Author: David Taylor

     I did it.  Woke at 9 am.  

Peter drove me to the airport where I checked in at 11 am. 
Boarded the Iceland air plane at 1:30 pm.  
Arrived in Iceland at 3:15 pm.
Departed at 5:30 pm.  

Arrived in Boston at 8:30 pm.  

Sink w/hand dryer in Iceland

Global Entry Pass got me right through customs and immigration.  Took the shuttle bus to Alamo’s Car Rental. Went right to pick-up area and choose my car
…hopped in and gave the lady my Special Alamo’s pass and was on the Mass Turnpike by 9 pm

…arrived in Coxsackie , N.Y. at my cousins at 11:30 pm.  

I was in bed at 1 am….7am  Amsterdam time.  
I had been up for 22 hours with one nap on the plane to Iceland.  Terrible sleep but a great bed!  Maybe it was the hemorrhoids.

      Sad news was my Aunt Charlotte, Helen and Barbara’s mother, my father’s sister, died at 96 and 10 months of a stroke.  Her wish was to be laid out in a casket.  They said she looked so good!  She liked looking good…always dressed nice.
      She was cremated after the funeral.  The family  are returning to my home town of Attica on the 15th of October to put her ashes with our “clan”.  

Wednesday the 8th
        My cousins Helen and Barbara and I all went to a nice restaurant along the Hudson River with David , Helen’s husband driving and picking up the bill. I had Lobster Roll of course and fresh Peach cobbler. 
      Just after walking in the house, David, who has a combo pacemaker/defibrillator, got zapped by the defibrillator for the first time.  He was a little pale but OK.  We called the monitoring station and they said he is to come in immediately if it does that again and in the morning go right to the hospital for a check up with the cardiologist.

       Meanwhile Helen’s daughter, who has an on going problem with the drink disappeared then called her ex husband in Houston to inform him she was swimming in the ocean.  Found her today passed out on her lawn.  Problem is she has two daughters.  One had been staying with Helen and is on her own but returned to live at home and the other is still in school.  Her sister, Helen’s other daughter took care of the younger daughter…I guess?

Thursday the 9th
       Helen and David left for the hospital to be checked this morning. I took pictures of the surrounding fall foliage.  

I’m treating them all to dinner tonight if David isn’t admitted to the hospital.
      He wasn’t and only lost a day of work instead of his life. 

      I have been following up an enquiry about our relatives in Ancestry.com.  A man named Howard John Taylor in San Anglos Texas claimed to be our blood Grandfather’s son.  That made him my Aunt Charlotte and my Dad’s half brother. Both of them knew that but last saw him in 1950 at their father’s funeral.  He was 7 years old then and I was 5 and they were in their 30’s.
        Any contact with him ceased and he disappeared.  It was never discussed by the family.  There was the death of my Aunt Helen (Charlotte and Dad’s younger sister) in a drowning, a divorce, remarriage, my Dad quitting school at 15 and leaving Attica never to return for 13 years, and just a lot of mystery that wasn’t discussed. 
        My cousins and myself were trying to trace our Grandfather’s ancestry and so was Howard when he saw our notices on Ancestry and emailed an enquiry to me.   I followed it up before leaving to Europe but hadn’t heard back.  Barbara decided we should call him at the only contact I had…his place of employment…the San Anglos Museum of Art in Texas, which won some award presented by Laura Bush to the Museum for being one of the top 9 in the US.  Howard is the Director and has been involved in the Maritime Museum, another museum in Buffalo, something or other and has had a stellar career Managing Museums.  
      She called and asked that he call her back.  When the secretary asked what this was in relation to, Barb replied it’s personal. He returned the call that afternoon and both Helen and Barb talked to him for almost a half hour.  
       He was our half Uncle and 71 years old, the same as Helen and only two years older than me. So many questions were answered that afternoon and so many more to be answered. Howard only knew his father until he died when Howard was 7,  then later, his mother remarried.  He had a half brother and half sister from her as well as from his father’s first marriage to our grandmother Julia.  He was basically an only child like me.  He had been to Attica and remembers meeting me and my friends he played with while his father talked to my Dad.  We all agreed to keep in touch and resolve all these questions.  There were many that a movie could be made from the story. His father, our Grandfather being the black sheep of what became a very well off family, etc.

         We left for Max’s restaurant after our conversation with Howard,  for our 5 pm Reservations.  President Clinton likes Max’s and so did we.  A great restaurant that is beautiful, has great background music, pleasant well trained wait staff and an excellent menu and wine list.

 I had Fresh Butternut Squash soup followed by Roasted Duck Breast in Grand Marnier Orange sauce, Scalloped potatoes, Brussel Sprouts and Carrots…followed by Taylor’s Port, Chocolate Mousse, and Coffee.

 All accompanied by a nice California Pinot Noir which I finished at home while we sat up watching Blue Bloods.
     

