Winter in Oslo dawned with a chilly but bright sunny day (around 9am) – Sunday a day of rest – no way, out to explore some more…
Walking to Kat’s house, the sunshine breaking through the trees. Hats, gloves and puffer jackets all needed as a clear day means lower temperatures (think it got to 4 degrees today).
Kat and George took us about a 10 minute tram ride out of the city centre to Ekeberg Park – this one high on a hill with some interesting sculptures and fantastic views. Put your broadminded hat on….
First sculpture that hit us as we left the tram – say no more except “where’s Wally?”
This one was also interesting – these artists do not believe in modesty!
Sue and the big shiny one called Marlyn (female version)
So now to some of the views…
Oslo city to the right and out into the fiords.
Sue and Russ having a tourist moment.
Discussing the trail to follow – at this point squirrels running up and down the trees, but too quick to capture on the iPhone camera!
Another sculpture telling a story….very detailed.
The fiords through the tall trees. Nearly at the top.
George finally found a girl taller than him – this sculpture is called “The walking girl”.
Higher view of the fiords.
The park opened up into huge playing fields and green spaces.
Rest time for the team before the descent.
From here, we trammed back to our abodes as George had to leave, at 1pm, to get his plane back to England.
We said our goodbyes and Russ and Sue went in search of another couple of attractions on our to do list.
Telthusbakken Street, a quaint street with well preserved (and still lived in) wooden houses built in the 1800’s. A contrast to most of the brick and plaster residential housing.
On the opposite side of the street each house had its own garden allotment (in the middle of the city). Looking a bit unloved at this time of the year, but no doubt flourishing in summer.
Then to the hand craft market – even too hippie for me and very small, but in an interesting part of town called Bla!
Street art and graffiti on the walls (a nightclub area)
The best part of the market, a huge crafted chandelier of baubles!! This was impressive (but not for sale).
One other site, we had missed on our must see list, was the palace or castle at the end of Karl Johans street, the home of the king of Norway!
Happened to pass another impressive 17 meter high sculpture on the way (in the middle of a roundabout). It is a light fountain and was catching the last rays of the day… Sun due to set at 3.45pm!
And the castle/palace surrounded by several acres of greenness.
Russ (still standing but a little weary) at the start of Karl Johans Gate (road) which runs through the centre of the city of Oslo to the Cathedral!
One last glimpse of the beautiful day before heading home for the evening (by tram – I love these trams – they are so efficient).
Colourful 2 meter diameter flower pots line many of the city streets.
This day of sunshine has left a lasting impression of a city of wide open spaces, good coffee, happy people (even in winter), sculptures (leaving no stone unturned), great views and surprises (good ones) at every corner!
All who wander are not Lost girls 