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Scandinavia 2017
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Scandinavia 2017

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  • We are Living the DreamScandinavia 2017Traveler

    Royal Palace Stockholm

    December 30, 2017 in Sweden ⋅ ⛅ 1 °C

    After the Changing of the Guard we went on a guided tour of the Palace to ensure we captured the history.

    The Royal Palace is a combination of royal residence, workplace and cultural-historical monument, and open to visitors all year round.

    The castle was built in Baroque style by architect Nicodemus Tessin the Younger and designed as a Roman palace. The Castle has more than 600 rooms spread over eleven floors with the parade rooms facing outwards to the city and the smaller living rooms facing the inner courtyard.    Read more

  • We are Living the DreamScandinavia 2017Traveler

    Royal Palace Apartments

    December 30, 2017 in Sweden ⋅ ⛅ 1 °C

    Our tour then went to the Royal Apartments.

    The banquet hall is used for gala dinners, cabinet meetings, and parliamentary evenings. There is also a guest apartment used as a guest residence for foreign dignitaries on official state visits. The Bernadotte rooms are used for medal presentations and formal audiences.

    The well preserved interior provides historical insight from the 1700s and onwards, where each monarch has left traces of his time.    Read more

  • We are Living the DreamScandinavia 2017Traveler

    Royal Palace Treasury

    December 30, 2017 in Sweden ⋅ ⛅ 1 °C

    Last but not least was the Treasury. The oldest preserved objects are two swords of state belonging to Gustav Vasa that are exhibited in the Treasury's inner sanctuary. The oldest preserved crown belongs to Erik XIV.

    Several of The Princes and Princesses' crowns are also on view as well as the silver baptismal font from 1696, which is still used at royal baptisms.

    It is this collection of invaluable objects that still nowadays is regarded as The King's regalia. This means that some of them are used today on ceremonial occasions such as coronations, christenings, weddings and funerals.    Read more

  • We are Living the DreamScandinavia 2017Traveler

    Skeppsholmen

    December 31, 2017 in Sweden ⋅ ⛅ 2 °C

    The day started slowly as we packed our bags for our flight to Bergen tomorrow.

    We then took a ferry to Skeppsholmen, an island known for its peaceful vibe and cultural attractions, which exhibits works by Picasso, traditional Asian and has some very weird art installations scattered around. Problem was that the galleries were closed being New Years Eve so unable to view the art work. We then took the walkway which encircles the island and connects to the Skeppsholmen Bridge, which is embellished with a golden crown.Read more

  • We are Living the DreamScandinavia 2017Traveler

    Shopping and Sightseeing

    December 31, 2017 in Sweden ⋅ ☁️ 3 °C

    Back on the main island and close to a train line, so we took the train to the main shopping area as I needed something to wear to a fancy dinner at the Sheraton. I could not find anything I liked so I purchased some dressy boots which did the treat with my Camila outfit. We then wandered back to our Air BnB so we could get ready for dinner.Read more

  • We are Living the DreamScandinavia 2017Traveler

    New Years Eve Celebrations

    December 31, 2017 in Sweden ⋅ ☁️ 3 °C

    New Years Eve Celebrations were at the Sheraton we did a bit of research and decided this was a good option. Dinner was 7 courses and lovely. The fireworks, well they were terrible. We may have been better off staying at the Air BnB and watching with the locals on the hills.Read more

  • We are Living the DreamScandinavia 2017Traveler
    Hotel Foyer
    Our Room

    Thon Hotel

    January 1, 2018 in Norway ⋅ 🌧 4 °C

    Once checked in and up to our room we discovered the room was tiny. Fortunately we met some guests who were also from Sydney, and they advised that they had changed room due to its small size.

    John went down to reception to see if we could change rooms and luckily we were moved to a larger room.

    Once unpacked we went for a little walk but nothing is open other than McDonalds, a few restaurants and Starbucks which is where we ended up having a hot chocolate.

    This Hotel is a little different to many other Hotels in that it offers a light dinner in the room rate as most restaurants were shut we decided to have dinner at the Hotel. Surprising there was a selection of a very nice Norwegian vegetable and meat soup, breads and very fresh salads and fruit.

    Back in the room now so we can research the activities for the next few days.    Read more

  • We are Living the DreamScandinavia 2017Traveler

    Information Seeking and Fish Markets

    January 2, 2018 in Norway ⋅ ⛅ 2 °C

    Today was a lazy day we actually slept in to 9.45am, so we had a quick dash to breakfast as it closed at 10am. We then went for a walk to the information centre to work out our plans for the next few days.

