Oslo, the Capital of Norway is our cruises last Port of Call.
Today the surprise is a Monkey. These room Stewards have not only been ever so courtesy but very ingenious with their artistic towel creations.
Robin and Kyle booked an upper deck suite for themselves and the two kids. Pretty snazzy with a private breakfast buffet and snacks - 24/7
Too, they took advantage of the veranda seating with a beautiful view table for breakfast.
Norway and their Trolls are a world fascination; and who would be greeting us as we disembarked from the Ship, none other than Mr. Oslo Troll, himself.
Our morning tour was to the Viking Museum, and we had a nice 10 ~ 12 block walk through a most pleasant residential neighborhood.
Oh! Do these Oslo Norwegians love their hills and the climbing of stairs. It also shows very noticeable in their physical physique.
The Museum was constructed; as to effectively display three Viking ships that have been successfully restored. They are raising funds now to add to the museum, so those coming in the next few years may expect the spectacular.
You can see how the structure was designed specifically for these restored ships.
In the wing opposite this restored craft was a collection of smaller items and a theater with a power point presentation of the 'Viking Lore'. It was most impressive, and we watched it at least twice, so the I could capture photos of the visual. As you observe the ships shown above and recall the square mast in use at those times, one comes to admire the Viking Lore and the reputation they acquired as "Men of the Sea".
This map shows the extent of their exploration and the settlements they established. They sailed not only up the mainland via rivers to Kiev in Ukraine, Novgorod in Russia, Krakow in Poland, Paris in France, but also by sea to York England, on to Seville Spain, Rome Italy, and Constantinople Greece.
Then crossing the Atlantic to Iceland, on to Greenland and then onto Canada at L'anse aux Meadows on the northern coast of Newfoundland. Dottie and I visited the Viking village at L'anse aux Meadows in 2012 and just last summer, with Garrett, we were at the Viking Village of York, in the UK. The Viking influence on trade and customs has left a distinct mark on our culture and even in their physical physique is evidenced in our society.
These photos are of the beautiful residential area we walked in going and returning from the Viking Museum. How about this set of stairs for one to climb in carrying their groceries home?
It is mid-May and the flowers are vibrantly beautiful.
This is not the Rhodes Gallery, just our family on a leisurely Friday stroll.
We're back at the Harbor, and as I've commented previously the Norwegians love the water and their sailing boats. After all ocean and the ship is their heritage.
The Younger Set took a train to the Olympic Ski Jump of Holmekollen. The Winter Olympics of 1952 were held in Oslo and the ski jump remains as a museum of those games; and much more. They have hosted the World Games here many times over the years.
Too, the name Sonjia Henie, comes to mind when one thinks of Oslo. She was famous as a figure skater winning several Gold Medals in the 1930's. This then launched her film career and the sparking girl became the lady of the cinema representing Norway to the world for many years.
Renee captured the actual structure of the Jump.
James and Garrett are ready for their jump but will have to wait till winter for the snow. Man, that is a long way down there!
These are the actual skis used during the 1952 Olympics and in the World Games of 1966, 1982 and 2011.
Oh! To be young again and have fun teasing. Raulin and Garrett reenacting a scene from the Game of Thrones.
Robin and Raulin pictured from the tower at Holmekollen, overlooking Oslo.
James and Renee also on the observation tower with a panoramic background of Oslo. 
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Before we leave Norway, I would like to share a family story about my favorite Norwegian, Uncle Bud Rude.
Bud Rudd was married to Dottie's Aunt Dot, for whom she was named. Uncle Bud and Aunt Dot retired in Albuquerque, and that is where we got to know them. He was a happy little guy with bright ruddy cheeks, and when excited would proclaim in Norwegian "Lutefisk, Lutefisk, Ja Ja Ja"!
He related a story to us about a happening in WWII to a young lad, to whom he was related. The young man returned to Norway in the winter of 1939 to visit his grandmother. This was a relatively safe journey as Norway had always maintained their neutrality. However, in April of 1940, while the lad was still in Norway, the Nazi invaded. He spent the next 5 years Norway while it was under Germany's occupancy. It was after the end of WWII before he would return to the US.
I visited with Eppie Boles, Uncle Bud daughter, and she vividly recalled a letter they received from the Rudd family in Norway sometime during WWII. She related her father breaking down and sobbing, on the reading what his family was enduring in the German occupancy.
One other interesting observation. I mentioned in the Log on Amsterdam that 50% of the people of the Netherlands say they are not religious. Our Pastor when reading this commented "this is fantastic". From his research after WWII the Europeans lost respect and most beliefs in religion. The horrors they experienced were so traumatic that they would not accept the God would will such an atrocity on anyone.
There are always two sides to a coin. My side of the coin reflected the negative with 50% of a country being non-religious, and his side of the coin was positive and rejoicing as in the last 70 years the pendulum has moved from 90% - 50%.
Peace be with you!
Renee and Garrett in quiet monument on this leisure day as we sail from Oslo back to Rotterdam.
Friday night was our Dress Up evening and now you see us at our best.
Saturday was the end of our great cruise, and we are all heading to Iceland. The Harders left the ship first as they returned to Amsterdam to visit the Anne Frank House. This was a very heartwarming experience for them.
We flew to Reykjavik with Renee and James and were the first to arrive at our AirBnb apartment rental.
You have had a good time cruising with us, so stay hitched up and let's go explore the wonders of Iceland.
And now as we do in New Mexico, when we pass .......................... I'll wave.
ADIOUS ~ Amigos
Remember to wisely use your QTR!
QTR - Quality Time Remaining
Come on Willie sing us another verse, and we’ll move on down the road.
