My Trip To Norway 2019

Trip To Norway 2019

Some of you will remember that I have wanted to go on a cruise in Norway for some years, travelling along the coast on a ship, admiring the beautiful scenery, even more so since visiting , Mykle and Jean some years ago, so this year I decided was the time.
Life has been busy and complicated for some time, so I felt it would be a great way to get away and relax. So first I asked my friend Brian, but he had lots on. In passing I mentioned it to my half-sister Pat, she felt it was a great idea and something she had previously tried but there had been issues with the ship, so she had never made the trip. She was also waiting for a knee replacement operation, but interested. We discussed going to see the Northern Lights, Brian said at that time of the year, it was very dark and cold , so end of April or early May seemed a good alternative, . My friend Geoff also said he was interested, but that he gets seasick, so it was agreed he needed to make a sea trip to see how he managed.

Well eventually Pat had her operation and the all clear from the consultant, Geoff still had not had his sea trip but wanted to go, unfortunately he then was diagnosed with a problem with his eye, it seemed to be that he may not be able to go, but eventually was told was okay to do the trip, they both sorted out their insurance, so I started to look at the Norwegian cruise company Hurtigruten, this was because they visited the smaller ports and it was felt we would see more of the coast than we would on the larger cruise ships. Around the end of April and the start of May seemed to be a good time to make the most of the trip. I offered to find out about accommodation routes and costing. I mentioned to both to sort out passports and travel insurance, because we would be around the time of Brexit which could affect the trip.

It seemed there were about 12 ships in the Hurtigreten fleet all doing the same route, after discussion it seemed our preference was a 12 day round trip starting at Bergen travelling to the top of the country, then back to Bergen. Pat said she was happy to share a cabin with me as it would reduce the cost for each of us, but Geoff preferred to be on his own. I checked the company's brochure for types of cabins, service and costs. Then looked at options to fly there and we decided on the 30 April 2019 on the MS Trollfjord, in outside cabins, possibly with overnight accommodation, both on the way out and return. I also contacted Sue at Ace travel, to see if she could arrange a package, plus my friend Mykle in Norway for advice on options.

Eventually I spoke first via e email then phone to a man at the cruise company and agreed a package, but we would sort out flights, and Sue sorted us a package out. The payments were sorted and all was going well, it was agreed Pat would come over the night before and stay at Geoffs as it would be an early start, we had decided to fly out and join the ship rather than have an overnight stay in Bergen

The a couple of days before we were due to fly, I discovered that our airline SAS, had a pilots strike, Sue tried all sorts to re book, in the end she sorted alternative flights to travel a day later to Trondheim stay a night there then to pick up our ship the following day, the only problem was the delay and huge cost of the changed flights and cost of hotel at Trondheim on the way out. Hopefully we will get a refund from the airline and something from travel insurance on our return.

Day One

All went well with trip to airport and flight to Oslo, then managed to lose Pat and Geoff whilst transferring through the airport, eventually found them at the boarding gate, just in time to board, so luckily all went well in the end, flight okay, taxi soon had us at hotel, there was a problem as first room was a double rather than a twin, quickly resolved, we had a nice room and free coffee and waffles on arrival, made a pleasant start at long last we were in Norway We went for a walk round the city, was not to cold and pleasant after the long trip, plus a chance to stretch our legs

Day Two

Next morning after breakfast, Pat had decided she wanted to stay at hotel and relax I went with Geoff for walk round the cathedral. Inside, stained glass windows very good apart from fact were not allowed to take photos and they still charged a compulsory £10. Afterwards had a pleasant walk through the streets, which were very quiet, then back to hotel to check out, then off in taxi to ship.
On arrival at ship, HS Trollfjord the only problem was our cabin was not ready for an hour, so had a chat and coffee. Cabin compact but enough, storage space and bed comfortable, bathroom tiny. So unpacked had a shower and settled in First meal was lunch, self-service buffet, good range of food.

We then explored the ship, there are nine decks we were on the lowest passenger deck 3 and Geoff level four, oddly his cabin was larger than ours, dining was level five, there was a more expensive restaurant also on this floor as are the shop, one of the cafes and the lecture theatre, levels 6 and seven were mainly cabins, deck 8 had a large observation area at the front where people could sit under cover watching the changing scenery, Also on deck eight is the explorer section for information and to book trips as well as a library and quiet lounge. On deck 9 there was another panoramic seating area a café, fitness gym, sauna all under cover, area for events, outside seating area, two outdoor spas and an area to watch the coast as we cruised along with plenty of seating.


