Travel Blog: Arctic Circle Research Expedition 66.33'N
OSLO-TRONDHEIM (OVERNIGHT TRAIN)
OSLO, A COLD CITY.
I don't just mean the weather, which was by all accounts fairly mild, but the Oslovians were especially chilly. Norwegian people, supposedly by their own admission say they are more reserved, and subtle in their approach, which I both appreciate and commend, but this was London hostile. I had to question my exectations of being a visitor in a large city, as I expect visitors to London or Derbyshire do. Why do we not make people feel welcome in our country? and why do I expect any other large city to be more gracious? However... the bus system was easy to navigate and the museums I wanted to see were all in the same vicinity, the Fram, Kon-Tiki museum and the Folk museum.
The highlight of Oslo was the Fram museum... having been intrigued with the history of exploration my whole life, to stand on the deck of the Fram with the surround sound and visuals of the high Arctic seas was incredible. Bravo to the curators, this was one of the best exhibitions I have seen. The documentation of the history of exploration strategically spread out on a timeline, with visials and historical data.
Though it was very much a mans world at the time, there was little evidence or material acknowledging the part women had to play... there were many wives and family members who participated, who have been omitted from any records of achievement.
Next a 4 hour wait at Oslo station for the overnight train to Trondheim...
BREAKFAST ON THE NIDELVA
Beautiful Trondheim did not disappoint. A stunning walk from the station at sunrise, freshly baked bread and coffee, admiring the river Nidelva architecture... and thanks to Erica a local Swede who stopped me, camera in hand to direct me to some authentic Tromheind scenes to photograph. I only had 4 hours here so couldn't investigate as much as I would have liked, but still so glad to have seen it.
Next to the port to hitch a ride on the Havila, a passenger ship that cruises up and down the Norweigian coast. As I'm only catching a ride port to port, Trondheim to Bodø, I'm only allowed in certain areas, but I have a seat and the whole upper deck to myself (too wild and windy for most) so I'm in my element. I stayed up late