Day 3 -Eidfjord, Norway 
Scenic Norwegian Nature Center
Sunday, August 28 - 14:15
Enjoy a sweeping view of one of Norway’s most beautiful regions and explore nature. Meet your guide and drive up the valley to Øvre Eidfjord and the Norwegian Nature Center. Here, you can learn about the nature and wildlife on Hardangervidda, Europe’s largest mountain plateau. In this lively center of exhibitions, aquariums and an inspiring “Super Videography,” you will gain insight into the staggering beauty of this pristine slice of Norway. You will enjoy more than an hour to explore the exhibits independently. Don’t miss the center’s highlight: a five-screen panoramic movie where you can immerse yourself on a journey past fjords, mountains and waterfalls, with drops over steep gorges and gentle sequences over mountain lakes and glaciers. After your visit, your bus will drive you back to Eidfjord.

August - 28 Sunday - Day 3
Sunrise 06:15 Sunset 20:48
07:10 Docked at Eldfjord.  Very small village and ‘port’ is the one and only hotel.
Interesting scenery coming up the fjord.  Still a little dark because high cliffs do not let the sunshine reach the bottom.  Steep banks on both sides and small patches of snow in places.  Water is very calm with hardly a ripple.
After breakfast did a short walk around the village.  Massive cliffs on both sides of fjord and at end.  Then back on board for lunch and depart for afternoon excursion.
13:15 board buss for Nature Museum 
Saw a very interesting ‘in flight’ movie of the entire length of fjord, up the mountain, across the glacier to the end.  ‘Flight’ included, ups and downs,twists and turns, giving the impression of a real flight.  Then walked through the museum area which showed the physical development of the world and Norway from the beginning of time until the early 20th century.  An interesting display of human development over the centuries.
To gift shop and bought some souvenirs
18:00 met up with new friends for supper
19:00 Depart for Stavanger
MEAL is for 29th
SUPPER 
Wendy
Destination menu, shrimp and avocado salad, braised pork loin, chocolate cake with a name you can’t pronounce with ice cream 
Bill
Prime rib and the Same dessert 
​

Day 4 – Stavanger, Norway  
Stavanger Walking Tour & Oil Museum
Sunday, August 29 - 8:45
Get well acquainted with Stavanger and its beautifully preserved Old Town on this included tour. From our berth right in the heart of town, you can walk with ease to Gamle Stavanger, or Old Stavanger. In this attractive pedestrian district, you will stroll cobblestone streets among close to 250 buildings protected by a conservancy. They range in date from the 18th to the early 20th centuries and are considered the best kept wooden houses in Northern Europe. Destined for demolition in the 1950s, they were saved largely by the city’s architect, Einar Hedén. You will also visit the Norwegian Petroleum Museum. Browse its fascinating exhibits about geology, technology and harnessing the power of oil. You will learn about life on board oilrigs and the drama of everyday life at sea. After, you can linger in Stavanger at your leisure and return the short distance to your ship on your own.


August 29  - Sunday Day 4
Arrive Stavanger 
Walking tour & oil museum 
Who would have thought that an oil museum was so interesting.  A great guide who worked as a scientist on the off-shore rigs.
Interesting walk through the old town.
Only a half day in port 
12:00 Back on board
13:00 Depart for Oslo
SUPPER 
Wendy Destination menu 

Day 5 – Oslo, Norway 
Oslo Highlights & Vigeland Park
Tuesday, August 30 - 15:00
Take in Oslo’s eclectic blend of contemporary flair, rich history and spectacular natural views.
With your local guide, you will drive past the medieval Akershus Fortress, built in the 1290s by Norse king Håkon V. Pass Oslo City Hall, the Royal Palace, Parliament and the National Theater. Travel to the district of Holmenkollen, home to the world-famous ski jump set atop the most prominent hill in the city. This impressive structure dates back to 1892. Back in the city, you will tour Vigeland Park, named after the sculptor whose work adorns this expansive green space. Your local guide will accompany you on a stroll along its pathways to view some of the 200-plus fascinating stone and bronze sculptures depicting the human life cycle. Afterward, return to your ship via the affluent suburb of Frogner.

