Beautiful Bergen at Last

To Bergen, Norway

We finally got onto our ferry from Leikanger at 7:30 this morning, a day after our expected departure. We were excited to be getting on with the journey as we left our nice little cabin on the hill with its fabulous view of the fjord. Although it was cool and overcast, there was no rain in sight.  

We had a minor panic at the dock as I inspected our PDF tickets and noticed the small writing at the bottom stating that the travel documents must be printed. You’ve got to be kidding! I could swear we saw people showing their phone screens when boarding yesterday. I scampered off to the nearby hotel conferring with the man at the front desk who confirmed the need to print. I thought my forwarded emails would never reach him, but five minutes later (with three minutes to spare) I was back at the dock, printed tickets in hand. To our complete dismay, we were waved on board and no one ever bothered to check our tickets. Go figure.

The ferry ride was great fun. It holds upwards of a hundred people and really moves. We had to fight our way forward against the brisk wind, admiring the views -- mist shrouded slopes dotted with red, gold and white houses and dozens of waterfalls in the background.

Once in Bergen, we found our Air B&B room and got settled in. Although only a hundred square feet or so, it was a perfect for the four of us with kitchen, bathroom, couch, table and a couple little sleeping nooks.

Bergen wharf

View from patio

We went out to explore and gave in to eating at an expensive but attractive restaurant close to the water -- the troops (myself included) were getting “restless.” Afterwards, we continued the tourist theme by taking the funicular to the top of the hill and walking down (we’re not that lazy).

Funicular

On the way back down the sun came out and I almost thought I could here the angels singing. It was gorgeous. We saw dozens of folks out running up and down the dirt walking path, and I have to imagine work ends early when the sun comes out.  As we walked through town, I spotted a Miata and couldn't help but think that I would love to meet the optimist that would own a convertible in Norway.

We had a very fun family dinner night. I broke out the travel speakers to help create a festive mood and then recruited Dex and Kylie to help with the Uncle Ben’s rice and salmon fillets from the local Kiwi market. They enthusiastically agreed, perhaps trying to make up for the fact that they had eaten most of their chocolate Kinder Eggs before dinner despite our specific agreement not too. In any event, the dinner was a complete success. Liberal use of butter, lemon and salt worked their magic. A few more acts of the latest Harry Potter finished off a truly beautiful day.