           I requested to go to Hilversum with Peter Saturday because I wanted to share my Birthday with Jeannette, who seldom forgot it, no matter where I was.  I thought it would be nice.  Peter pointed out my Birthday wasn’t until Sunday.  Oh well…I’ll go and pretend.
           He bought me another present of Dutch Cheese in addition to a Chocolate Cake,  to take home. 
           I slept late Saturday. Then went out to get a bite to eat. I bought a roll in the bakery to make a peanut butter sandwich at home.  When I went to pay her, she said to give the money to the machine.  They have a machine that is the cashier.  She tells you how much and bags it and you pay the machine.  It give change and she never handles the money.  Can’t rob the machine.

        The streets were full of people.  This has been a record breaking month for Holland.  Sunshine and warm days…after day …after day.  People were so happy and just enjoying it all.  I wish I had time to visit the Park today.  It will be full of musicians, people, picnics, bicycles, families, dogs, and nudists.   Yes you can sunbath in the park…generally in a private out of the way place.  I just finished a great Tuna Melt at my local restaurant Goos.

Now want to get out and walk it off.
       Our visit to Jeannette’s was lovely.  We arrived as two of her long time Gay friends were just leaving after spending the afternoon with her in the Garden.  We took thier place. Later we were moved to the outside dining table and had a nice dinner of Chicken with a Bacon creme sauce, fresh Carrots and Broccoli. Peter kissed her goodbye and we returned as darkness set in.

         Today was my birthday.  I was raining when I went to bed and sunshine when I woke.  The temperatures had cooled down a bit.  I did my laundry and went to breakfast then returned to relax as clouds and cold moved in to Amsterdam.  

       Peter left to see Jeannette and I went to Libero Italian Restaurant again to try the Naples Pizza.  I’ve had better so  packed half of it for take away and ordered white chocolate ice cream with espresso and Armagnac Brandy on the side.  All in all it was OK.  

         I walked back and noticed the owner of the bookstore sitting outside on a bench after he closed so joined him.  We talked at least a half hour about travel to Italy , the future of books, business, Holland, Jeannette and Peter,  and about our lives in the latter years.  

         I’m 69 years of age today.  I got a birthday salutation from my daughter in Buffalo last night, and more today from my friends Marjorie in Scottsdale, Frank in West Barnstable on the Cape, special friend Chris in New River, Roaring Fork Restaurant, Google , and Bill that went to school with me in Attica and is now living in Tucson , Arizona.  That is it.  The sum of my life. 

         The age 69 is symbolic with my sex life…now I am a 6 or a 9 but with prostate cancer behind me I have to work on having any kind of sex life.  My Libido since, has disappeared…died. 

        My future outlook of course is short lived. I have friends over 85 they are vibrant and enjoying everyday.  My Aunt and Uncle are both over 85 and also enjoying everyday.  I personally don’t believe I will live past 80 and at this point don’t really care too much about it.  If it happens, it happens.  
        When I was young I was ambitious and looking forward to making a future, stressed, and focused on making right decisions to insure my future…pay off the mortgage, save for retirement, see the world, etc.   The the past was past and didn’t really matter. 

          Now we tend to pine for the past but that leads to depression…long for something in the future just creates anxiety.  The way is to live NOW.  I strive to do that but my priorities have changed.  I tired easy.  Naps and health are important. I do strive to be active and continue to travel but health issues have slowed me down. That gives me time to smell the Roses and that had lots of benefits.  I enjoy the things I never took the time for in the past.  So Happy Birthday to Me!

      Peter arrived and he insisted I share his single malt Scotch Whiskey on my birthday so what the hell.  Well I finished the Bottle of wine, and the bottle of Vodka…so ?   We toasted our visit with Single Malt Laphroig Quarter Cask 12 year old Scotch.    Tomorrow I have one bottle of wine left to enjoy for my departure.  Hard liquors may make me miss my flight.  This has been a really unplanned nice day.
     Last day.  Woke Packed.  Ate. Went to bed.  Off tomorrow.  Bye Amsterdam!

       

        I haven’t been to Rotterdam since I visited a Sex Club there with one of their volunteer members. They take turns with responsibilities and filling different positions, such as door checker, bartender, social director, open and closer, etc.   These clubs are in almost every city, just like the Saunas, and public pools.  They are for public use so certain days they are open for nudists, others for textile people. The Swing Clubs have certain nights for Gay or Lesbians, Couples, Safe Sex Groups, etc…a Pansexual Club.

Public Urinal

Segway Unicycle

 Most Hollanders would be Non-Religious, non judgemental, very tolerant , peace loving, open minded….BUT don’t fuck with their rights.  They come to any one’s aide if they feel the person is not being treated fairly…except druggies…they tolerate it so they can also have their freedoms but if a bird was drowning in the canal..they would save it…not so a druggie.
    Pim, the man I’m to meet today, is a very intelligent teacher of life.  His example is one we should all strive for.  He is humble, helpful, courteous, humorous, astute, amicable, inspiring and honest.  There is more and I can’t wait to find out what that is? 
      I departed around 3 pm for Amsterdam Central Station, where I deposited 40 Euros to my ChipKaart for the trip and to insure I don’t run out by Tuesday when I depart for the airport and Boston.

