Thursday 18th December 2025

Oslo

Afforded ourself a little sleep in with today’s itinerary driven solely by us, no packing up, no bags out etc 

It was a snow free, yet chilly day, with a light mizzle that greeted us after breakfast. ‘Feels like’ temperature was -2, so we were rugged up for our 45 minute walk out to the Vigeland which is the worlds largest Sculpture Park by one artist.

It was a chance to walk off the ‘bus bum’ accumulated after 9 days in a coach. It was a surprisingly hilly walk as we wandered through suburbs surrounded by beautiful parklands that housed the home ground of local ice hockey and football teams. The most infrequently used area, at this time of the year, the swimming pool, with 3 level diving tower, was also in the precinct.

Time passed quickly and we arrived at the ornately sculptured bridge that led to the sculpture park which extended in front of us as far as the eye could see.

Whilst they have fossil parks in the world this was a tossil park. If you were offended by men’s dangly bits and nudity generally this park was not for you. We did notice a tour group of Asians giggle and quickly pass through.

The artist deliberately  had all granite sculptures nude so they did not age and reflect  a particular era.

The major exhibit depicted life from womb to tomb and all forms of sexuality. The craftsmanship was absolutely amazing.

Jane managed to embed herself in the Secret Women’s  Business group while I realised I didn’t measure up to be a model.

After an hour we took a more circuitous route home walking through Embasdy Row where all the fancy houses and flash cars dominate the scenery. There were several police huts and cars scattered through the area. The most ironic neighbours were Russia and Ukraine. It was interesting the majority of houses facing the Russian Embassy had Ukrainian flags displayed either in windows or on external flag poles. 

Seems the majority of Scandinavia is very supportive if Ukraine and rightfully so.

Stopped outside a kids school and watched the kids enjoying school- most clad in Santa hats.  There were also plenty at childcare if the traffic jam outside was any indication.

It was then down along the harbour where huge ferries seemed to swallow semi trailers as they drove into the hold. 

Behind them were the cruise ships ready to take the passengers on an Arctic  adventure. We actually met a ln Aussie couple outside our hotel destined for a cruise who picked our brains on what to expect- we had to keep the mystery of the Northern  Lights exactly that – a mystery.

Made our way back home passing the Palace with its three diligent guards doing precise military drills out front.

Back at the hotel we were pleasantly surprised with free Glogg in the foyer.

When upstairs it was a decision between the laundromat or Oslo Trots – clean clothes won the coin toss.

Dr Google set the trail and we headed off on some more hill walking up through the University precinct and then through some quaint suburbs with beautiful wooden houses. One had the best Naitivity scene embedded in the facade of the house.

We soon crossed the river after fighting off a group of marauding ducks anxious for a feed. Either lack of feeding or in a show of male virility two put on a great wrestling match.

Soon reached the laundry which in true Nordic fashion was completely automated and charged at their rates.

Found a local parkside cafe situated inside an old cinema and enjoyed our 2 beers and a sandwich for $A75,  the only thing missing was popcorn and Choctops. 
The bridge over the stream had the obligatory European love locks attached to the sides.

‘Oslo consistently ranks as one of the most expensive cities in Europe. The reality is that Oslo’s high prices reflect its strong economy, high wages, and excellent quality of life’  – a direct quote from Dr Google who seems to forget the high tax regime.

Ventured back and collected clothes before a lovely walk through a suburb evolving from industry to residential, but not without the scourge of graffiti. Despite the graffiti this place is spotlessly clean.

Back in the city centre afternoon traffic was at a standstill despite the locals  glowing praise of the tunnel systems that cross the city.

No rest for us, after dropping off clothes and a little more Glogg we headed to the Xmas Markets and another lap. Crowds were much bigger than yesterday and more people using the attractions, including the ice skating rink and some steep metal slide which would struggle to meet safety standards, but did attract a lot of yelping teenagers.

Lived up to our promise from yesterday and got a Juicy Moosey Burger, albeit under the stare of Bullwinkle whose picture was on the back wall. Dessert was in the form of a waffle and it was an alcohol free visit.

The ‘have more kids’ incentive over here is certainly working with many a 2 and 3 kid family enjoying the market and in the streets generally.

Headed down for a quick peep at the harbour and City Hall and National Theatre before the evening chill and mizzle had us back home  across the Palace Park for our last sleep in Scandinavia.