Today I left England for Norway and I knew it was going to be cold I was just unsure how cold. The weather report said avg of -3℃ so thats not bad I can deal. Landed and everyone was pulling jackets and scarves and hats out of their bags. Reminded me of people from when it hits 50℉ just layer upon layer. So I was a bit worried I under planned for the cold with only my leather jacket and hat. But as I walked off the plane onto the runway and the cold was about want I expected and it was a bit nippy but nothing with worrying about. I had a plan to take the train up to Oslo but the hourly shuttle had just left so I found a bus that goes up there for only kr150. Now as my plans were from the train station in Oslo and I was now arriving at the central bus hub I had a bit of figuring out to do. Naturally there was no to connect to so I was looking at the map on my phone and finally my location updated and I had a good feeling about
heading to the west for what I was pretty sure to be the tram station. It was and I procured a 7 day unlimited rides card, (in town for 5 days still cheaper than paper). Figured out what number and what place to find my tram and I was off, (I hoped). Got to what I thought was my stop and wohoo it was just a short 1/2 mile walk uphill to the hostel in -3℃ and dropping no problem. Got checked in and headed out to wander the streets for some food. Now I want some Norwegian food but everything was closed so I settled for a burger and went home for the night.
Today I got up and made my way to the Viking ship museum. It was pretty cool, they had 3 ships that they had found and 2 were well preserved the last was barely identifiable as a Viking ship but it was, really. The ships had been used in burials for people they dont know who but from what they can gather so far they were rather important folks. Some of the items in the ships were well preserved as well and there were
these animal head carvings that were so intricately carved it was quite a marvel to see. Also one ship had a fully assembled cart and that is the only one that has been found so far that is in such good condition. Again the carving on it is so amazing with the detail and how much time and effort must have gone into making it. I am glad I went buy there and while it was a small place it was definitely worth the visit. After this I walked down to the maritime museum to check it out as it was only a 3/4 mile walk and it was warm outside, (2℃). This was interesting as well lots of cool models of the history of ships for like the last several thousand years. They also had a section of the ways ships hulls have been made over the years. And a block one cubic foot of each material made with over the time so you could pick it up and feel the difference in weight, from wood, steel, aluminum, carbon fiber, and fiberglass. There were a few old diesel engines that were there in working movements that were cool.
Another engine that was too far gone to have in working order was about 4 ft. by 3 ft. and was a 2 cylinder diesel engine that boasted a whopping 13 up. Oh how motors have changed. This place was just awesome the time spent making all those ship models with the amount of detail in them, crazy. I eventually left and headed back to town Centre and just wandered around till I was good and lost and found a hole in the wall place that made kebabs and went to get some late lunch. I got a medium kebab and this thing had to weigh like 3 lbs and it sure was good. Wandered around and found a few sights like the royal palace and parliament and just really wandered nowhere till it seemed like time to go look for dinner and I found a nice Japanese restaurant. I felt a bit under dressed with my on but others werent wearing much nicer clothes than me so its all good. Its just one of those places that by the look you think super nice.