For breakfast and lunch it was a buffet meal with a good range of food, it was a free for all, as with most places with serve service buffet type meals, not quite sure why as there was enough seating and food for everyone. For the evening we were allocated a time and table with waiter service. This meal was enjoyable but small portions,(which was just as well given all the other food I ate at breakfast and lunch). each day was a range of local produce some quite unusual for us

Day Three Artic Circle

Very cold today, ship at times swaying as it made progress, Geoff ill so he took strong seasick medicine and stayed in cabin.
Snowed on and off all day, mountains looked beautiful from the warmth of the ship.
Breakfast was usual sort of buffet style food, unusual to see salmon as a normal portion of food, lunch reasonable range food and dinner enjoyable to have waitress service.
Went on deck number of times to take photos, most people stayed inside, brave couple used the spa.
In the morning there was a ceremony to celebrate us crossing the Arctic Circle, those brave enough had ice cubes put down their backs, I preferred to video and take photos, later we each received a certificate to prove we had crossed the Circle.
We have 2 portholes in the cabin to see out, only problem is at night due to position in world does not go dark until very late, at this time of year, so lots of light coming in, so started to close the large heavy covers each night on at least one, more of a problem the following day to raise them again as they were very heavy, my bed very comfortable to lie on, found got tired easily so fair bit of day rested, but then it got to warm at times and needed to go for walk on deck and have fresh air.

I kept promising to go and listen to the lectures, provided by the Explorer team each day in the afternoon, but again today fell asleep and only woke later
We seemed to have a mixture of weather, at times it was very cold and snowed, then the sun would come out.

Day Four Tromso

More snow today and ship making progress, but lots of swaying up and down and side to side, Geoff seemed okay with this, no problem for Pat or I, In the afternoon we arrived at Tromso, Geoff and I got off the ship to stretch our legs and look round. Went up on cable car to top of mountain, then visit to the Artic Cathedral and Polaris museum to show development of this part of the world over the centuries

There was snow on the ground so I did not make much progress when walking, although we had fresh air and had wrapped up well to protect from the cold, this was fortunate because suddenly the snow started quite heavily, was good to get back to the ship and the warmth.

Seem to remember spent time resting in cabin whilst Geoff and Pat chatted on deck.

Day Five

Not quite sure what we did this day other than sample the apple pie on deck quite cold but days longer and brighter, think it was today Pat went to see the husky dogs, shame that none of us could go for a ride with the husky’s or on the snowmobiles.

Day Six Ice Hotel

This morning Geoff and I wanted to see the Ice Hotel and Pat had booked to go to the Russian Border, we got off the ship at Honningsvag, after a short walk we came across a taxi company, that took us to the Ice Hotel, Geoff was interested by the snow mobiles that were parked up, sadly seems not enough snow for them to be safe to use.
In hotel had to wear special boots, we wandered from room to room, it did not seem to cold, the young lady said that if people stayed they were provided with very thick waterproof sleeping bags.
In each room the bed ends had been sculpted out of ice and the decoration on the walls were a range of fairy story and other ice sculptures, we did notice a particular room had a do not disturb sign for Santa, (so that's where he gets to) At the end of the passageway was reception again, carved out of ice
After changing boots we went into the shop to be given a warming drink and frankfurter roll, it was a shame we had run out of time and the taxi arrived to take us back to the ship, a very pleasurable experience.
Pat had a trip to the Russian Border which she had also enjoyed.
We had asked about seeing Aurora Bolaris but it seems it is now to light, maybe a good idea for another trip.

Day Seven
By now we were travelling back down the coast but unfortunately, many of the stops in port were brief or early morning, so just relaxed and took photos

This evening we had one of the spectacular sunsets, such a shame so few people were on the deck about nine in the evening for about three quarters of an hour

Day Eight

We seemed to be a long time at sea today, there were lots of excursions but none apart of us apart from Geoff, had gone off with others for a walk that included a bus and boat ride. he seemed to enjoy this trip. By now I was worrying that with all the food I would need to do a lot of dieting when got home, but sadly this did not stop me. Got up early today, weather seemed much warmer on deck but most still wrapped up in their winter clothes. Was a quiet day, got off ship at Stokmarknes had a look round and a walk nothing really to see, but at least a chance to stretch legs. Later caught up with Geoff seems he had enjoyed walk in deep snow. Evening meal chaotic, no waiter service and because serving had started earlier so we were late, only limited range of food which was not that hot, such a shame after previous days.

