Oslo - Part 2

Here it is folks, the much anticipated Part 2 to my journeys to Oslo.

As mentioned before, I went to the hostel to sleep, and my Serbian friend could cause someone to go deaf with his snoring.  Regardless, I must say he was a very nice guy.  I woke up at about 1, and him and his friend were still up.  He rushed over to my bed and gave me a cookie, which to this moment still confuses me.  I mean he crossed the room as soon as he realized that I was up.  I am going to assume he was trying to make a nice gesture, and that there was nothing laced in that cookie haha.

Needless to say, I was up pretty early the next morning.  I showered and went downstairs and waited for my friend Vanessa to get ready.  While waiting in the lobby, 4 individuals joined me, and there was something peculiarly familiar about them. They were wearing Canada gear.  Naturally, I asked if they were from Canada and turns out they were.  They were from Toronto, and were teaching in England.  They had come to Oslo for the weekend, to get some traveling in while they were teaching abroad.  I asked them what they had done in Oslo so far, and asked what they would suggest doing today.  They were going to the changing of the Guard at the palace, and I thought that was a great idea.

Vanessa and I were ready to hit the town, at approximately 10 o'clock.  Lonely planet had suggested that we go check out the Opera house, so we thought it would be a good idea to get breakfast and head over there.  I guess after living in America for so long, when everything is open all the time, we did not take into account that things may be closed on Sunday.  After the suggested breakfast place was closed, we went to the Opera House.

The Opera house in Oslo had been built in 2008.  It was very modern, and quite a sight to see.  It featured a low slating roof, that people could walk up.  First thing that crossed my mind is that this would not be allowed in America, and probably not even Canada, due to the slippery surface to get up.  Regardless we conquered the roof, to a fantastic view of the Fjord that ended right at the Opera house.  It was breath taking.

Full view of the Opera House

View from the top

Me with the view of Oslo in the background

This next story is one I thought I would never be able to tell in my life haha.  Vanessa had wanted to plan the rest of her trip, so we went to central station to use the computers.  We both checked our e-mails, facebook, etc and she was looking at flights to Copenhagen. It was nice to keep updated with everything, and to get caught up.  I have noticed though that social media is the best way to inform everyone of what is going on.

Following this, I was quite hungry, so we decided to go to a cafe that Lonely Planet had suggested.  It was not to far from central station, and we would stay there till going to see the changing of the guard.  I had soup, and a sandwich which was delicious, but what was about to come next would blow my mind.  Lonely Planet had said People and Coffee had the best carrot cake in Norway, and they did not lie.  It was fantastic!

Amongst all of this, we had lost track of the time, and had to race to go see the changing of the guard at the Royal Palace.  Lucky for us we made it in time, and got to see them change the guards at the Palace.  It was cool for me to see this, but keep in mind it was the first changing of the guard I have ever seen.  According to the other Canadians, and Vanessa, other countries had much cooler changing of the guards.  Regardless it was a cool experience.

Old Guards I believe

New guards

One of the new guards starting his shift

 Following this we went to the famous statue park in Oslo, and it was pretty cool, although was not what I was expecting.  The park seemed like a recreational area for families, and not so much a tourist park.  The statues were neat, but I actually enjoyed seeing all the runners and families enjoying their Sunday afternoon together.

Amongst all this, I had some really nice conversation with my friend Vanessa, and if she is reading this, I want to thank you for this.  It was so nice to be able to travel with you.

After this, we had no real plans, we knew that at some point we would want supper.  We went back to the Opera house to see if they had anything going on that night, and I got a call from my friend Anja, that she was in Oslo and that they were going skating.  We decided that this would be a fun endeavor, and off we went.  I have not skated in 2 years, and wow was I rusty.  But the experience was amazing, they had a big music system in the middle of the rink, and the rink was in between two roads in one of the main streets in Oslo.  It was nice to meet up with some familiar faces, and to meet new friends.

Myself, Anja, and Enrique at the skating rink

After skating, we decided to take a quick break before meeting up with our new friends for supper.  We went to a pub, and I had a drink and let my feet recover.  Turns out skates and shoes that are a bit too small take a toll on my feet after a day.  We then met up with them for supper at a Indian restaurant in Oslo, and although expensive, it was sooooo good.  I have ate indian food before, but it had been a long time, and I had forgot how much I love it.  Although it may not have been local cuisine, it was fantastic.

The gang for supper

After all of this, we decided that we would go back to the hostel.  It had been quite an exhausting day.  I said farewell to Vanessa, who I want to thank again for the experience, and some of the pictures I borrowed from her.  I then went to my hostel, and met up with my Serbian friends, and went to bed.  The following day I simply boarded the plane back to Harstad.  I guess Doug Flutie is a big deal in Norway? The restaurant at the Oslo Airport seemed to think so.  I just want to say thank you Oslo, it was a blast.