 I boarded the train for Rotterdam around 4pm and arrived around 5:15.  I was in awe when I arrived.  25 years ago…Rotterdam Central Station was nothing.  The Port City was industrial working man’s city that was a bit rough around the edges.  

Now I felt like a kid seeing New York City for the first time. The buildings, architecture, conveniences, art, etc.  It really was vibrant and alive.  Amsterdam seemed a bit sleepy when comparing it to Rotterdam.

   

   We arranged to meet at Pincho’s Tapas Bar inside the newly opened Market Hall but he wasn’t there.  Dutch are very prompt so I knew he must have been delayed for a good reason.  A few minutes latter he arrived on his bicyle from his first day at his new place of employment…just across the way. It was also the first day for the Market Hall opening and it was packed.  

I’m here?

              His new company was in charge of the Public Relations, of sort, \ for the Market.  Communication within the complex, awareness, crowd control, perceptions, advertising, promotions…etc.  To what extent was a little unclear but it didn’t matter.  
            Pincho’s was packed so we went to another bar-restaurant in the complex.  It was had to hear above the din so after a beer, we decided to enjoy the Market Hall’s food promotion.  You get a “bingo” card with 6 spaces to be stamped by the restaurant you sample.  Each restaurant or stall , had a small sample of their product for 1 Euro.  We had Surinamese food, Turkish, Dutch, German, etc…all for 6 Euro.  When the Card was full with 6 stamps, you redeemed it for a nice shopping bag.  He introduced me to a couple of his colleages we met while grazing.

         It was dark now so he invited me to his apartment across the street to meet his fiancee and the love of his life. She was lovely and also in love.   Pim and I had a glass of wine on his balcony overlooking the city then I bid adieu, to meet again someday, somewhere.  We had discussed our travels.  He did some diving in the Galopagos Islands, hiked up to Machu Piccu, toured Patagonia, Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia, and I think Chile.

 

  There was a train station across the street where I caught the Amsterdam Central departure and was there around 10:30.  Missed my Tram home so took the next departure to Rembrantsplein rather then wait there.  While waiting at Rembrantsplein, the schedule flashed 10:47 for my Tram 4…but it never came and then it said 11:10…when it did  arrive, it was packed.  When I got off at home, I noted my Chipkaart NEVER got the 40 Euros on it and I was out the money.  I will have to replenish it before I leave. 

       Peter was just going to bed when I arrived and presented me with a birthday cake for a present. Chocolate of course!  I retired at 2 am.
        

#7     Pick up the laundry day, breakfast, checking the Internet,  and of course sleeping.    Oh yeah…ordering “stuff” from Amazon for Mexico, scheduling end of the Month and Doctor stuff…pick up scripts and up date appointments. Mostly watching Orphan Black on Netflix.

        Peter left around 4 to go visit Jeannette…I went to dinner at 5 to what I thought a restaurant he recommended but the lady had no idea who Peter and Jeannette were…I was at the wrong place but menu looked good.  I ordered some wine and duck for dinner while neighborhood people came in for some Gin and Beer after work.  
             Three nice ladies in their 70’s and up took a table near and ordered dinner while having wine.  They were chatting it up, laughing , and catching up on things like young college women that haven’t seen each other in a week or so.  One ordered a wine as I was leaving and I noted the other glasses were almost empty so when I went to pay, I requested that last drink be put on my tab and that I wanted to put the others on my tab but not to say anything until they requested the bill.  She thought I meant I was paying the whole bill instead of buying a round.  I told her they were having too much fun and it was nice…I wanted to treat.  She said, Are you sure.  Yes, of course…then I was presented with the bill.  Mine was around $25…theirs was $40…so with tip it cost me $70 Euros..or around $90…I couldn’t renege now…so I left feeling like I fulfilling my “random act of kindness ” for the day.  
     Peter arrived with Sanna  shortly after I did.  They broke out a bottle of wine and joined me.  We visited a bit and Sanna called Huib, her husband, who was a Captain on the Tour boats for the Canal, and booked me with him for Wednesday at 10:30.  She left and I watched another Black Orphan episode before bed.

#6   I left to catch the tour boat but had to replenish the cash I spent last night so arrived too late.  Huib’s boat had just left.

 I went to the ARAN IRISH PUB next door for an Irish Breakfast then returned about the time he arrived to start another tour.  

Master and Commander

We chatted a bit and did the tour.  It was the first time I’d been on a Canal Tour boat since 1987 and it was way more enjoyable then that tour.  Maybe because it was free.
      We hope to see each other this weekend if Sanna can arrange it.  I took the Tram home and both Peter and I went to take a nap.
      I slept on the couch because I only wanted a short nap.  Two and a half hours later I woke around 5:30 pm and Peter had been gone sometime.  I left for the Italian Restaurant that Peter recommended .  This time with the right directions.

     The place was very nice.

 There were lit candles and fresh flowers on all the tables.  It was decorated very nice and appeared very inviting.  Good sound system though I couldn’t hear anything.  My waitress was young, smiling but curt.  She never returned to the table after serving me and wasn’t in sight.