    Under the visitor information centre was a very small fish market which had some nice size lobster, crabs and some very ugly fish. The Fish Market in Bergen has existed since the 1200s and has since then been one of the most important places for trade between fishermen, farmers and people of the city. In addition to the merchants on land there were also historically sales from boats along the quay. Fishermen who lived outside the city used to row in to the Fish Market to sell their catch of the day before rowing back home the same day.

    Bergen is a small town and appears most activities close down over winter, which is a shame as some of the tours seemed quite good. With all our information brochures in hand, a warm place to read and have a drink was next on the list.

    Afterwards we came back to our room and John researched the sightseeing options and I read for a while. After about an hour or so we went out for another walk through the old town which is only a few blocks from us.    Read more

  • We are Living the DreamScandinavia 2017Traveler
    Main street of Old Bergen
    Village houses

    Gamle Bergen Museum

    January 3, 2018 in Norway ⋅ ⛅ 4 °C

    Today we took the local bus to Old Gamle Bergen Museum.

    Old Bergen Museum is a reconstructed small town consisting of around 50 wooden houses dating from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries.

    In the 1800s Bergen was Europe’s biggest wooden city, a distinctive city environment with closely spaced wooden buildings, busy streets, markets and alleys.

    At Old Bergen open air Museum you can experience some of this atmosphere, with houses from the eighteenth, nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

    In beautiful natural surroundings you can meet both masters and servants from the past. You can peek in windows, open doors, and walk into exhibitions and historical interiors. The museum’s role players help to bring the site to life and provide answers to some of the questions on how life could have been lived in Bergen one or two hundred years ago. Theatrical plays are held at the square four times a day.

    Such a shame it is closed during winter and you can only walk around the buildings.    Read more

  • We are Living the DreamScandinavia 2017Traveler

    Floibanen Funicular

    January 3, 2018 in Norway ⋅ ⛅ 6 °C

    We then returned to the city centre and took the Floibanen Funicular to the top of Mount Floyen.

    Fløibanen is a funicular railway and one of Norway’s most famous attractions. It is the only railway of its kind in Scandinavia and runs every day from early morning until late night. The trip takes about 5 minutes and brings you 320 m above sea level.

    Once on top it was very ice and the views over Bergen are spectacular.    Read more

  • We are Living the DreamScandinavia 2017Traveler

    Out and About in Bergen

    January 3, 2018 in Norway ⋅ ⛅ 5 °C

    Back in Bergen and walking around this quaint little seaside town founded in 1070 on the west coast of Norway and is one the largest city in Norway.

    Bergen Port is Norway's busiest in terms of both freight and passengers, with over 300 cruise ship's and we will be on one of those cruise ships.

    So much to see here in Bergen but as it is winter we are unable to visit any of the tourist sights including the fjords. We just might have to come back in the summer months.    Read more

  • We are Living the DreamScandinavia 2017Traveler

    Bergen Cruise Terminal

    January 4, 2018 in Norway ⋅ ⛅ 1 °C

    This morning we had our last walk around Bergen as we are leaving for our Cruise later today. This quaint village has so much character and we will be back one day.

    After a short taxi ride to the Hurtigruten Cruise Terminal it was time for the next chapter of this Scandinavia Holiday. On arrival it was weird as no one else was around, very unusual as when we have boarded other cruise ships people are everywhere. I guess as the vessel is a working ship and pulls into a number of ports along the way so many guests might already be aboard. The ship is also much smaller than other cruise ships we have been on. We only disembark at certain ports as some of the port stops are just to drop items to the towns along the Norwegian coastline.Read more

  • We are Living the DreamScandinavia 2017Traveler
    Our Room

    Hurtigruten Cruise

    January 4, 2018 in Norway ⋅ ⛅ 1 °C

    Surprising our room is quite large so we can actually unpack everything and move around without bumping into each other. There was even a bottle of bubbles in our room, which was a lovely surprise, especially as the alcohol is quite expensive on board.Read more

  • We are Living the DreamScandinavia 2017Traveler

    Alesund

    January 5, 2018 in Norway ⋅ ⛅ 0 °C

    This morning we hit open sea and as there was a big swell a few people were not very well. The cruise along the Norwegian Coast is different to a River Cruise, not much greenery, vineyards or old houses, just scenic icy mountains. After lunch we docked in Alesund where we walked around for a while as we only docked for a few hours before heading back to the ship. Once back on ship there was a tasting of cured meat (a local delicacy) on the top deck. This was followed by a short documentary film about the Northern Lights.Read more

  • We are Living the DreamScandinavia 2017Traveler
    Trondheim and it is snowing

