CFT Northern Lights - Oslo

Friday 16 March

This morning's activity was a cruise on the Oslo Fjord on the SS Helena. We were walked to the harbour, supposedly 15 minute walk but we took almost 30 minutes and lost Barbara and Anthea who luckily were able to find us before the boat left. We were not warned about the cold but at least Barbara and I had decided to wear our thermals. The temperature was -4C and with the chill factor we all got quite cold. So cold, in fact, that walking to the restaurant after the tour was quite difficult. At least it was sunny and clear.

Margaret, Anthea, Lyle, Barbara

SS Helena

Anthea and Barbara rugged up against the cold.

John and Nancy

Barbara and Betty

John

Barbara

The docks area, Oslo

The Restaurant Louise was warm and amazing, all decorated with shipping memorabilia. The meal we had was the best we've had all trip. Fish of course but the vegetables were delicious and the cod very pleasant. I walked back to the hotel after lunch but others went shopping or sightseeing in the city. I just needed to get totally warm again.

Park near Thon Opera Hotel

We were collected by bus at 5pm to go to Wallmans for dinner and a cabaret. It could have been quite pleasant but instead was horribly loud doomp doomp music, even for the songs we knew. A few of the sketches were a bit bawdy for my tastes. I know others were even more shocked.

The adventure of this outing was the bus driver who had no idea where he was going and kept trying to go down narrow lanes and one way streets. We took about an hour to get there. The restaurant is on a lovely canal but it was very icy and slippery to get into. Our return trip with another driver took about 10 minutes.