 I wanted some water…$3 for a glass.  Parmasan cheese, no charge but had to ask.  Fresh made pasta was good but not fantastic.  Fried Bread balls with salt were very tasty, light and different.  House wine by the Carafe or glass was good and priced well.  The restaurant had movie by Fredrico Fellini , La Dolce Vita , playing in black and white with subtitles.  It was better than watching a Sports channel.  Nice touch with Fellini Movie Posters up for decor I inquired if Bruno , the Chef-Owner , was a Fellini fan…NO he is a Sophia Loren fan.  I said Peter and Jeannette recommended the place and said hi.  They had no clue who I was talking about.  

     I arrived home two seconds before Peter.  He watched the news, I played a bit of poker then we retired.

#5    Peter and I are having lunch at the Suriname Restaurant close by.  I wanted to treat him and spend some time one on one with him.  He seems worried, alone, sullen, and a bit depressed.  He needs Jeannette home I think.  Perhaps I can cheer him up for his long road ahead and lend some encouragement.

      He came in from shopping a bit and we left for lunch.  I dragged him to the drugstore to see if I could fill my script.  I explained I had not packed enough of the doses and was in need of another 2 weeks.  She checked with the druggist and he said I needed a Dutch script for that drug.  
     Peter ordered a Chicken curry sandwich and a beer.  I had a juice and Lamb curry with rice and green beans.  We enjoyed the day sitting outside so he could smoke.  School was out and there were a lot of school children hanging out on lunch bread and chatting.  A lot of Muslims…all having fun.  Oh to be young. I couldn’t finish my meal so we took it home but stopped for a Lemon Pie at the Chocolate shop …dessert!

All Chocolate!!!

       He took a nap while I took the Tram to Central Station and At The Movies.  I got there just after the last movie started.  The others weren’t scheduled until 5 pm…It was 3:30 so I decided to call it a day and return to watch Orphan Black. 

I noticed a nice Coffee Cafe across the street called Two for Joy. I stopped to have an Orange Pumpkin Cake!  So good.  The best Latte in Amsterdam.  Just like back home.  

I felt energized so walked all the way to Dam Square to catch the Tram back home.  The Lamb Curry was still excellent with a nice bottle of wine…and Lemon Pie for dessert.

 Peter came home and I retired early to be fresh for a trip to Rotterdam tomorrow where I’ll meet up with my friend Pim. We met in Hanoi.  We did a tour to Sapa, in Northern Vietnam,  together with a group for 3 days.  He choose to stay in the village with the tribe we visited while I stayed back in Sapa.  He is a very Charismatic person and I look forward to seeing him again. We have been in touch but haven’t seen each other since…2008?

Likes Me or My Hat?

     I was up around 7:30 so didn’t need my alarm, showered and out the door before 9 am.  Tram to Train…Train to Bus…Bus to Plane…Plane to Amsterdam. What a fantastic system Norway has to get around. Goodbye Ooosslo.

   

Vending Credit Chip Card Machines on Train

Thank you KLM

 A quick Tram ride and I was back at the apartment.  I went out to eat after I got settled in on Rooseveltlaan.    When I returned   Peter arrived from visiting Jeannette.  We talked a bit about Norway and the trip the ended up going to bed late.  
         Today is Monday now. Time to do some shopping and drop the laundry off.  I’m meeting my friend I met in Phoenix when he bumped into the the back of my car one evening.  
         He plays baseball on the 45 and older World Series every year for a team called the Holland Astros and mix of Dutch and American players.   Actually this year, 9 will be Dutchmen that he plays in a league with in Holland.  They have Orange (National Color of Holland) Jerseys, with ASTROS on front with Holland in smaller letters and an American Flag on one shoulder and the Dutch on the other.  He batted 500-700 average last year and plays on a regular basis between his work and family. His position is Center field or Shortstop.  He started his own business as a consultant two years ago and is now busy traveling the world with clients in South Africa, Spain and Dubai.

Transporting children on a large Segway!

         Montiano is setting the time and place as he has a busy schedule at work.  He asked where I was located and what kind of food I liked then suggested an Italian Restaurant, Il Trulli a short walk from where I was staying.  It was a place Peter and Jeannette recommended.  

        I arrived and not knowing what Monti would drink I ordered a full Carafe of house red wine..very good.  Monti showed up shortly thereafter but doesn’t drink and has an almost two hour drive home!  I suggested we get separate checks but he graciously said as a guest in his country, he wished to treat me.  Very hospitable.  We had appetizers and entrees that were excellent but were so engrossed in conversation I forgot to take any photos…sorry..the food and presentation were excellent.  The server finally took a photo for me as we were leaving. He drove me back.  I hope to see him next season when he plays the last week in October.  He will be playing in the father and son series.  His son will be 16 then which is the qualifying age.  Then in a few more years his other son will also qualify…then he said he may stop baseball…but I doubt it. 

That’s Monti on the left.

      Peter had already returned from a visit with Jeannette.  They sat outside and Peter built a fire for Jeannette.  We both retired early.

      The weather forecast read a high of 64% today…I’m excited.