​Wendy did free laundry 
12:00 Arrived Oslo
15:00 Oslo highlights & Vigeland park tour - Located in Frogner Park.
Very interesting with well informed guide.  Marvelous statues.
Sculptor Gustav Vigeland created the sculpture arrangement in the centre of the present enlarged park from the 1920s until his death in 1943
19:00 Supper 
Wendy 
Destination menu salmon roe, Reindeer stew, rhubarb charlotte
Bill
Fruit cup, pork loin, chocolate bomb
Overnight in Oslo 

Day 6 – Oslo, Norway
Wednesday, August 31
​FREE DAY

THE REST OF MY NOTES ARE MISSING :(


Day 7 – Århus, Denmark 
Århus on Foot
​Thursday, September 01 - 14:00
Discover the iconic sights of Århus during a walk through one of Denmark’s oldest cities. Meet your guide at the pier, then set out on a journey past some of the newest and most modern buildings of Århus, as well as some of its older landmarks. See the Gothic-style medieval Cathedral, the longest and tallest church in Denmark, and stroll the narrow cobblestone streets of the lively Latin Quarter, the city’s oldest neighborhood, en route to the Vor Frue Kloster, a neoclassical monastery that is home to the oldest bells in Denmark. Admire the massive Dokk1 complex that dominates the waterfront of the inner harbor and walk along the historic street of Møllestien to the ARoS, the country’s newest art museum. Stop to gaze at City Hall, its asymmetrical design a fine example of modern functionalistic architecture, before returning to the pier and your ship.

Day 8 – Copenhagen, Denmark 
Copenhagen by Foot
​
Friday, September 2 - 14:30
Explore the landmarks of Copenhagen and learn about the city’s history during a walking excursion. With a local guide, you will stop to see the Little Mermaid statue sitting serenely in the harbor at Langelinie and visit the courtyard at the 18th-century Amalienborg Palace. Continue to Copenhagen’s largest monument, the Gefion Fountain, followed by Amalienborg Palace, the winter residence of the Queen of Denmark, the sovereign of one of the world’s oldest monarchies. Here, admire the royal rococo buildings and square, plus the stunning Marble Church, New Opera House and flourishing Amaliehaven (Amalie Garden) with its geometrical layout, colorful plants and centerpiece fountain. En route back to your ship, walk through the 17th-century Citadel—one of Europe’s best-preserved fortresses surrounded by eight moats, tall ramparts and cannon bastions.

Day 9 – Berlin (Warnemünde), Germany
​Berlin Your Way

​Saturday, September 3 - 7:30 AM - 12 Hours
Follow your own interests in Berlin, from its historic sites to its lesser-known gems.
Transfer to the city by train early in the morning along with your escort, who will provide you with a map and some tips during an orientation tour. Set off on your own in the city center, with 3½ to 4 hours to explore. Call on Checkpoint Charlie and see remnants of the Berlin Wall or explore Alexanderplatz. Admire the remarkable glass cupola of the Reichstag or visit a museum on the renowned Museum Island. For lunch, perhaps stop at a sidewalk café and enjoy a fine German wine while you observe modern Berliners strolling by. At the allotted time, meet your escort at a prearranged location and return to your ship via train in time for dinner.

Day 10 – Bornholm (Rønne), Denmark
​Scenic Bornholm
Sunday, September 4 - 11:30
Discover the natural beauty and charming villages of the idyllic island of Bornholm. This picturesque Danish island is nicknamed solskinsøen (Sunshine Island) and klippeøen (Rock Island) for its weather and geology, respectively. Drive to Nylars, where you will stop to view the Nylars Church. A small circular building that dates back to the 12th century, it was used as a fortress as well as a place of worship. After time for photographs, continue on to Gudhjem, a quaint fishing village which clings to the side of a rocky bay and where smoked herring was first prepared. Learn about the community’s fishing tradition as you take a stroll along the harbor and into the town center, where you can admire the slanting little half-timbered houses. Travel through picturesque Almindingen, one of the largest forests in Denmark, as you return to your ship.

