First Day with the Group - Last Day in Oslo

Oslo Folk Museum

Vigeland Sculpture Park

Shopping

Karl Johan Gate

Why is Jamar's Blog Called Twice Knit?

If you've been reading my blog over the last number of years, you know it's where I post photos and write about my travel experiences. Do you remember, or have you ever wondered why my blog is called "Twice Knit?". Well.....It started as a knitting blog. 

Tomorrow my love of knitting and my love of travel will join together. It is the first day of "Arne and Carlos' Knitting Adventure." Arne and Carlos are world famous Norwegian knitti ng designers, authors, and podcasters. I met them on the YouTube (yes, I wrote that phrase on purpose) and when I saw they were offering a "knitting cruise" with them as hosts, I said yes! My friends and I used to joke about going on a Mahj Jongg cruise, and now I am seriously going on a knitting cruise.

10:00 tomorrow morning I meet my fellow knitters, and the adventure will begin.

Sporty's Last Day Alone

Tomorrow I join my group tour and I'm looking forward to it. The pace should slacken considerably with a group of strangers. Being a tourist by myself is quite exhausting since I am a pretty aggressive tourist. I thought I was aggressive only with Taylor, but it turns out the pace of activity is just as lively alone, as it is together.

This morning started with a shopping trip. The perfect sweater for Taylor, and a traditional hiking mug for  Solomon.

This was followed by city hiking.

And lunch in a food court called, Mathallen. It was great for food selection and people watching.

I considered this, and chose this:

And more hiking.

Old Jewish cemetery.

Pedestrian bridge over the River Aker.

Now time for feet up.

Sporty's First Full Day in Oslo, Norway

When I went through passport control to get into Norway, the official lady asked how many people in my party. When I told her I was traveling alone, she said, "You're certainly sporty." There you have it, my new nickname, Sporty.

In keeping with that theme, the hotel assigned me a roommate since I'm traveling solo.

Oslo is a marvel on many fronts, and I've just scratched the surface.

Who knew saunas were such a mainstay right downtown and next to the fjord?

Small saunas.

Large saunas.

And lots of cool public art.

Sprinting Through Amsterdam on the Way to Oslo

As usual, making a transfer in Amsterdam involves a sprint through the airport. However, the Dutch take time to celebrate their special day.

On the "Flytoget" train from the airport to central Oslo, this was my first view of the city.

Norway 2022

 Fifty  one years ago I went to Norway. Two of the most memorable things I did while in Norway were hiking in the mountains, and meeting my mother's family.

Hiking with my friend Margit, and a lovely couple, Ellen and Jacob, who guided us on our first Norwegian trek. Jotunheimen. 1971

I am lucky enough to be able to travel to Norway again.  This time, instead of hiking in the mountains, I am going to take a 12 day cruise on the MS Trollfjord, from Bergen far north to Kirkenes. Then, as in 1971, I am going to meet members of my mother's family.  Among the family I will meet is Dagfinn who has planned an amazing trip for me to see the family farm and to meet a few people I met in 1971, and many who will be new to me.

I am packed and ready.  I'm leaving in two days!!!!