Norm and Barb Aune: Trondheim to Bergen via Ship

Wednesday, July 30

We awoke refreshed after a good night’s sleep perhaps aided by the constant but low hum of the ship’s passage. The day before, we relaxed in the sun on the stern deck as we left Trondheim. Coastal Norway passed by, sometimes on both sides, as if playing a travelogue before us. Beautiful farms and fishing villages dotted the coast line, so clean, so fresh, so orderly. By midafternoon clouds filled the sky and the coolness drove us indoors.

Leaving Trondheim

Gorgeous farms and landscape

Express passenger ferry

Farms and fish farms

Dinner was in the formal dining room and we chose a four course meal with three different wine servings. We sat with a couple who live in London. The male was born in Pennsylvania, she in France. He is an international banker and this couple was so typical of so many continental professionals. They come with varied background and roots and they readily change from English to French to German and perhaps Spanish and Italian. They had been on board for 12 days and had taken the round trip voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes, which is located on the northeastern border of Norway, above Finland and next to Russia.

Wednesday morning offered clouds, cool weather, and spells of rain. The ship stopped in 5 cities. At each stop, the locals would come out of their homes or apartments and waive their Norwegian flags, Captain Jensen blowing the ship’s horn in recognition. The Norwegians are proud of their infrastructure and they celebrate their accomplishments.

Entering Kristiansund

Condos with residence waving at us

Lobby in front of ship

Getting close to Bergen

We arrived in Bergen at 2:30 p.m. and Haakon and Inger Helene were waiting for us. We spent the evening in their home, discussing family history and taking a short walk through their neighborhood. They prepared an evening meal of lamb, potatoes and cabbage. Again, we rest in a Norwegian cousin’s home and it feels so comfortable.