If you read yesterday’s post (totally ok if you did not, I’m sure many took one skim and thought “TLDR.” ), you’ll know that MBH flew out bright and early Saturday morning.
So the day for the girls and I revolved around the fjord cruise. It was the one thing I had booked for us to do while in Bergen. And yes, it took me a long time [too long] to figure out which cruise to take. There’s so much information out there and lots of options.
I had settled on a 3 hour cruise, leaving at 2pm. And guess what travel error I almost made booking the cruise? (a couple of weeks before our trip)
Paying for TWO adults and 2 children. Gah.
Fortunately, because I have developed some intentional habits over the years, I stared at my order for a good while before realizing my mistake. And caught it before paying for a ticket for MBH who would be in Copenhagen at that time…
So the eldest and the youngest and I took it easy Saturday morning – recovering still from the 14 miles of hiking/walking we’d covered the day before.
Even though we took it easy Saturday morning, we had some time to explore some of Old Bergen, hoping to see at least one museum.
The oldest, clearly not in that phase of her life at the moment.
“FINE, I’ll be in the picture but I WILL NOT smile.” Bryggen (Old Bergen), in the background.
It’s a cool old place.
This is the son trying to get the attention of folks beyond the wall.
We were unsuccessful, walked all around, to no avail.
We decided to take a break at a recommended Baker Brun in Bryggen.
And started with a cinnamon roll and an almond biscotti while waiting for the coffee and hot chocolates.
And what hot chocolates they were!!!
Mom, I don’t like that picture. Let’s try again.
If only I’d looked at a map before assuming the entrance would be “This way”
Excellent.
Let’s go check it out.
This was a fun little ceramic tic tac toe board.
Dogs win!
Sorry [not sorry] Mr. Kunzer.
But first someone had to go to the bathroom. If you’ve traveled in Europe, public bathrooms can be hard to find. I figured there would be one near the tourist information center – Which was just 2 minutes away.
We saw signs for the bathroom.
But had to pay with credit card to use them/open the door.
Unless of course someone comes out of the stall, then you can just go in.
I did pay.
I live in Denmark now.
Following all rules is a requirement of Danish residency.
Even when I’m in Norway.
yes.
Because the mountains around Bergen are just amazing.
Everywhere.
Getting in line so early meant we got the good seats
A table right by the window…
Picture taking commenced as we were leaving the harbor.
I could only marvel at the ability to build electricity transmission infrastructure in such rugged terrain.
There’s one very narrow part on the fjord.
I didn’t get a good picture as we were passing through, but took this one looking back.
I’m very annoyed at the continued blurriness.
Because pictures of just landscapes can get boring.
I do recognize that photos of the same people over and over and over again might also get a little boring.
It was sooo windy up there, folks only stayed for a few minutes at a time.
I was also afraid my cell phone would get blown right out of my hands…
The mountains were just huge.
The white building on the left used to be a school house. I couldn’t quite catch the rest of what the guide said about this little place.
I think its name might be the same name as this particular 3-hour fjord cruise.
I was wrong.
A village called Mo.
There are around 300 people that live there.
I’d be scared to drive on it.
Maybe for everyone within an hour or so’s drive to have a place to put in their boats? Because the fjord hills are too steep to do it everywhere?
I don’t know.
Your guess is as good as mine.
Well, actually, as the bartender told us, it’s a rock bar that serves food.
Only the eldest ordered.
I think the youngest was still full from that hot chocolate.
We were grateful there weren’t any rock concerts happening while we were there.
I would go back for the food.
Especially now that I know the ropes: Seat yourselves, order at the bar.
Day 2 in Bergen Norway was wonderful. We definitely missed MBH and wish he could have been with us.
Writing this all out makes me want to go back.
Maybe even retire there.
I generally do not like boats but I thoroughly enjoyed this trip! Thank you for my tour guide in a country I will probab;ly never get the chance to visit <3
You’re welcome! I’m so happy to take you on the journey with us!
It is time for the girls to read the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the galaxy: “You know the fjords in Norway? I got a prize for creating those, you know.” –a hyper-intelligent pan-dimensional white mouse.
I’m going to tell Martha she needs to check it out on Libby!!
Great pics of the old country Neely. I love the comments as well.
Girls are certainly growing up and hopefully enjoying this once in a lifetime experience. Did you run into any of our relatives while in Bergent.
LYMI
DAD
I think they are mostly having a good time. It’s been a bit tough on them being away from their friends and being in a whole new and different environment (at school especially). We *probably* ran into some relatives in Bergen and just didn’t know it…In hindsight I’d wish I’d done a little more digging on where the original Elef came from…
Great fun touring around Bergen with you guys tonight. Thanks so much for the photos and commentary. Beautiful, charming town.
Aunt Ann