The day in Bergen started out cold and windy and
continued though the day.....we got on the mid day included excursion....guide
was ok but not up to the par of the others....too young and inexperienced. But
this was the Panoramic Bergen excursion...so we did get to see this gorgeous
city built around the fjords, with the wharf area being the world showplace.
The wooden houses in various colors are on the postcards in the Bryggen area
right along the harbor, Marina, etc....and it was busy, in spite of the wind
and rain. Bergen has over 250 days of
rain a year...so thus was a normal day for the locals...in fact they said it
was pretty mild. Oil and gas and the related industries are driving this area,
and even with the high taxation, is frequently voted the happiest city in the
world. After the tour we told a short walk from the hotel, which was the
Radisson Blu right downtown..and this was a perfect location so we walked a few
doors and had a great snack in a locally owned place.....very nice. We walked for a few minutes more then decided
too nasty so returned to the ship ....Audy had a good rest and I decided to
explore more....and went back out to see what we had not seen in the downtown
area such as the fish markets and other shopping areas. Rain and wind off and
on but got to see their main shopping and tourist areas....very impressive. The
plan was to stay on the ship this night and then disembark the next
morning....and go on another city tour...which we did and this one covers
additional parts of the city..well done...and then to the hotel, as we were
then on the Bergen to Oslo extension. After lunch locally we walked through the
fish market areas and saw the sights as today the weather turned sunny and the
area is so beautiful. Got to the food area and, along with the other thousand
tourists got to have our Local pancake and ate it standing along the stores
and shops....just enjoying the locals,
Etc...
After a rest went down the street to a Brew and Bar...and
clearly one of the most delicious hamburgers we have ever had, Norwegian style.
Back to the hotel and prepared for the early departure from the hotel to the
train to Oslo. 68 folks on the extension so we got on the train early for a
good seat..so the start of a good day.
In Summary, Bergen is a must, and is a must for many of
the Cruise lines...due to the history connections with the Vikings and with the
historic trade of the area. Due to its critical location, it was a key player
in the Hanseatic League....which established traders the primary reason for
being . Bergen was the capital of Norway with the King living here...and being
the center of the fishing trade...started out being a wealthy city..and then
with the oil discovery in 1969....one very wealthy and affluent place. Well
worth the time. Off to Oslo...
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