 11 am and I’m off. Sissel had showed me how to take the Tram to the Waterfalls then walk downhill following the river.  There was a Farmer’s Market nearby that she suggested.  I decided to do my exploring now then end the day at the falls and walk back to the apartment.  We were going out to dinner my last night in repayment for such wonderful hospitality.  I couldn’t imagine what it cost to stay in a hotel or B and B in Oslo. 

     I bought a 24 hour pass for transport and took the Tram to downtown then headed for the City Hall.  There was a REAL tourist Information center there where I picked up a booklet in English, (I thought), to take home.  I noticed there was a Museum Island I could take a ferry to and see any one of three top notch museums.  Kon Tiki, Viking Ship, and Folk Museum.  It was such a nice day I decided to tour City Hall then buy a ticket just behind on the wharf for the Museum Island and see what happens.  

Demonstration

Cross town Skiing on Roller Blades

     The whole area I was in was packed with people and activity.  There was a big demonstration I witnessed in one of the parks STOP ISIS!  It was Middle Eastern people fed up with being portrayed as part of the “Movement” when they were not.  TV film crews were there and me.  

     I went into City Hall and visited the chambers and the meeting rooms.  Quite nice.  I bought a ticket for the ferry then stopped into the Alfred Nobel Hall where Obama received his Nobel Peace prize.   I had to pay $10 for a tour but had the ferry to catch so declined.  

          The National Theater was nearby so I stopped by there just to take a few pics then returned to catch my ferry to Museum Island.  Unfortunately when we docked the museums were spread out and we had to walk there. Of the three I only wanted to see  the Viking ship they resurrected and restored or Kon Tiki.  

 
          I followed the crowd up hill until my legs started with the pain and I lost them.  I was down to a crawl but taking photos of the MANSIONS with Porche’s, BMW’s, Mercedes, and Tesla’s behind the gates.  This is one of the wealthiest areas of Norway. 
           I finally reached the top of the hill and turned away from the Folk Museum down the street…I don’t know how far…and choose the direction of the other two.  Then the street started downhill.  If I go downhill I have to return uphill.  I was exhausted so choose to sit down in a nice little restaurant and have lunch.

           A Hamburg and Potatoes with Coffee…$35 My $10 BIG ASS BURGER at the Roaring Fork would have been twice the size and better. When in Rome.
         I decided to return to the boat dock and go back to the city but took a wrong turn at the fork in the road and was going downhill but in the wrong direction.  I didn’t recognize any of the homes and I had taken a lot of photos of.  After stopping some lost Russians and then Japanese…both directed me back up the road.  My legs were ready to give out but I had no choice.  Finally I returned to the fork in the road and got back on track.

     When I reached the dock, the boat was just arriving …thank God or someone.
Then after boarding, it went to the Kon Tiki Museum to pick up more passengers.  If I had just kept going, I wouldn’t have had to walk all the way back up just wait for the ferry…I didn’t know they had two pick up points.  I got a LOT of exercise and felt good about that but my legs and feet didn’t.  
      When we arrived back at the dock I went back to the Tourist bureau to return the guide book on Oslo that was in GERMAN and get the one in English.  

       I wanted to take the Tram to the Waterfalls but also wanted to confirm my bus to the airport for tomorrow.  I choose the bus station but the ticket man couldn’t tell me where to pick up the bus.  He said I just had to come down the next day as the Dock or stall you pick up the bus changes.  He suggested I take the train.  The train station was closer so I walked over there and in 5 minutes an attendant got me a ticket for 9:39 am Sunday for TORP airport.  I did have to take a transfer bus when I arrived to take me to the Airport but that only took fifteen minutes and the train was half the cost of the bus fare I paid to get into town when I arrived. 

Vikings on the Prowl

      I returned home with a pass that was still good for the Tram in the morning, and a train ticket to the airport, and sore feet.  I greeted Sissel, freshened up and we left for dinner at a unique two star Michelin restaurant that serve fusion, eclectic, whatever new cuisine.  Something I vowed not to ever do but I still had all these Norwegian Krona’s that I ATM’d at the airport on arrival. 
         $80 for a bottle of wine, and another $160, I think for some very small portions but a lot of them…my meal was …: Pumpkin Soup;  Poached Eggs with Cauliflower, Parmesan, etc;  Beef Tongue, Brussels Sprouts, Parsnips, Cauliflower, Mushrooms, some exotic foam;   Frozen Kiwi, Mango, Creme Frache, etc.  It was good but very unusual…I took the Norwegian menu home to have it interpreted so someone can tell me what I ate.  I now don’t have to spurge like that again on some Chef’s exotic whims yet appreciated having done so. 

      I thanked Sissel for her hospitality, packed and did this blog.  I’ll be alright when I reach the airport tomorrow but the tension stressful.  This is the part of travel that bothers me the most.

     Norwegians tend to be friendly but serious .  They certainly take their health seriously.  Like all of Scandinavia , health care is free if you don’t count the 40% income tax taken from your pay all your life.  Norway has a HIGH tax on alcohol spirits…Gin, Vodka, Whiskey and the like.  Wine and Beer are also expensive $10 for a Beer and a cheap bottle of wine is $20 and up. They bicycle a LOT and this is up Mountains and such.  They walk a lot and have an excellent mass transit system throughout the country.  
     

