Naked People

Vinterbro (and Oslo), Norway -- Day 3

In contrast to yesterday, today was a sunny, beautiful Norwegian day. Both Meg and I, however, were moving a bit slowly this morning, probably self induced. Lucky for us, Cam would serve as our personal tour guide to Oslo. First up was a walk passed the Royal Palace, about a half mile from downtown, and then some time enjoying the well known Vigeland sculpture park.

First though, I couldn't resist taking a detour into the main train station. Thirty years ago, after my two months of intensive Swedish language classes, I had gotten a two week break before the official start of school. My first overseas, solo travel did not start off auspiciously as I found the only budget accommodations in Oslo full, and so decided to spend the night inside the large central station.

Little did I know, however, that both the baggage room and the entire station closed at 11:00 p.m. I thus found myself spending the night on the streets without my sleeping bag!  It was not a comfortable night. However, as I was walking around to keep warm in the wee hours of the morning, I snapped a very nice photo of the deserted walking street, lit storefronts reflecting on the wet bricks and the central station in the distance. Years later, I drew the scene with colored pencils, framed it, and gave it to my mom. It still hangs on her wall today.

View looking down toward train station

The Vigeland sculpture park is the biggest tourist attraction in Oslo. It was constructed between 1939 and 1949 and contains more than 200 bronze and granite sculptures by Gustav Vigeland.  

Everyone really enjoyed it... with the exception of Dex -- something to do with naked people. We understood from Cam that people are encouraged to climb on the sculptures, though he later clarified that it is normally only kids.

After a picnic lunch, we walked to the Norsk Folkmuseet (Norwegian Museum of Cultural History), an open air museum with traditional wood buildings from all over Norway and exhibits featuring traditional clothing, crafts, music and dance. The dancing and singing, in particular, was a big hit.

Once back home we had another wonderful meal with wine, bread and a delicious salmon soup that the kids couldn't get enough of.  This was followed by dessert and a slide show of Cam and Jan's latest backpacking trip. The high alpine scenery was absolutely beautiful and whetted our appetite for tomorrow's journey.