Sunday 3rd July 2023
Bergen!
Today we got onto dry land! I woke in the pitch dark room and realised that we weren't moving anymore. I was super excited to see Norway for the first time so I jumped through the shower and headed out to the landing to see what was happening. I gasped. It was so pretty!
Angie had surfaced while I was out so we booked a slot at the posher restaurant for breakfast, when we realised that it was 'included' in the package deal. It was nice being served on porcelain plates for a change. I had an omelette that was tiny, and I realised why the waiter was surprised that I hadn't wanted any 'sides'. Angie's eggs Benedict was doubled, so I had one of hers and then we were ready to go onto land.
We have an ID card assigned to us so that disembarking the ship is a smooth process, and of course the billing process too. We went through security easily and avoided the long queue of people getting into the Tour bus. It was drizzling and where we walked, was rather quiet being 10am on a Sunday. After spotting an empty tour bus at a different stop, we climbed aboard and it drove us around highlighting the touristy bits and we each chose some places that we'd return to.
Angie wanted to see the fish market which was small but interesting to see the different kinds of fish available as well as the huge lobsters in the tank which made me a little sad. Not as sad as I felt after tasting a sample of the salami which turned out to be reindeer. Angie had the moose. Mrs Claus would understand I suppose seeing that it's been their staple diet for the last few centuries.
The buildings are so different from the UK and I loved it all. My choice was the old fort which also gave a great view of the valley and the ship. There wasn't much to the fort site itself so we walked along the stunning streets and stopped by at a pavement Cafe for a coffee. I wanted to practice my one Norwegian word I'd remembered from Duolingo (and Netflix programs, lol), Tak meaning Thanks. When I said it, I asked the young lad in the Cafe if it was right. He nodded but said he's not actually Norwegian. Of course he would be South African, after 20 questions, it seems like he's pining for Cape Town and I asked if it is boring to live there. He seemed relieved to finally admit his boredom. Angie had said earlier she'd be bored living here as it's pretty but very quiet. I laughed.
We walked through the steep narrow streets admiring all the wooden houses and made our way back to the ship. We played Charades, cards, checkers, table football and some sack throwing game. Angie won most of them, lol. There was karaoke in one of the bars, but after the worst singer in the room was lining up for his fourth song, we went up for supper instead.
After a couple of hours, the ship set sail again and it was lovely watching the landscape change so dramatically after yesterday's day of watching the open seas. Such a completely different way of travel/life, I'm enjoying it and counting my blessings for sure.
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