OK, so today was very cold and overcast this morning but around 1 pm the sun broke through the clouds so I decided to do some walking today.  I wrapped myself up with sweater, jacket and my new alpaca scarf from Peru and headed out for the Opera house.   I walked downhill to downtown.  I didn’t care which street I took and found myself there in about 10 minutes.  I found a shortcut I wish I knew about before. 

        I stopped at the Information place I went to when I first arrived to get a Tourist book in English with a map.  Sissel had one but I wanted one to take back home with all the attractions, local info, etc.  She said they were NOT a Tourist Information place.  They used to be a year ago but now the REAL tourist info place is down by City Hall.  OK…she did give me a map and pointed out where to go.  

Share a Needle?

       I stepped out the door and headed in the opposite direction, of course.  I had walked about an hour before I thought to check the map.  I then started back in a circle to where I had been but then hit a detour with a huge construction project.  Another hour passed before I arrived at where I started and discovered the Opera House was just around the corner and down the street…closer than the City Hall.

         I choose the Opera house and after arriving I climbed all the way to the top.  Despite being tired and having sore feet…NO pain in my legs.  I was on a roll.  It has to be the Scandinavian air with a high Oxygen level like in Iceland just across the Sea.  

I had to have a photo of this accomplishment with me in it so approached a young couple and offered to take a photo of them with their camera if they would be so kind as to take one of me with my camera.

 He was from Paris and worked at Disney world in Orlando for some time so spoke good English, was young and friendly.  Having done that I returned down off the ROOF of the Opera House but was denied entrance due to some big media event they were setting up for this evening. 

         Home was uphill so I got a one-way pass for $5 to take the full rush hour Tram back to the house.  I was standing up with the rest of those of us that boarded when a young lady jumped out of her seat and offered it to me.  I humbly declined then later regretted it as the traffic was slow and I had been on my feet for four hours without sitting once.  

       I exited my stop and entered the Express House for a relaxing cup of coffee and a rest before going up to the apartment.  I’m home now and Sissel should be home from work soon.  I’ve been saving my appetite for our dinner this evening. I noticed the Cafe Lotto yesterday and though it a nice, slightly upscale, close by place with a good variety on their menu, so hope to go there.
      
       

      Laid back day to just do what I feel like doing…kind of like everyday.  Well Sissel was up and offered to join me as I was off for my Espresso House for a relaxing breakfast.  I offered to treat her but she likes her Tea and Breakfast and offered me Breakfast.  Can’t refuse my Host…she even said she would like to accompany me. Well, so much for an exploring venture…it turned out to be good to have a guide.

     It is a bit warmer today and lovely sunshine. I’m finishing my coffee and will now find out what a Norwegian Breakfast is.  Blood Sausage, Scrambled Eggs with Scallions and Cheese, possibly a Havarti cheese, nice Bread Rolls, Gooseberries Jam and butter, Mackerel in Tomato sauce, Cucumber, and a couple other things…I can’t remember.  I didn’t eat all that but it was there if I choose.  Really nice way to start the day.

    I had a day transport pass for $12-13 so could use the Tram, Bus, or Subway. We took the Tram just near her house and was at the Vigeland Sculpture Park in 20 minutes.  A beautiful place built in 1914 but not completed for a long time. Beautiful Sculptures by Vigeland himself.  We walked around,  and took some pictures with a lot of Chinese tourists.  

        Then we had apple juice in the restaurant and visited an old museum attached before taking the Tram then Bus to another Sculpture Park the just opened a year ago on the other side of town.  

       

All Norwegian Sculptures tend to be Nude with Genitals

Sissel with Nobel Prize Hall in Bkgrd

This was on top of one of Oslo’s surrounding Mountains with views of the Harbour and City below.  It was a huge campground (Closed for the winter) and recreation area.  The trails were all open to joggers, hikers, dog walkers, and tourists that came to see the many different sculptures by Rodin, Dali, and maybe 20 different displays and pieces throughout the Park.  

       

We returned to the center about 3 pm and Sissel returned home in preparation for an evening with her friends and a group river walk celebrating the beginning of Autumn.  I choose to stay behind and explore the city a bit…comparing prices and life styles.  I did break down and bought an Alpaca Scarf from Peru for around $22 .  Why I’m not sure since I have three at home that I never use.  I put this on right away as the sun was setting and the temperature also.  

        It was around 5:30 when I returned home.  Sissel’s teacher came by to drop off some papers for her then left.  I decided to have more Thai food for the evening.

       I slept well and got up around 9 am showered and out for coffee just after Sissel  left for work at a State Liqour store.

My Humble Room

 It was a balmy 7% …around 45% F.  I had my long underwear, shirt, sweater, coat and hat on but the cold just went right into me.  Tomorrow it is suppose to reach a high of 8% C.  
       The Espresso House is one of the finest coffee houses I’ve ever seen.