Day Nine

Cannot remember what we did today apart from further rest and reading in the afternoon, After meal went on deck took photos and enjoyed the scenery, interesting how late it has been light. Spent time catching up with blog on tablet.

Day Ten

This morning sun shining, yet again we crossed the Arctic Circle but this time travelling South, was more laid back ceremony than previous, many people on deck not sure if was the free drink or special moment in life for many. The sun reflecting from the snow on the mountains is something special.
Spent time on top deck enjoying the view, later went to listen to talk about whales, seemed quite interesting, only problem was young woman spoke very fast, so hard to follow, think I nodded off briefly.
Had lunch with Geoff and Pat, then up on deck again, on this trip South, seems to be mainly small stops, saw Seven sister mountain range, just past Sandnessjoen, then noticed had lost neck loop for microphone, think unlikely will be noticed or handed in, came down to cabin for a read, sleep and catch up with blog.

Tonight we have our farewell dinner, it's later, not sure what to expect after last night's poor meal.
Next stop Bronnoysund, then shortly after Fjellet Torghatten and the hole in the middle of the mountain, I spotted this quite quickly, not sure some the other passengers did, as they congregated, the captain kindly turned the ship so people could get a better view. From previous experience, I knew that standing in the spa area which was raised helped. I was to busy watching for a second view as well as others who followed me so had not noticed, was that a youngish couple had chosen this time to have a relaxing spa, but now were surrounded by overdressed people pointing cameras all over the place. It will be interesting to see how well the photos come out. I had tried to show Geoff where to look for the hole, finally he saw when could clearly see daylight through the mountain.

Day Eleven

Last day today farewell meal in the evening, was special, nice touches, by staff singing and different service, earlier had been to talk about the sights we had seen on the cruise

Day Twelve Trip to Bergen

Up early case packed and weighed, went for breakfast, took cases to be transferred, sat on deck nine in the sun as usual, most people wrapped up in winter wear although quite warm. Landscape now changing to green and more houses.
Next meal was lunch, usual mixture of food, took our time, relaxed in lounge until we arrived at Bergen. Ship was early docking but we had to wait the longest as on bottom deck. Fortunately luggage was quickly retrieved and outside we went to get taxi, everyone else’s transport seemed to turn up but then realized ours was not due for another 15 minutes.

Soon at hotel, much as I remember from my last trip to Bergen, only problem again mix up with our room, was not twin, soon sorted and so nice to have lots of space and a large bathroom, plus nice towels. Went down for chat and coffee, suggested walk round town and up the funicular to see the beautiful views round the town.
Pat decided to stay and rest, so off we set, when reached the top views were as good as I remembered and we could see our ship still in dock. Went for a walk, so pleasant and quiet, then back down walk to marina and the small lake was nice to see daffodils in bloom.

Off for something to eat, walked across to station to cafe, but Geoff decided he preferred a McDonald's, so we did that, then back to hotel for a coffee and an early night. Pat had packed her case so did mine, had early night after a long day.

Day Thirteen Return Home

Up early had shower, finished packing then down for breakfast, dining room elegant and quiet with nice range of food. Took our time, then took Pat for a walk into town. On return checked out, taxi already waiting so off to airport. No problems there apart from Geoff having left his toiletries in hand luggage, so these were all confiscated, no wonder his large case weighed lighter.

Now sat waiting to board plane to Oslo, will take about an hour, then a couple of hours delay, before final flight to Manchester and to get to own home.
At Oslo all went well, got drink and baguette, then I managed to spill coffee down my trousers, only time have not had spare pair in hand luggage, just had text to say plane delayed by 45 minutes, hope no more issues apart from fact that I smelt of coffee.

Finally back at Manchester, with help, cases, quickly retrieved, went to toilet, then could not find the other two, searched all over the place, sent text to Geoffs daughter in the end, got phone call from his son in law, seems they were worried about taking my cases through duty free option, Pat not happy, took lift to car, loaded and of home.

