Bergen,Norway

Bergen,Norway.

Today pretty Bergen ,built around a lovely natural harbour and the hills surround. We are familiar with Bergen, and have a few favourite places, and of course always new things to discover along the way, and we did that. The cruise in is through many islands and Inlets, under 2 large bridges, to the older part of Bergen which dates away back in time, with various wars with Danish Kings ,cobbled streets, and old buildings, for fishing and trading through the years. Stunning statues ,and on a lovely day, as it was, the spring gardens looking their best. Large Fish market with everything you can imagine. Now featuring the huge King Crabs, so detrimental to their seas…so they need to eat many..
We walked a long way to the Park with Edward Grieg’s statue ,and the sky was simply amazing ,as you will see. Large pedestrian centre, but Bergen was a little spoilt today with several large venues being set up for Festival concerts for tomorrow, many nice sights still to be had . Very busy, a huge P& O ship nearby ,and many people with relatives in wheelchairs, not good on cobbles ,very unhappy…. We looked at length for our sought after, special coffee glasses ,met nice people along the way, and discovered some gorgeous shops…had the best coffee..!.
Back in the Old town ,a distance back ,are still the little streets ,and squares with the handled pumps ,and wells, of long ago, very solid and stunning churches , flower pots with the Hydrangea’s ,that are unusual and beautiful here. Nice to wander in quiet spaces. The trees are magnificent, in their spring green.. The ancient castle ,harbour side, has the cannons of long ago, and the inner courtyard, and walls are lovely to see. A nice day to wander.. So opportune that we met our Captain, leaving the area, able to briefly, give our appreciation in person…
Later alongside us ,amongst simply huge tugs, came an older ship ,built for the Royal Viking Line of years ago, as we were, but this is now 50 years old, called the Albatros…[yes just one “S’.]..quite beautiful lines, all white with an aqua trim, immaculate, German Cruise line, and it had been on quite a journey ,Spitzbergen and beyond ,places unheard of..no balcony’s just good old fashioned cruising ,suiting the European market, so nice to see.
Good show tonight ,a young saxophone player, who also sang, this was a different instrument, a soprano Sax, quite beautiful sound…
We sailed after 10pm, into the sunset really, we do have a late sunset further down here, so time to watch the special scenery ,and feel a little sad to be leaving Norway, another wonderful journey, so varied and a Captain ,the best we have experienced ,so respected by crew and passengers one and all..How fortunate we are… I watched until 11.30, then reluctantly came away, and slept for 8 hours ,amazing…!! Sailing on to Amsterdam and beginning our last 2 weeks ,that is The British Isles.
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