Built in 1890

 I settled in with some yogurt, latte , etc. and my Smart Phone…emails.  First “IMPORTANT” Contact the VA to change your appointment.  It is for tomorrow…sent the 16th then forwarded and arrived the 23rd …now the 24th…and the appointment is the 25th.   If I don’t make it, the VA assumes I don’t need to and cancels my benefits. I finished and returned to call 3-4 times with no answer!  Oh, it’s 3 am in Phoenix.  I have to wait until 4:30 pm my time..another 4 hours.  I think I’ll stay close to home and get this out of the way ASAP.  

      The season for the On Off Bus Tour ended last week.  There is some activity going on Thursday when everyone walks 8 kilometers down the river walk like fast!   This is in the evening when it’s around near freezing and is to celebrate the start of Autumn.    I would be an icicle.  These people are out on bicycles riding around like its the middle of the summer.  They sit outside of the Cafes sipping their coffees.  The Cafe does provide them with blankets..like in lounges outside on ships you see sailing across the Atlantic in old Black and White movies.  Why I don’t know.  The mental health index is good in Norway.  They are the fourth richest country in the world and produce more gas and oil then anywhere except the Middle East.  I would be vacationing in Hawaii or even Arizona, if I was Norwegian.

I would like to light the fire!

      Though this was one of the first Capital Cities in Northern Europe it has been restored and new dramatic buildings added to give it a very modern and clean look.  Yes there are homeless people freezing on the street…and no they are NOT Norwegians. It is the most Democratic country in the world. Their people are fiercely independent yet have a Socialistic System that is unequaled outside of Scandinavia.  Reading and drinking Coffee is popular but so is Skiing and riding your bike until is snows.

Even Practice Skiing in Autum

That’s when they turn on the heat in the homes..when it’s freezing.  Like most Europeans, few people own a microwave to heat coffee, warm pie, soup?  So I got to find pot to warm my coffee then do the dishes. Spoiled me.
     I know the big question going through your mind…if Norway is so rich…is it not expensive and if it’s expensive, what the hell are you doing there.  Well I knew it was a rich country but Pizza and Asian food is pretty cheap?  First night I think I blew over $100 just for a snack and a couple glasses of wine but at that point it hadn’t sunk in that a dollar is worth about 1/2 dollar here and a Snickers Bar is over $2.  A jar a peanut butter over $12.  A beer $10.  Coffee and a Mini Muffin with a Greek Yogurt…$15. Bombay Gin for $80..the same liter I bought for $20 at the Airport Duty Free. Hamburg and Fries…$25. You get the idea…I’m going to starve, drink lots of water, and eat hot dogs for 5 more days. I’m blessed the room is free.

           I went for a walk around the neighborhood then was back to call the VA but no answer.  Then I realized I wasn’t on WiFi for my Skype.  Sissel had put the pass code into my computer but not my cell and I had no idea what it was.  I went to Espresso House and tried calling on their network but no luck.  Skype wasn’t connecting on an open network. 
        So I went to 7/11 to buy a Norwegian Phone card but because I was a Foreigner I had to buy it at the phone office in the Center with my passport but there was a Lycamobile across the street and they might help.  

         They did and took my passport info, installed a Norwegian SIM Card and told me the company would validate it in an hour or so.  On the way home I remembered I have a Google phone built in to my computer.  They charge my Google Wallet and that’s it.  It worked like a charm and my appointment was made and there was NO Charge for the call!  All that stress for nothing but a lesson learned.  I don’t need a phone…I have google. 
       Now to get some Thai Take Away for dinner and try and warm up!  I am shivering.  The food was great and a deal for about $22.

Pad Thai..shook up on way home..like the package.

 Sissel returned from work and dinner with her friends.  We chatted a bit about tomorrow.  It is her day off so I thought I would take the day to myself instead of having her show me around.  I’ll go to the Sculpture Park and a museum or two if I don’t freeze.  It should be 1 % warmer tomorrow but sunshine.

           Tuesday and my siren alarm didn’t wake me or the building up  at 8:30 am.  The battery was dead…but I knew I had to be up, so at 8:20 I awoke.   Schipol Airport..one of the best in the world…casino, brothel, baby grand piano, excellent food, easy to get around, free cologne, easy on the eyes, Free Wi Fi, massage, …you never get bored waiting for a connection there and is waiting for me!  KLM here I come.

    Peter was up when I came downstairs to have a shower, coffee, light Breakfast and by 9:30 we were on our way.  

       Checking in was simple and chocolate was waiting.  I picked up some duty free Sapphire Bombay Gin and was having my Latte and Chocolate before heading for Gate C 20.

Cologne

 I walked back and forth trying to find it.  The sign said Gate C 1-26 but on gate 20.  Then after asking I was told there was NO Gate 20.  My seat assignment was C 20 and my Gate was B 20…on the other terminal a mile away!  I had time and made the gate just in time. Life is different at my age then before.

 It was a short 2 hours flight that I spent reading ‘Frost on your Moustache”.  Almost done but now his adventures have taken him from Iceland to Norway so I’m still enjoying the anticipation of sharing some of his experiences as I did in Iceland. Great book that I have to thank my learned , well read , chef friend Mike for.

