Ahhhh Oslo!

The National Theatre

I remember when I was here in 1988 I absolutely loved the city and the feel of the place.  Yes, there have been changes over the past 23 years, and aside from some blown out windows – which are being fixed – the city is still beautiful.  There is lots of park area and you are never far from nature.  But there is also a lot of history and culture.  And the Norwegian people have this quiet pride and beauty about themselves.  Lots of blond children!

Norwegian kids playing in the park - so blond

Yes the city is also a melting pot of many different ethnicities but there is a calm and acceptance without dividing lines.  And I love the sound of the language.  I had so wanted to learn it 23 years ago and I would still like to learn it now.

The sea of flowers still persists around the Cathedral in memory of the bombing and shootings.

In memory of all those who died at the hands of a radical

I went to visit the bombing site which is cordoned off from the public.  So many buildings have their windows borded up having had the glass blown out.  Flowers are everywhere around the city in memory.  People are still adding to the piles.  And lots of people are still visiting the site to see what they can and to try to understand just as I did.

Blown out windows at the site of the bombing

A picture is worth a thousands words although this was not the time of the incident

But putting radical behaviour to the side, I wandered about the city enjoying the architecture and its hidden gems.  Cathrine lives only 2 metro stops from downtown and right beside this most amazing park which will require a posting all of its own.  That was what I remembered most about Oslo.  Although you have this very urban centre, it is not long before you are out of the hustle and bustle and surrounded by nature and beautiful homes.

A beautiful estate literally a stone's throw from Cathrines home.

Once again, styles are sleek, clean and simple yet beautiful.  As I wandered about the city, I came to a street called Damstredet that was like a blast in the past. Damstredet is a small and narrow street.  It has managed to survive intact as a charming part of town, with well-preserved and inhabited wooden houses, now one of the few streets that retains the then small town character of Oslo in a genuine manner.

Looking down Damstredet

Damstredet was mostly built from 1810 to 1860, as part of the expansion of Oslo that began at this time. The first house, Solberg, was erected in 1756 by sculptor Ole Meyer. His nephew, sculptor Andreas Hansen Meyer, took over in 1767, while his son Ole, also sculptor, erected another building in 1838.  I love this sort of history.

Cute houses along the historical street of Damstedet. So colourful.

The street like the people resonate with me.  The Norwegians may be quiet and sedate in their external appearance but they are still approachable and friendly.  They smile back at you and will hold the door open.  They are a caring people.  Anyway, I think I am rambling here and my thoughts are not very focussed.  As this is my last day here, I must get outside to see more of the Oslo that I have forgotten and that I love.  Tune in later!

The Royal Palace

One of the many bronze statues throughout the city.