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Travel Blog: Arctic Circle Research Expedition 66.33'N
Day 1: England to Norway
Day 1: England to Norway
PEAK DISTRICT-DERBY (BUS)DERBY-STANSTEAD (TRAIN) STANSTEAD-OSLO (PLANE)
RIGHT WING, ON THE RIGHT WING.
I find public transport difficult at the best of times, but with a backpack, fractured ribs and an impossibly tight budget! This was going to be challenging... First the Bus, then train with the usual delays and missed connections, so by the time I get to Stanstead, I had 10 minutes to get through security before the gate closes...
Luckily I get a window seat by the emergency exit on the right wing, so I had plenty of leg room and an escape plan. 2 others joined my space and soon started to chat, championing the genius that is Donald Trump and hailing Nigel Farage as a worthy a Prime Minister. Being 30,000 ft in the air and unable to move seats, I felt somewhat trapped! As I was pulled into their conversation, initially with the customary formalities, I was soon labelled 'a lefty', as (apparently) 'most people at University are'.. 🤔
I appreciate everyone has a right to an opinion, and though it may differ dramatically from my own, I have learnt not to judge, but be open and curious. I don't like to lecture people on their beliefs, however I spent the next 2 hours trying to explain the significance of reliability and validity of information, the need for humility and empathy, defending the rights of migrants and disputing racist talk.
The fact that I value humanity, culture and equality above political idealisim and bias, I thought myself rational and logical? However this moment of self reflection and justification of my own beliefs revealed the disdain I felt towards the Right Wing, a clear mirroring of their opinion of me. If being pro-humanity makes me a lefty then so be it.
Despite it being an insightful encounter, the naïve excitiment I had for my journey felt tarnished, and I wished I had been seated on the left wing, where I clearly belong.
I find public transport difficult at the best of times, but with a backpack, fractured ribs and an impossibly tight budget! This was going to be challenging... First the Bus, then train with the usual delays and missed connections, so by the time I get to Stanstead, I had 10 minutes to get through security before the gate closes...
Luckily I get a window seat by the emergency exit on the right wing, so I had plenty of leg room and an escape plan. 2 others joined my space and soon started to chat, championing the genius that is Donald Trump and hailing Nigel Farage as a worthy a Prime Minister. Being 30,000 ft in the air and unable to move seats, I felt somewhat trapped! As I was pulled into their conversation, initially with the customary formalities, I was soon labelled 'a lefty', as (apparently) 'most people at University are'.. 🤔
I appreciate everyone has a right to an opinion, and though it may differ dramatically from my own, I have learnt not to judge, but be open and curious. I don't like to lecture people on their beliefs, however I spent the next 2 hours trying to explain the significance of reliability and validity of information, the need for humility and empathy, defending the rights of migrants and disputing racist talk.
The fact that I value humanity, culture and equality above political idealisim and bias, I thought myself rational and logical? However this moment of self reflection and justification of my own beliefs revealed the disdain I felt towards the Right Wing, a clear mirroring of their opinion of me. If being pro-humanity makes me a lefty then so be it.
Despite it being an insightful encounter, the naïve excitiment I had for my journey felt tarnished, and I wished I had been seated on the left wing, where I clearly belong.
Day 2: OSLO to trondheim
Day 2: OSLO to trondheim
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...
Day 3: Trondheim - Norwegian Sea
Day 3: Trondheim - Norwegian Sea
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
Day 4: Crossing the arctic border
Day 4: Crossing the arctic border
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