The only 'stop' on this tour was at ​Hammershus - Northern Europe’s largest castle completed in the late 1200s.

Day 11 – Gdańsk, Poland 
Monday, September 5

In the morning Wendy and I took the shuttle bus into the city of Gdańsk for a quick look around.  It would have been nice if we could have spent a little longer as it was another beautiful old city.  Even more amazing is that it was completely rebuilt have being bombed and destroyed during WWII.  We wish he had more time to wander around this beautiful old city.

​Stutthof Concentration Camp
Monday, September 5 - 14:00

​Hear the stories behind some of the events of World War II on a sobering visit to the Stutthof concentration camp. A local guide will accompany you to the camp, located east of Gdańsk and today preserved as an educational site. Stutthof was the first camp built outside German borders. Though it was established in 1939, the idea to expand camps into the Gdańsk region of Poland — then known as the “Free City of Danzig” — had been conceived three years earlier. During your visit, you will learn that very soon after the outbreak of war, “undesirable Polish elements” were sent here. Over the course of the war, prisoners from all the occupied territories were brought to Stutthof. You can see the prisoners’ barracks and pause to reflect at the camp memorial.

A very sobering and thought provoking tour.  From the 'the showers' a euphemism for the gas chamber, the crematorium, moving gas chamber disguised as a train box car, 100,000's discarded shoes, the living quarters and infirmary are an indication of the depravity that humanity can since.  It is unbelievable and sobering to see just how inhumanly one group of people can act towards another.  The sad part is that it could all happen again.  
​The camp was and still is surrounded by trees so it was 'hidden' from local prying eyes.
What made this tour even more memorable was that our guide's grandparents had been prisoners in this camp.  Sadly her grandmother was one of the many women who were chosen to have a visit to 'the showers.'  Her grandfather did survive this camp as well as some others simply because he was a baker and the nazis needed professional kitchen help.

An informative web site:
 http://www.holocaustresearchproject.org/othercamps/stutthof.html

Day 12 – Karlskrona, Sweden 
​Karlskrona by Foot
Tuesday, September 6 - 13:45
Discover Karlskrona’s rich maritime tradition and unique landmarks during a walk through this charming port town. Sweden’s chief naval base since its founding in 1680, Karlskrona is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its baroque-style buildings. Follow your guide past notable sights such as the King’s Bridge, the Regional Governor’s Residence and the 18th-century Bastion Aurora. See the impressive Admiralty Church, the town’s oldest building and the largest wooden church in the country, and its famous statue of “Old Man Rosenbom.” Continue your stroll to the Stortorget, a cobblestone square, and pass by the neoclassical Town Hall, the old Norman-style water tower, and the baroque Church of Fredrik and the Holy Trinity Church. You will also view the quaint 18th-century wooden houses in Björkholmen and the old main entrance to the Naval Shipyard en route to your ship.

Day 13 - Sail the Baltic Sea
Wednesday, September 7


Day 14 – Stockholm, Sweden 
Thursday, September 8
Wendy and I took advantage of the shuttle bus and took a morning stroll through the old part of Stockholm and then to the bus tour in the afternoon which only had one stop at City Hall.

Panoramic Stockholm
Take in the sights of Stockholm, one of the world’s most beautiful cities, stunningly set on Sweden’s east coast. Stockholm is a thriving city and is known as the "Venice of Scandinavia" with its 14 islands and 57 bridges that connect them to the mainland. Begin your tour by motor coach as you hear exciting stories from your guide about Swedish life and culture. Learn about the history of the city and see the famous sights including the City Hall, Parliament, the Royal Palace and the Royal Opera. You can choose to end your tour with a stroll through the cobblestone streets of Old Town on your own, and take a complimentary coach back to the ship. Or, if you prefer, you can resume your panoramic tour and take the coach directly to your ship.

Stockholm, Sweden 
Friday, September 9
DEPART - FLIGHT AT 06:30

Up bright and early for the flight.  Packed all up on Thursday evening and watched TV until it was time to meet up in one of the lounges.  Well ok Wendy did have a bit of a nap.
Great escort to the bus then from the bus to airport check-in and again to the security gate.
Eventful flights home but we made it and so did our bags.

