Bergen — Patti Part Two

Let life surprise you! I thought Bergen would be interesting but I was unprepared for what a jolt of happiness it gave me just walking around getting my bearings. It’s much more charming than I had imagined, and I love when something surprises me and gives me a second wind. It’s quite a bit smaller than the other big cities I’ve been to on this trip, so easier to wrap your arms around it. And I’ve barely scratched the surface and am looking forward to seeing so much more tomorrow. So here are some things I saw and did in the short time since I arrived.

They have the Fløbanen Funicular right in the center of the old town, so I took it to the top to get a view of the whole area. Very cool!

You can take the funicular down also but there is a great hiking trail that winds back to the center of old town and that felt like exactly what my legs needed - so off I went. Top left - entrance to buy your ticket. Top right - inside the car heading to the top. Bottom left - a sign at the top showing which way to NY, but I wish it included how many miles. Bottom right - the trail to walk down. I’m not sure where the children’s story Hansel and Gretel is supposed to take place - but that’s what I keep thinking of here in Norway. There is so much water and everything is so green and lush. I keep looking for the wicked witch to jump out and grab me and try to put me in the oven. The trolls they have everywhere remind me of that witch too. It was a pretty walk down - you keep getting glimpses of the town through the trees.

I can’t wait to walk around through the back streets more tomorrow. Bergen is very hilly so the narrow cobblestone streets are steep and many can’t even have car traffic. On my way walking down from the overlook I passed these cute streets, and one little door that I think is where the Troll lives!

Fish is a big business in Norway and especially in Bergen. The old fish market right in the harbor dates back to the 1500’s. Stands selling fresh fish and also usually with a little seating area where you can order fish and fish soup etc. Thinking maybe I stop there tomorrow for a bite for lunch. The live crabs top right were the size of a medium pizza!

The oldest area in Bergen is called the Hanseatic Quarter and the homes date back to the early 1700’s. I took this picture across the harbor but will get over there tomorrow to explore more as there are narrow streets behind the houses with shops etc.

On my way to find a place to eat dinner I passed by the National Theater. They were setting up tents in front of it but I’m not sure why. A gorgeous building built in 1909 in the Art Nouveau style. In addition to its hardy history there is also a good amount of culture here.

Last but not least my dinner. I was given a recommendation for a place called Pingvinen which means The Penguin and since it wasn’t far from where I’m staying I decided to check it out. Very local gastropub and lots of people enjoying one of what appeared to be a beer list numbering at least 100. My choice of food was either something with reindeer or something with fish. I decided to go with the Plukkfish. It said cod mixed with mashed potatoes with bacon on top and that was exactly what it was. And since it is exactly what the menu said I’m still trying to figure out why I was surprised that’s what it was😂 It was filling to say the least so I could only eat at best half. I’m giving myself credit for trying it. But a cute place.

I will wrap this up with a picture of me on my last ferry ride of the trip. I was on four or possibly five ferries total, and without this wonderful system of ferries you would at least double your travel time getting anywhere. There is so much water between the fjords and the lakes. Beautiful everywhere you look. I’m laughing because every single picture of me I’m in my navy raincoat. While many of my friends and family are sweltering back in the heat of the US, here it’s been in the 50’s or at best the 60’s. I’m doing this whole trip in a carryon and personal item so no room for additional coats. I’m sure you haven’t seen the last of it!