Day Two In Bergen 1 July 2013

Despite the fact my room was very warm I had a reasonable nights sleep,  unfortunately the weather had changed and it was damp outside. Had a refreshing shower got dressed and went down for breakfast.  There was quite a variety of food so tried various combinations,  I wanted another piece of bread so left the table when I came back everything was gone, at first I thought I had gone to the wrong table but no, even the full cup of coffee was gone, so I had to start again, I did consider mentioning it but in the end decided just to finish my meal.

I had found the art museum yesterday but it was closed, I had also decided to look at the aquarium, because it was dull I felt looking at things indoors was a good idea. I read about the Bergen Card which for one payment gave free transport, plus discounts at various venues,  just then the hevens opened, just as well I had my new waterproof coat with me.

I went looking for the tourist office to buy the card then to go to the aquarium, I dont know if it was the rain or what but I just could not find it until I asked a kind local, for some reason I had decided it was an old building whereas it was ultra modern, no wonder I could not find it.

I explained what I was trying to do to the young woman who served me, she sold me the card and gave instructions how to find the bus stop I needed, I was pleased that this time I got it right, so patiently waited and waited, after over half hour the bus arrived, err umm no it was going the other direction,  so I crossed over only to find it was an hourly service and I would have to wait another three quarters of an hour. I decided instead to leave for now and go to the Kode art museum instead as I knew the way.

The museum was in four seperate modern buildings, the exhibits I wanted to see were in 3 and 4, I  went into number 3 first, I was unsure if I was allowed to use my camera so left in locker with my backpack,  I later noticed others using theirs, but did not wish to go back at this point, the main artist featured in this was Munch I did not understand much of his work, preferring that of Dahl and my new favourite Astrup but there were only a few exhibits of his.

I then moved on to number 4 this time remembering my camera,  which was just as well as there was much more of Astrups work, there were others whose paintings I also I enjoyed looking at but did not understand most of the more modern works.

It was whilst I was at the museum that I was reminded of the fact that this element of my holiday was the first when I fid not have regular company, to chat to and discuss what experiences I was having, in fact I felt a little lonely, maybe it will be a good idea in the future to find regular travelling companions to share future holidays with.

When left it was still raining quite hard and I was hungry, so looked for somewhere to eat, well when its like that, why not fall back on an old standby and there was McDonald's, but what a different sort of building to usual,

,  so had a meal and drink there, intending to go on to aquarium,  unfortunately the rest had not helped my motivation,  so went back to the hotel to dry off have a shower and a rest.

on the way came across the lake in the centre

Watched some tv then chatted to son on Skype for a while, isent it clever how we can do this, he told me grand daughter has a job, she has been trying for some considerable time so was very pleased for her, he is off to Sweden soon working, so gave advice about how to save money with cost of living being so much higher.

For my evening meal had a couple of sandwiches followed by another giant piece of carrot cake, because I could do, LOL,  went down to bar had a drink of coffee and wrote up blog for today in rough but also spent some time doing another post on here then off to bed watched tv for a while.

The Trip To Bergen And My First Day 30,June 2013

I got up early finished my packing, had breakfast,  felt really sad about leaving this beautiful place and my friends,  but it was time to go so we all set off for the bus (I do struggle because its the best one I have ever been on) seems there is no word for coach in Norwegian,  there was plenty of room on the coach so settled back intending to take photos but we were traveling to fast,  we changed to another bus and it filled up as we traveled. the weather was quite warm, and sunny

We eventually reached the ferry so it was a chance to stretch my legs, use the toilet and have a sandwich, by the time I had done this the ferry was docking, what I had not realized was that I should of been on the coach, oops,  I rushed off after it, fortunately it stopped to pick up other passengers so I was able to board without any embarrassment,  then off again to Bergen, just for a change I slept for much of the way despite the fact the driver seemed  to be going quite fast.

Finally  I arrived at the bus station and thanks to Mykles excellent directions was quickly outside the hotel which was opposite the train station,  it seemed very grand from the outside, even more so when I entered,  the young lady was very pleasant and quickly booked me in.

this photo is typical of the layout of the hotel, I now regret not taking more,

I went to the room it was old worldly and spacious, but a little warm for me despite the fact the windows were open, again no air conditioning,  the bathroom was much better, only problem was the towels were a little worn,   but not worn out, there was also a surprising shortage of storage space,  although there was a refrigerator with a range of drinks to buy, on the table there was a basket with snacks,  when I read the prices they seemed quite expensive, again thats based on English prices, not in Norway which is a rich country, but I was later to find they were not so bad, there was also a decent size safe that took everything including my large camera  and was free. The bed was a double and looked very comfortable,  I unpacked had a shower then changed before my first expedition into the town, the receptionist was very helpful and showed me the route to the harbour and provided me with a map.

When I got to the harbour I noticed the funicular to Floyen, it was bright and sunny so I bought a ticket for my next adventure,  I took photos as we climbed,

when I got out it was well worth the trip with views for miles in every direction of the harbour and sounding area, so many more photos were taken. I decided to walk along one of the tracks through the woodland,  somehow for a change I got lost, eventually found a signpost to put me back on track, it was beginning to cool down so only walked a little further before my trip back down to the harbour.

I did not feel like a large meal so settled on an enormous hot dog and a drink, I also purchased a very large piece of Carrot Cake to take back to my room for later, whilst I was catching up with my blog, I also watched tv for a little, there were tv channels in English with Norwegian sub titles,  I found a film on one which helped me settle, the bed was as comfortable as it looked so off to sleep looking forward to tomorrows new adventures.

Only One More day left Before I Have To Leave 29 June 2013

Up late today, maybe it was reading until the early hours,  looked at more photos, had breakfast, I have been trying to eat a little better whilst away, trying local food, today it was shredded wheat with cranberries and milk, may see if they have this at home for a change from porridge.

Went with Mykle to Sande, I must apologise because some of the Norwegian words I am using, I do not have the correct keyboard for, had a look at the airport very different from others it is tiny, then to see ferry crossing at Andetolote where they are proposing a replacement bridge to speed everything up. Then on to Utvik fjell down to the village and Invik, next shopping in Sande for some items Jean needed for the traditional meal she was cooking that evening. We stopped so I could take photos across the lake from where they lived, then back to house.

Went on computer to book train trip from Bergen to Oslo,  then had evening meal of, typical Norwegian food, consisting of kjottkaker (meatballs) entestuning (mushy peas) potatoes,  carrots, tyttebaer (cranberries) the meal was delicious but then followed byblå plomme (similar to damsons) with custard. After we went for a walk I was hoping it would help me burn some of the meal off so I do not put to much weight on.

For me it was quite sad as was my last day in this fantastic setting with two fantastic people for company, I shall miss Jean and Mykle greatly but am hoping to keep in touch on my return, they have shown me how different life can be if we really try at it, if you read this Jean and Mykle again thanks for everything. After this I went bed to be ready for the long day tomorrow.