It certainly looks as if summer is over and I am going to miss it.  While Autumn, with all of the trees changing into gorgeous colours, may present a pleasant eye appealing site it is still the harbinger of the cold weather that is to come.


Today is a typical fall day, blustery winds, drizzle rain and a mild temperature but with a bite of cold in the wind.


This past Spring and summer have been fairly busy with enjoyable accomplishments and chores.  


The last week in March and the first week in April saw Wendy and I on a 21 day back-to-back cruise with Royal Caribbean to the Southern Caribbean.  Through a mix-up on my part the first leg had us in an ocean view cabin but on the second leg we had been upgraded to a balcony.  Now it might be a bit of a chore to get Wendy into something less than a balcony.  We also decided to take a chance on flying rather than driving.  The flights went well and I had booked us at premium economy which gave a few extra perks.


The first leg departing from Fort Lauderdale (18 March - 28 March) of the cruise took us to; Labadee. Haiti which is a private island owned by Royal Caribbean, San Juan Puerto Rico, Philipsburg St. Maarten, Castries St. Lucia, St. Johns Antigua, Basseterre St Kits & Nevis then back to Fort Lauderdale.  


The second leg (28 March - 08 April) of the trip took us to; Puerto Limon Costa Rica, Colon Panama, yes we saw the canal, Cartagena Columbian no we did not see the emerald in Romancing the Stone, Oranjestad Aruba, Willemstad Curacao, and back to Fort Lauderdale.


While we fully enjoyed the cruises and the tours that we did we found that one island seemed to blend into ‘just another island’.


Because of the dates of the cruises I was late in getting my tomato seeds started.  In the end it did not seem to matter because I had a bumper crop.  I keep track of the types and number of seeds that I start (12 different heritage types from seeds that I have been saving), the number sprouted and where they all went.  In the end I gave away almost half of the number of plants that sprouted.  My summer was pretty much taking up looking after the allotment garden and the small garden that I have at home.


Of course just when the majority of the tomatoes are coming ripe we are off on another cruise.  Luckily our daughter Heather and her husband ‘volunteered’ to harvest the tomatoes while we were gone.


This cruise was with Viking which specializes in river cruise but this was classed as an ocean cruise from Bergen, Norway to Stockholm, Sweden.  We had originally booked it for 2021 which would have been our 50th Wedding Anniversary.  As it would happen we would have been in Tallinn, Estonia on our anniversary, this was a place that Wendy has wanted to go to for many years.  Because of the continuing Covid restrictions this trip was cancelled and we rebooked the same one with the same dates for this year.  Then lo and behold did Mr. Putin put his oar in the mix and two of the ports were cancelled, one being St. Petersburg Russia and the other Tallinn.  Rather than cancel this trip and rebook for next year we decided to take it.  We flew to Bergen and then visited, Bergen, Eidfjord Norway, Stavanger Norway, Oslo, Norway, Arhus Denmark, Copenhagen Denmark, Berlin Germany (one of the substitute ports) where we saw the remainder of the Berlin Wall, Bornholm Denmark, Gdansk Poland where we did a tour of a WWII concentration camp, Karlskrona Sweden to Stockholm where we flew home from.


On the Viking cruises there is one free local tour in each of the ports which we took advantage of, also wine or beer with lunch and supper.  I thought it would be one glass of wine per meal but oh no the waiters kept pouring as long as you were sitting there.  Two other ‘free’ perks were wifi and laundry.  Viking says there are laundry facilities on the ships and we thought it would be pay as you go but no, it was free!  There were 4 washers and dries on each of the accommodation decks which meant you don’t have to bring as many every day clothes.  NO casinos but not the same type of evening entertainment.  I could go on but this is going to be long as it is.


I must say that visiting the old Scandinavian cities is much more interesting than the Caribbean port towns.  They were beautiful and even more impressive when you know that most of them had been completely demolished during WWII and have been rebuilt to the old standard.


On coming home it was back to the garden to harvest the remaining tomatoes.  Now it is time to put the garlic in and then the garden to bed for the winter.