    Trondheim

    January 6, 2018 in Norway ⋅ ⛅ -4 °C

    This morning we docked in Trondheim, it is the 3rd largest city in Norway and founded in 997. We walked for about 15 minutes from the dock to the city in -2 temp. When you are all rugged up you don't feel the cold. First stop was the Gothic Nidaros Cathedral, the sculptures are impressive. While walking through the cemetery we saw a woodpecker, I have never seen one in real life. It was interesting watching it peck away at the tree bark looking for the insects. We continued walking through the village and onto Old Town and by now it was snowing and looked pretty everywhere. Bakklandet (Old Town) was small but the houses along the riverside are painted in lovely bright colours. Back on board we sailed past Munkholmen an islet just out of Trondheim, it has been used a place of execution, a monastery, a fortress and a World War II anti aircraft gun station and now a recreation site and tourist attraction.Read more

  • We are Living the DreamScandinavia 2017Traveler

    Kjeungskjaer Lighthouse Norway

    January 6, 2018 in Norway ⋅ ⛅ 0 °C

    A few hours later, we passed by Kjeungskjaer Lighthouse it is 20 metre high and helps fishermen and sea travellers stay on course as they approach Trondheim Fjord and the North Sea. John then went up to the top deck for the local food tasting, this time mussels. When we reached the open sea it became very rough, even the wardrobe doors kept opening and apparently at the first dinner seating people had their drinks spill. After dinner we went to the bar and some very noisy Norwegians decided to play trivia. They are actually the music entertainment group for tonight, which is to start in a few minutes thank goodness.Read more

  • We are Living the DreamScandinavia 2017Traveler

    Crossing the Arctic Circle

    January 7, 2018 in Norway ⋅ ⛅ -2 °C

    Just after 7am we crossed the Arctic Circle again, first time on land in Rovaniemi and this time at sea. To commemorate this event King Neptune appeared on board and we participated in the Arctic Circle Crossing Ceremony which involved 2 large scoops of ice being dropped down your back, it was a very cold and wet experience as you can see by the photo I captured , John actually missed taking a photo of my turn. After getting changed into dry clothes it was time for lunch.Read more

  • We are Living the DreamScandinavia 2017Traveler

    Bodo

    January 7, 2018 in Norway ⋅ ⛅ -1 °C

    After lunch we disembarked for a walk around Bodo, however, as it was Sunday, everything was shut, even the tourist information centre. We walked for a while and then came back to the ship. In the evening we docked at Stamsund for only 30 min so we did not bother to get off the ship.Read more

  • We are Living the DreamScandinavia 2017Traveler

    Svolvaer

    January 7, 2018 in Norway ⋅ ☁️ -4 °C

    During dinner which was really nice we docked at Svolvaer but as the stop was only for 1 hour we did not have enough time to visit a WWII museum which was on our list to do, so we just went for a quick walk into the township for fresh air.Read more

  • We are Living the DreamScandinavia 2017Traveler

    Trollfjorden

    January 7, 2018 in Norway ⋅ ⛅ -2 °C

    Trollfjorden is located just north of Svolvaer and the narrow Trollfjorden is surrounded by steep, wild mountains. This fjord passage leads deep into the Trolltindan Mountain and ends at the dramatic Raftsundet. The fjord is only accessible by boat, unless you want to hike 10 kilometres through very rugged terrain.

    The name Trollfjorden is derived from the word troll, a mysterious and frightening creature from Norse mythology who dwells in mountains or caves.

    The Trollfjord is about 3 kilometres, while the mouth of the fjord is only 100 metres wide and is surrounded by mountains towering up to 1100 metres and the fjord's maximum depth is 72 metres.    Read more

  • We are Living the DreamScandinavia 2017Traveler

    Finnsnes

    January 7, 2018 in Norway ⋅ ⛅ -3 °C

    Not much this morning, breakfast, a talk on Hunters and Trappers a short walk around Finnsnes just to stretch our legs and to take some quick photos, we are only here for a short time.

    Then back on board for lunch.Read more

  • We are Living the DreamScandinavia 2017Traveler

    Polar Museum Tromso

    January 8, 2018 in Norway ⋅ 🌧 1 °C

    In the afternoon we docked at Tromso for a few hours. It is looks like a pretty town but it is a little difficult to tell as it is 2.30 pm and already dark and lots of snow. We walked a short distance to the Polar Museum, which is an 1830's warehouse on the seafront. We found the museum very interesting and most informative during our 45 min visit.

    The Polar Museum preserves and conveys stories related to this aspect of the history of Tromsø and the Arctic. The Polar Museum’s permanent exhibitions deal with sealing, trapping, stories of famous trappers and the expeditions of Fridtjof Nansen and Roald Amundsen.    Read more

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