Have now downloaded photos to computer and named and dated them, will arrange for showing of them with Geoff and Pat, hope you enjoy those I have attached

Having now had time to think about holiday, thought it may help others if planning a similar trip if I mention points here

Firstly I think if well planned the 7 day trip could fit most things in and one or two of the smaller cruise companies go closer into the fjords, but its down to how much time and money you have. Also investigate if staying at certain ports rather than doing the whole trip will enable you to do those special excursions, By using a taxi we were able to do the Ice Hotel for a fraction of the cost, but also remember if you miss the ship its your problem to catch up on a cruise.

If you are prone to seasickness, there are times that the ship is moving at speed in the open sea with a lot of rocking despite stabilisers, so make sure you have the right medication in advance.

Choose the time of year you want to go carefully, we were to late for the Aurora Bolaris and there had been insufficient snow to go on a snowmobile or husky trip, as we travelled further north, the days got longer and longer, but generally it was not to cold, as I understand it is when its winter, when its very cold and there is lots of snow, but then you may find it to dark or dangerous to do certain trips.

I use hearing aids and found that there is no provision for this on the cruise or trips, so at times missed things in particular the frequent passenger announcements about things that were happening, or in the talks and communicating with staff, whilst on board the ship, whereas for those with mobility issues the ship was good.

The ship we were on was looking like it needed a refit as some of the chairs in lounges and carpets were well worn, not what I would of expected for a holiday at this price

If you can try to give yourself an extra night in Bergen, to see this beautiful place, allow for the fact most of your first day is going to involve, flying from your home, then going through the process of embarking and settling on board the ship, so effectively you have lost a day.

On the way back remember you have to vacate your cabins early in Bergen although the ship does not dock until the afternoon.
These ships are quite different to the large cruise ships, that provide all day entertainment, these are working vessels and often only call in ports for half to a couple of hours at the most, so unless you have excursions booked that will catch up with the ship further down the cost, you could be left stranded. If you enjoy watching beautiful scenery and peace and quiet then these are more likely to appeal, but generally apart from a couple of laid back events there is no special entertainment particularly if you have young children, maybe on some ships or in the summer things are different, its worthwhile checking out

I would totally recommend a trip to Norway on a cruise to explore the coast, there are some really magnificent views as the ship travels up and down the coast

Hope you have enjoyed the Blog and photos.

My Thoughts At The End Of 2018

Thoughts at the end of 2018
Hello all, thought I would write a blog about the ups and downs of my life this year, problem is where to begin, should I start with the happy or sad.

Well I suppose holidays are a good start, I had a few of them this year, the first in York when I was ill and I am still suffering the effects of this every time I laugh or cough, I had trips to Canary Isles, Caribbean, which I have very mixed thoughts about especially after the event, not sure if trip to Plymouth should be classed as a holiday as it was so short lived and the outcome was not happy, so memorable for all the wrong reasons. I nearly went to London for xmas, but that did not work out. But the highlight was my two weeks in Almeria with Bridget and Karen, who took me to lots of places I had never been to before, that were not full of drunken Brits. But beautiful scenery and lots of café con leche and UNO, They were great company and just what I needed at that time, to remind me there are some good people out there who are genuine

My caravan went early this year, I shall miss it for the peace quiet and beautiful scenery, at times this year it would of helped to of had as a retreat from the ups and downs of life during this time. The problem was the site fees and not having sufficient income to pay these it was eating into my savings, my then partner had no interest in sharing the costs and it was as always after the event that a friend said he would have been willing to share the costs if he could of shared the use, what a shame he did not come forward earlier. The best I can say was that I had wanted to own one for many years, so this had been achieved, now all I need is to start doing and winning the Lotto and all would be solved

Sadly its been a year for deaths of friends, some I knew longer than others, one of my oldest Kath, was the greatest loss and the fact that she had finally things to look forward she had wanted to achieve for some time, but then died in her sleep. I am still trying to decide if it was a good way to go or not.