OUR KLM

RYAN AIR..no toilets

        We arrived on time in Torp Airport…an hour or so away from Oslo.  Sissel, my CouchSurfing host already told me I choose the wrong airport, but anxious me didn’t wait for her reply and booked it impatiently 10 minutes before her advice arrived via email. Oh well…I thought it a chance to see a bit of Norway on the way in.  I did and it was nice but the time saved would have been better.  I hadn’t researched the exchange rate so just picked the highest denomination available on the ATM machine thinking it to be around $300 – $400 in Dollars…wrong.  6000 Norwegian Krona was almost $1000 I carried into Oslo for 5 days.  I didn’t even know I had $1000 left in the account until my SSN check clears at  the end of the week. 
       I walked out to catch the bus in and pay my fare of 250 Krona and boarded the bus.  10 minutes later they told us we had to wait for a Taxi.  There weren’t enough people on the bus to warrant the gas…so they sent a Van Taxi to haul us in…a minor inconvenience.  I forgot I googled the fare and could have got a Senior Citizen discount for 1/2 price!  I will on the return trip!

 Off we went to Oslo…on a half overcast half sunshine day.   The road in was walled with Norwegian wood fence or Hedges or anything to keep animals and snow off the road…and obstruct any view I could possibly have of Norway.

Norwegian Wood

 Once and a while a glimpse of it appeared and I made an attempt to photograph it.  

      Five O’clock traffic was heavy as we approached the Capital of Norway.  I noticed there are very few vehicles on the road over 3 years old and they were mostly Mercedes, Audi’s, BMW’s etc.  60 billion dollars in Oil and Gas reserves for 5 million people.  You do the math.  Sissel later told me the 4% interest is what the people get….not bad really. I didn’t want to be rude and ask her how much cash she received each month or year but sure was curious.  This is a very modern city and growing by the day.

Iceberg

 The hotels were at full occupancy because international businesspeople keep residency here…from Dubai, N.Y., Halliburton, and every oil and gas company in the world…I don’t really know.
        I arrived at the station with only my hostess’s address within walking distance.  I asked 5 people and got 5 different replies.  The tourism information in the center was not of much help either.  The lady said go here…circled it on the map….then take Tram 11 , 13 or 16…something like that…and tell them you want off at…such and such…I said…could you please tell me where I am on the map so I know how to get to “here”!  Oh…just go around the corner…not get a ticket at 7/11 or a day or three day pass…NO EXPLANATION at all.  Then when I thought I should go back and ask…there was another line and get a number.  

        If it was within walking distance, I had a map, I could find it. I’m an AMERICAN!  I couldn’t even find the “round the corner” Tram stop…with the street address.  I did see a fancy hotel nearby.  Having worked at fancy hotels, I knew they were well trained to advise guests.  I popped in and sure enough I was on the street that would take me right to Nordre Gate…all I had to do was walk straight up.  I thanked the front desk clerk and headed out the door with a purpose.  

Tram 10 minutes to this stop..my destination

      The map showed a creek I had to pass over then a fork in the road.  Being a bit dyslectic…I went right instead of left then the cross streets didn’t match the map but I persisted until I was lost and couldn’t find any streets on the map where I was.  I had veered off and walked a mile out of my way.  I was tired of pulling this suitcase, walking (UPHILL) and had to piss. Now I had to focus.  I stopped a man and got directions that put me back on track. 
       I finally arrived at the front door ….ON TIME but exhausted and hungry. The building was built in 1890 so had a lot of  history.  I got to watch my host Sissel down her really delicious looking dinner while I babbled on about my trip while drooling. She wasn’t being rude..I was the one that interrupted her meal, so when I mentioned I needed the keys and would venture out to one of the places I saw to grab a bite…she dropped everything and took me to a “Food Court”.  I’m thinking a “Food Court” like at the Mall full of cheap crap to eat.  

     We ended up walking through a nice park with a river running through it to a converted manufacturing complex which is now a massive restaurant complex with fine markets and establishments serving top notch food from around the world.  Not what I would term a “Food Court”.  We meandered around the first place we entered but I gravitated toward a Northern Spain Pintxos and Wine Bar.  Like Tapas but upscale.  We had a wine and I had two Pintxos…both excellent.  Then she took me to an underground huge Bar Restaurant where you ordered at the bar and took your drinks to the table then when the food was ready picked it up yourself.  Nice and convenient.  Wine was not as good as the last but the Pulled Pork sandwich with fresh Potato Chips cooked on premise , far surpassed anything I expected.  I ate half and took the rest home for lunch.
      Sissel was well traveled and though had no children of her own, had nieces and nephews around the world.  One nephew in Puket Thailand, has made his living off Internet poker for the last five years.  He married a Thai and enjoys a nice lifestyle.  My kinda guy. We returned to her apartment and I settled in to my room, made my bed and unpacked.  She had suggested some places to visit so I need to end this day and get some rest.  The cold weather takes a lot out of me.   Good night.