On the Havila Ship Pollux

My first day of cruising. I like that the Havila ships are small. It’s easy to find a spot to yourself if you want one. The scenery is stunning and there isn’t much to do on board except look at it. We made it to Ålesund at 9:45am for a brief stop then ventured into the Hjørdfjorden which is another stunning fjord. We went down to the village of Urke. There’s really not much there, just a few houses. The ship had excursions for those that wanted them although the bus tour was cancelled because the bus broke down.
After everyone who had booked a tour had been put ashore anyone else could go. I went but it felt a bit like we were wandering around looking at people’s houses. One passenger stood in the middle of someone’s garden, lit a cigar and posed for a photo.
So I went back down to where the tender was due to pick us up. I was accosted by a woman who didn’t speak English insisting she take a photo of me on my phone. In the end it was just easier to let her. I offered to take one of her on her phone but through her gestures I surmised she lived there. She followed me back down to the water’s edge and took more photos of me. She’s not the first to insist they take a photo of me on my phone. I know many people like to take photos of themselves in the places they visit but it’s not necessary for me. I prefer just the scenery. They think they are doing me a good turn I guess.

During the trip back to Ålesund we had a talk on the art of Norway. I think it was actuallly just a way to plug the excursions for tomorrow. We did get a brief slideshow of some Norwegian paintings set to some Norwegian music.
We docked at Ålesund a bit after 6 and I walked to the hotel. It’s a bit hard to tell but I don’t think the hotel is as central as I thought it was. Definitely nothing like my Bergen hotel but that location was exceptional. Had some dinner now I’m just waiting for all the photos to download so I can post this.
I’m in Ålesund for 3 nights before I get back on the boat.Read more