The fact I have become closer to my half sister is a lovely thing and even better because now we are planning a holiday together in the new year, the fact it’s a cruise to Norway, which has been on my wish list for many years makes it so much better, it has helped that my friend Mykle has been advising me on how to achieve it and enjoy the process as well as the holiday. I originally was going to go in the winter to see the Northern Lights, but when it was explained that there was very little daylight at that time of the year and it was very cold, decided instead to wait a while longer for better weather. Hopefully early 2019 everything will be sorted out.
Another friend of mine wishes to go but has fears of seasickness, I am hoping that he can overcome this and enjoy the adventures I am sure we will all have. For all sorts of reasons I personally decided some years ago that I wanted to do things on my wish list whilst I am able, because there is nothing worse than regret about what I might of done in life when no longer able to.

My hearing as many know has got worse I feel over the last twelve months, it prevents me from listening to my favourite music, but also to easily restricts me from, joining in conversation and chat to others in the way I have in life. Recently I decided the group I had met with for many years was no longer viable because of the struggle trying to hear others, so have decided that its better now to meet in smaller groups in a quieter environment, the big issue there is, where do such places exist and the background noise is not to intrusive

I am doing lip reading and have met some nice people through this group, but must admit I feel my skills are still rubbish. I volunteered to do something to give back to the deaf organization but so far, I do not seem to of made any real contribution, maybe I don’t fit their profile. On the other hand a tiny charity seems to appreciate my knowledge and skills and the first client, I am hoping will benefit from our work on his behalf. Working with him and the two advocates has opened my eyes to the difficulties faced in day to day living of those profoundly deaf, when coping with NHS health and social services. Also how many of us are becoming hard of hearing but with very poor support generally whether its hospitals shops my GP surgery or any other resource that I use.

This is crazy because often for some quite small investment by organizations it would be so much easier for people such as myself to be better able to communicate in society. A simple portable loop would make communicating so much easier at all sorts of places for many of us, instead of the time wasted constantly asking staff to repeat themselves and save the person with the hearing impairment further stress. For some reason hearing issues are not a high priority in most peoples thoughts, so I am now considering finding some way to improve the services to people who have hearing issues, even if in a small way.
In terms of health this year has not been to bad, by the hard work done by physio and osteopath, plus the pain relief consultant, there have been no extreme episodes this year enabling me to have a little better health. The one thing I have not truly addressed is that of losing at least a stone in weight and to exercise more. A friend has tried to interest me in joining in organised walks he is involved in, but I have explained that due to hearing issues walking in what seems to be isolation with a group of people is not an attractive offer and I might as well use a treadmill in the warmth of a gym.
It was very sad my relationship broke down in the way it did this year, but I now know it was for the best. The problem with something like that is that it affects other things in life and I personally will be much more wary of other people who may come into my life in the future, which is a shame really

I have a new neighbour, sadly Joyce who lived there has had to go into care and these days she does not know who I am, but the new person so far seems pleasant, when chatting to my osteopath he explained that I need a walk in shower or wet room what a shame he did not tell me that before the renovations two years ago, not sure I want to go through all the upset again.
This year I have celebrated the first birthday of my second great grandchild and only this month the third birthday of the first born from the other grand daughter, doesent time fly, speaking of flying this year I have not been over as often, partly due to problems with finding good accommodation, but also my poor hearing and mobility are not as good as they were, plus the family are so busy these days, maybe some time in the new year I will get to see them all again.

We hear on the TV about social isolation of elderly people, I make an effort to get out and do things but these days find it takes a greater toll of me, even mixing with others, but fortunately I have a circle of friends who I can visit or chat to on the phone. More recently I have been visiting another neighbour who has health issues and we share a love of reading and good company, his computer skills are not that good, so I have been assisting him with those and other technology in the home. What a shame our families do not have the patience to help us to understand how new equipment works, so we miss out often

A friend of mine who has Parkinsons disease, has been an inspiration to me, in that he has done so much despite all his health issues, including this year to publish a book about his life with the condition, if you want a good read its called “ My Life With Parkinson’s” the author Ray Wegrzyn, I am actually mentioned in the book, fame at last.
The lady who I am assisting with advocacy, is another person who has her own complex health issues but despite these, finds the time to help so many others who have an hearing impairment, she takes no money for this work, I just wish I could find a way to help her raise much needed funds to employ more people to work with her, as her present colleague, is talking about giving up the role and there is at present nobody else to replace her.

Well I am not sure at present there is much more to say, at least the new year is starting with a positive, in that I will be spending time with my sister and going away, I am planning more trips, not sure where yet and hopefully I will find somewhere that I can mix more often in the community