My friend in Norway
(Tossing and turning in my bed) Argh… what time is it? I squint at my phone. It’s only 5:00 a.m… I close my eyes again.
Half an hour later, I give up. I just can’t sleep anymore so I draw the curtain and let some light in. I look out the window, the street is still empty and quiet at this hour. Just a few passersby.
All right, time to freshen up!
Finally, today is the day that I get to meet my old friend-slash-high school classmate whom I haven’t seen in almost a decade. We had been classmates for many years in both primary school and high school. Well, if we were to add the time in kindergarten, then we would have known each other MUCH longer too. However, we were not friends at that time and I only found out about this later when we became classmates in primary school after I noticed him in one of my kindergarten photos by chance. Funny huh?
Anyway, I am sure you know how the story continues thereafter like every other post high school story. We parted ways after high school, attended universities in different parts of the world and my friend is now living in Norway. At first, he was going to spend the whole day with me but due to unforeseen circumstances, he now only has a few hours to spare which I still really appreciate as I understand that it is a busy season for him. Therefore, we are meeting early at 8 a.m. later.
Breakfast
(stomach growling……)
I reach for the bread that I saved from the other day. Uh-huh~ Are you scratching your head trying hard to recall where you have seen this before? Let me help you out. Yup, it’s the bread from my emirates flight meal two days ago.
This is a great way to save money especially if you can’t finish the flight meals anyway. I would always finish the main and dessert but not the bread. Honestly, there is nothing to be ashamed of at all and it’s nothing to do with stinginess either. Put it this way, we are reducing food waste. So, it’s a win-win situation. *wink*
I check the expiry date on the plastic cover and note that it is not expired yet so I take a bite. *Munch…munch* It’s a bit squashed but it tastes fine. Great, my breakfast has been settled. =)
Reunion with my ex-classmate
(Phone ringing)
“Hello? Ah bong?” I pick up and answer.
“Hey, ya, it’s me. I just arrive at your hotel lobby.”
“OK! I am coming down now.”
I quickly leave my room and take the lift down to the lobby.
When the door opens, I wave happily at him and walk up to him. We hug.
“Omg, long time no seeee. It’s so good to see you!” I say animatedly.
I am glad that we can recognise each other easily even after so many years which I guess it’s because we still look pretty much the same. Haha. *hinting that we still look young* OK, no need to roll your eyes. LOL.
“Yes, it’s been so long. Good to see you too.This is for you. It should be useful. I got it from my university.” He smiles and gives me a map.
“Eh, thanks a lot! So thoughtful of you.” I check the map out. “This map is so much better than the tourist map I got yesterday, definitely much easier to understand. Haha.”
“You are welcome. OK, so where do you want to go first? Opera House?”
“Yup.”
“OK, I will bring you there.”
Yay, I don’t need to worry about getting lost for the time being with this AWESOME personal “tour guide” beside me. Haha.
On our way there, we catch up on all our life stories after high school, chatting happily non-stop. Ah, reunion is always sweet. =)
Oslo Opera House
Oslo’s Opera House is located right at the harbour, with an angled, white exterior that appears to rise from the water. What’s interesting about this building is that you can climb its roof and enjoy panoramic views of Oslo and the fjord, all year round. Isn’t that cool? Walking on roof? I know!
Oh look, the locals are practicing tai-chi. That’s rare but it’s good to see foreigners practicing our Chinese martial arts.
Initially, I wanted to come here to watch the sun set as I heard the view is gorgeous but it is summer and the sun sets around 11:30 p.m. which is rather late for me. So, I decided to just come during daytime instead.
Say cheese~ What’s a reunion without a photo right? Hehe.
Akershus Festning
The building of Akershus Castle and Fortress was commenced in 1299 under king Håkon V and completed in the 1300s. Its location was strategical at the very end of the headland which helped to withstand a number of sieges throughout the ages.
There is an admission fee for the castle but not the fortress so we just take a stroll around the fortress. Moreover, the castle is not yet opened at this hour.
All those cobblestone roads and stone buildings makes me feel like I have travelled back in time when I walk here.
Hey, there are some cute little girls dancing statues. Let’s dance!
“They fought they fell they gave us everything” – a memorial for the Norwegians who were executed here during World War II.
This is the view from the fortress. You can see Aker Brygge across the fjord where I was at yesterday.
Ruter card
It’s time for my friend to leave soon and before he leaves, he accompanies me to buy a 24-hour ticket for the use of public transportations. He also teaches me which public transports to take and which stations to stop at based on my itinerary.
Earlier, when I showed him my itinerary for the day and told him I only plan to get a single ticket to Vigelandsparken, he advised me to just get the 24-hour ticket as the total price in comparison is not much different and I will be able to save time in travelling too.
Well, he has a point. Perhaps, I was TOO “gung-ho”, trying to walk to all the places even if it takes more than an hour. Anyway, this is also a good opportunity to experience their public transportations. Therefore, for my own benefits, I decided to follow his advice.
As I am travelling within 1 zone only, the price comparison is as follows:
You will need to check out their website to find information about zones, the zone map and how to calculate the fare for your journey.
Vigelandsparken
After we bid farewell, I get on Tram no. 12 from National Theatre to Vigelandsparken which will take about 10 minutes. Remember to activate your ruter card at the box on the yellow pole.
I arrive at Vigelandsparken and notice that there are a lot of tourists here. Well, that’s a given due to the fact that it is the world’s LARGEST sculpture park with more than 200 sculptures in bronze, granite and wrought iron made by a single artist – Gustav Vigeland. The park was completed between 1939 and 1949.
The Bridge
There are 58 sculptures in bronze on this bridge alone and they are modelled in the years 1925 to 1933.
Some of them are really cute like this one here – ‘little laughing girl’. Hahaha……
Mr. Vigeland, with all due respect, I really admire your works but I can’t help adding dialogues for some of them. Please forgive me.
“Oh, look at my beautiful long hair. I just washed it. It feels fantastic~~”
“Rarr…… Don’t mess with me, kids.”
Boy on the left, “Aaaaa……RUN for your life!”
Boy on the right, “Why?”
Boy on the left, “Didn’t you see what happened to those poor kids?”
The Fountain
This fountain has the longest history among all the sculptures in the park. There are 20 tree groups modelled around the fountain. If you see them up close, you will notice each of them is different and together they portray an eternal life cycle.
The Monolith
The Monolith is located at the highest point of the park. The figural part, with 121 figures, was carved from one single granite block. It represents Man’s longing and yearning for the spiritual and divine. There are also 36 figure groups on the Monolith Plateau which depict a variety of typical human situations and relationships.
The Wheel of Life
The wheel is a symbol of eternity and is here executed as a garland of women, children and men holding on to each other. Overall, this sculpture sums up the dramatic theme of the entire park: Man’s journey from cradle to grave, through happiness and grief, through fantasy, hope and wishes of eternity.
Despite the sculptures, this park itself is really pretty, definitely a good place to hang out. It is getting cloudy, I am just going to chill and enjoy the scenery for a while before it rains.
(TO BE CONTINUED)
Note: I will summarise the reviews, tips and costs reference at the end of my Oslo trip.
