Discovery of Oslo, the capital of Norway (Part 2)

Oslo City Hall

Following a satisfying tour at the National Gallery, I head towards the City Hall even though it is closed at this hour. The building was decorated by great Norwegian art from 1900-1950, with motifs from Norwegian history, culture and working life. So, I thought I should just check out the building, walk around it. Perhaps they might have some art pieces hanging outside the building as well?

Sure enough, there are some at the courtyard! These are wooden friezes completed by Dagfin Werenskiold (1892-1977), a Norwegian Sculptor and Painter whose motifs are based on Norse mythology. There are narratives under each artwork but I can’t digest them anymore after my tour at the Gallery. So, a look-see will do. LOL.

While admiring these beautiful artworks, one of the security guards comes to me and says, “Hi, sorry but we are closed so you will need to leave.”

“Oh, ok.” I nod in surprise that we are not even allowed to be at the courtyard. I thought closing time is only for entrance into the City Hall.

When I turn around to leave, I notice there are some other tourists who are still admiring the artworks at the other side of the courtyard. Huh? That’s totally unfair! Why did he only shoo ME away?

Unsure of whether the security guard was just picking on me or being racist, I decide to stay and join that group to continue admiring instead. Soon after, the security guard comes and tells them the same message but I already scurry away before he reaches us. I just don’t want to be told off twice. Haha. Great, at least I know he is not being racist or whatever.

Nobel Peace Centre

Just a turn around the corner and I arrive at the Nobel Peace Centre. Although it is 15 minutes before the closing time, the museum is already closed for visitors except for the gift shop. Anyway, it’s fine because I don’t plan to visit the museum so I just go in and check out their gift shop.

As I step outside the building, I take a moment to rest and observe the bustling city.  The weather is wonderful and cooling with the wind blowing constantly. There seems to be music festivals going on too for Oslo Pride 2016 celebrations as I can hear music playing everywhere.

Instead of proceeding to the next place, I find a bench near the harbour and sit down to enjoy the moment.

Music playing in the background, seagulls flying, people getting on and off the ferries, wind blowing through my hair, couples dating, friends chatting happily, employees getting off work, head bobbing to the music ……

This feels really good. Even though I am alone, I don’t feel lonely at all.

Sometimes it is important to just sit back and relax instead of rushing to complete all the things on your itinerary. =)

 

Aker Brygge

 

Next up! A popular area along the inner harbour with lots of shopping, restaurants, bars, apartments and office buildings located at the arm of Oslo Fjord.

Yay, I manage to get a full body shot taken here at this lovely place. Normally, I don’t trust my phone with strangers, afraid that they might run away with it. Don’t laugh, it’s trueee. There have been plenty victims as seen from news articles. However, a woman has kindly asked me to help and take a photo of her and her daughter so I asked for a favour in return as well.

Behind me is the Oslo Fjord and across is Akershus Festning which I plan to visit the next morning.

Paradis at Aker Brygge

OK, time for some ICE CREAM! Apparently, this is one of the must do things here. I notice that there are plenty of ice cream stalls but I am looking for this shop called Paradis as it has good reviews.

With such a small signage, I almost miss the shop.

Hooray~ It looks like I make the right choice coming here as there are a lot of youngsters visiting the shop and most importantly, they have a variety of flavours! Yummy…*mouth watering* I know I know…I mentioned before that I am not a dessert person but I do crave for ice cream once in a while. *wink*

I look from left to right. OK, this is going to be HARDDD to choose so I ask the staff to recommend me one flavour and the flavour is …. umm… actually, I don’t remember the name. Haha! Whatever. It tastes great anyway. =)

While I am paying at the cashier, the staff catches a glimpse of my hand and asks,”Is that Henna?”

“Yeah.”

“It is really nice. Where did you get it?”

“Oh, thanks. I got it when I was at Dubai yesterday.” feeling glad that someone admires it.

She seems a bit disappointed though since I didn’t get it painted in Oslo,”Oh…How long can it last?”

“About a week.”

“That’s nice. I want to get one too.” She smiles and passes me the change.

I smile back at her and take the change. “Thank you.”

REMA 1000

After my guilty pleasure at Paradis, I make my way back to the city centre to buy some groceries at REMA 1000. As a budget traveller, this is probably the best place to get cheaper food. It is also a good way to explore the local cultures through the food, snacks and other things they sell at their supermarkets.

Although it is interesting and fun to shop here, I have one tiny problem – THEY ARE ALL IN NORWEGIAN LANGUAGE. Noooo…… I forgot to download google translate app. Crap! I will just have to play a guessing game based on their appearances.

OK, shall we start then? First, I need to get some fruits as these are important to help me stay healthy throughout my travel. You know what they say – An apple a day keeps the doctor away. I grab a plastic bag and put some apples and bananas in. That’s easy. No guessing required. Hehe.

Next, I need to buy a bottle of mineral water. I stare at the section long and hard. Omg, what’s the difference?? They all look like water to me but labelled in different colours. I need help so I carefully approach a shop assistant and ask her whether the bottle that I am holding is mineral water. She seems unsure, not responding to my question. Therefore, I ask again, “Is this mineral water?” She nods and says, “Yes, mineral water.”

Feeling a tiny sense of achievement,  I happily pay for my purchases at the cashier.

Rice Bowl

This is why I don’t like to have sweet stuff before main meals. Not only the ice cream I just had spoils my appetite, but also makes me feel full. Nevertheless, I am still going to have my dinner. I NEVER EVER skip my meals under any circumstances! LOL. For me, the best food to have when you don’t have much appetite is something sour and spicy. Uh-huh. Yes, you guess it right! Tom-Yam! My all time favourite.

So, I go to Rice Bowl which is a Thai restaurant and order a bowl of Tom Yam noodle with a glass of water. Based on my research, this is considered as one of the cheaper restaurants if you wish to dine below NOK150. However, the taste is only so-so, below my expectation. It is quite disappointing. Oh well, never mind, after all it is a “cheaper” restaurant.

Back at hotel

Ah, feeling refreshed after taking a shower and ready to go to bed.

Before that, let’s just drink some water first. I take out the bottle of mineral water that I bought earlier at REMA 1000 from my bag pack and I turn to open the bottle cap.

*Ssssssssssss* The water spill out from the bottle. WHAT??? This is sparkling water, not still water! I am gobsmacked. Obviously, the shop assistant didn’t bother to tell me that it is SPARKLING mineral water. Hmm… but to be honest, I can’t really blame her because her english seemed kind of poor.

*shrug* Oh well, never mind. This is going to be my first time drinking carbonated water before going to bed. Haha.

*Yawnnn* It’s been a long day. I need to sleep now. Good night everyone!

P.S. I bought the bottle of water because I only find out about the pantry afterwards where you can get tap water, just in case you were wondering why. *wink*

(TO BE CONTINUED)

Note: I will summarise the reviews, tips and costs reference at the end of my Oslo trip.