Norway Day One

An action packed, very long, exciting day. It started at 2.30am when we rose to get to the airport for 4am. The usual shamozzle in security, with old ladies beeping because of hips and knees (including moi) being frisked and vigorously patted down and told to take their shoes off. Actually, just as well we left early - there was a power cut later and hundreds of VERY unhappy travellers!

A bit of a wait in Amsterdam - we could have been to Bergen and back if there was a direct flight from Edinburgh - but the other group arrived in Bergen about the same time as us, and we all set off on a tour of the town.

What a fabulous city with fascinating history. We had the most beautiful weather - 25° - which is very unusual for Bergen. They had the wettest June for 65 years, and last year had three months where it rained every single day. So they must have been even happier than us to see the sun today!

First of all we went to see Gustav Grieg's house. It was very quaint and interesting in a wonderful setting. We continued with a bus and walking tour of the harbour area, which was really cute and buzzing, with everyone out enjoying the sun and drinking their expensive beers. We'll have another day at the end to explore further, and sample the goods in the fishmarket.

Actually, we were all quite glad to get to the boat by 6pm. Time for a brief lie down before we went out to watch the boat leaving the harbour.

The evening meal was super - the poached salmon was so delicious that I had another serving, so I could only manage a small helping of creamy rice pudding for afters. I love buffets!