Beth was kind enough not to mention my need for a bit of "cooling off" during last night's harried arrival into Oslo. As always, by the grace we all deserve, my family allowed me to steam, stew and cool (and apologize). Then we move on together...
Which brings me to "Viking Biking"! A tip from a friend of Beth's solved our quandary about how to use a precious 24 hours in Oslo. As their website explains: "After hiking and biking through countless countries, the founders of Viking Biking had a vision of a more dynamic way to visit Oslo." With abundant ease (what the heck did my parents do without iPhones?!?) we booked our city bicycle tour, I donned the Viking horns (a "YOLO" moment Madelyn might have preferred I skip - after viewing the photos, your vote of "support" will be welcomed) and we headed out under slightly stormy skies to confirm once again that pedal power is a fantastic means by which to learn what a town is all about.
Our Viking guide was a cheerful, bright, politely-opinionated and VERY Norwegian woman named Tuva. In a bit over 3 hours (yes, a three hour tour) she gave us a glimpse of Oslo's 1,000 year history and a sense of where this city stands today, still somewhat segregated between the more well-off and the working/"artsy" sides of the Akerselva River which divides the city between the touristy and posher residents of the west and the more grunge east. As we road past a light crowd of tourists stymied by the rain and more than a few locals on what appeared to be their version of "bike-share" we visited the ancient Akershus Fortress Castle (intertwined today with Norway's Ministry of Defense), City Hall, the National Theatre, the Royal Palace and a vast park/garden known as the Vigeland Sculpture Park. The last was a real treat as we played around with impersonating our favorite of Gustav Vigeland's many sculptures which the city commissioned to adorn this once private land amidst a bustling city. Check out these photos!
The early "day" (8'ish) ended with a fabulous pizza dinner at our Viking Biking tour guide's favorite spot over on the east side of the city. The walk home afforded us a chance stroll through the cemetery where Henrik Ibsen and Edvard Munch are buried; an interesting connection to the art that still fuels this city's vibe.
Of course, with just a few kroner left, we headed back out to the very-hopping wharf district for one last ice cream and a toast to Norway around 10pm.
As I captured my last photo of the Castle at dusk (10:30) I realized we've had an ideal experience of Norway, both country and city life and culture. Each of us has voiced a desire to stay longer balanced equally by excitement for the next adventure. I can't thank my parents enough for the work it took to plan and execute such experiences for my siblings and me (without iPhones!). And words won't express the joy it feels to hear how much my family has enjoyed breathtaking scenery, ancient history, art that endures ages all while putting up with me and my occasionally ;-) stressed temperament. Maybe there was some magic in that bicycle helmet that gave us a bit of Viking spirit: onward we go - together.
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