Oslo, Norway

Boarded the train at 8 and even though an old non-speed train, very neat and very clean and updated and we traveled at about 70 mph over some of the most beautiful areas in the world. The weather had cleared to a Great degree as we went east for the 7 hour journey and  it got even brighter.

The photos are the one way to describe  this incredible trip but think in terms of crossing the Rockies then coming along Whiskeytown Lake then boating on Shasta then going back up over and through the Alps. The area is so unique and goes back to the Ice Age when the glaciers carved these massive fjords that are so deep and long that trade has been a big factor in their survival over the years. We went along these fjords then up and over the 4000 feet where it was slightly snowing and foods were in snow gear. Just one dramatic scenes after another....and it just kept coming for over 3 hours. Even though it was  a short night due to a hotel issue which I will tell you about separately, Donna......you could not rest in fear of missing something. Even Audy was awake the entire journey.

As we came over the mountains and down into the valley heading to Oslo....we started to see these large farm areas....and the beauty of eastern Norway...and we saw these areas for about 2 hours...with small towns starting to pop up as we got closer to Oslo.

We arrived in Oslo about 2:30 and then did the included Oslo City tour. We ended at the hotel at 6...and that was it.....ate in the room and packed for the early departure.

Oslo....and this is a recorded talk, it seems...is a beautiful city built around a massive harbor. Very clean and modern still showing the rich history and heritage....and a 3 hour tour is just note night. We both agreed and additional day would be much better. We had  a good young tour guide that knew his stuff....but jut too much to fully appreciate in this short of a time. Most people probably fine but not us.....a great city and we must go back.

Transfers to Oslo were perfect...the Oslo Airport is very modern and convenient....processing was quick and efficient and could not have been better and we were off to Amsterdam.  Arrival there was fine, with folks to help....airport is huge but very modern and clean and user friendly. Flight back on Delta A330 was perfect....but then the international arrival experience at Atlanta is a disaster and probably the worst experience in the entire trip. Obviously leadership at this airport just does not "get it".....with 500 to 600 people waiting to get through passport control and 3 agents....this airport management is pathetic. And, after talking with some of the other travelers in line....is now considered one of the worst international arrival airports in the world of the big airports. But, we made it...a great trip.....ready to go again...tomorrow.