rivers, fjords, lakes and villages was what waited for us when we stepped out of our cable car. 

The round-trip fee we each paid, 550 Norwegian Kronor or approximately US$100 was the best touristic paid activity J.J. and I engaged on this Norwegian trip.

Tonight, we shared a table with a couple from Las Vegas. Their lives are complex. They’re taking care of their family members. Each knows what’s the right things to do but their hands are tied due to their family obligations.

Our conversation touched on on board entertainment. The wife beamed when I said that listening to them sounds like the TV program we’ve watching, “This is Us.” She agreed and emphatically recommended that we finish the series.  “The ending is perfect!”

I wished her the same for her family.

Aloha -- Cathi

Trondheim, Norway

Aloha Everyone,

J.J. and I woke up early. I wanted to make up for the lack of physical activity I suffered due to my sea sickness yesterday. Sunny and warm was today’s weather forecast. Well, this is Norway. One minutes sunny then within half hour, we were getting our heavy winter jacket and my Alpaca hat.

It turned hot! We purchased postcards, then meandered around the city streets enjoying some incredible sights. 

Linda and Rick are from the Western province of Canada. We had a wonderful time sharing a dinner table. 

Aloha -- Cathi

Sea Day, Destination Presentations

Aloha Everyone,

Andalsnes does not sound too promising. The train ride which seems most interesting is fully booked by the Princess Tours. We plan to meander the city streets and see what small adventures we will encounter.

Bergen is also a great walking port city. We are ready to do 5 miles of walking.

Aloha -- Cathi

Lofoten Islands, Norway

Aloha Everyone,

The two of us suspended our shore visit to Lofoten. When we stepped out on the gangway of a floating platform, J.J. and I got drenched. A gregarious couple we met briefly and exchanged our names, Sylvie and David had similar lifestyles and philosophies. I feel that our journeys paths will cross again.

We were in Lofoten less than 3 minutes. On our return shuttle ride, I overheard people talking about their previous trip to the island.

Did not sound like we made missed too much — herds of reindeer, moose and occasional bears. Grateful we got back safely. With dry clothes and hot meals things are excellent. Making the most of our WiFi days.

J.J. and I continue to share our dinner table with interesting travelers from around the globe. Last night a couple from Ireland added their inputs on what we can expect in Ireland. For example, Irish people are more congenial than the British. Irish drinking water is portable so NEVER buy any bottled water. Irish foods are acquired taste :-)

A parents traveling with their 12 years old son was reminiscent of our traveling years with our two sons. Main differences is that our sons were more outgoing. They had each other’s company so never an odd one in the family. 

The mother seemed willing to travel more than twice a year during the son’s school holidays. She was curious what we did for our children’s education, and how we managed our mails, healthcare, etc.

Aloha -- Cathi