Hallo Norge! Hallo Vikinger!
Those were the first sentences I uttered upon arrival in Oslo. This was the first trip I had in Europe, and two weeks prior to my trip, I had been very excited even if my main purpose was business-related. I remembered the first time I was informed that I will go to Norway. I was in Malaysia back then, when the President of our company chose me to be part of our integrated management system project. My task was to revise the whole corporate manual, and since most of the project team members reside in Norway, it was agreed that I go there instead of them going all the way to KL.
Tension mounted when I couldn't get my visa on time, but I guess the delay even made things better as I had the opportunity to meet my former officemate, of which it wouldn't have been possible if I pushed through with my original travel date.
Well, what can I say about Norway? First: I ABSOLUTELY LOVED the laid-back life there, much different from the relatively urban and fast-paced life here in the Philippines. No skyscrapers, busy streets, buzzing people, commercial centers, and the like. I loved the fact that instead of my usual window-shopping, I spent my leisure time strolling down the streets, looking at the sun and enjoying the cool weather by the marina (Akershus fortress), walking at the Vigeland Park and admiring the colossal sculptures of Vigeland, and going to various museums (here's a whistle for the Norwegian Viking Ship Museum!).
Second: You will be shocked how expensive everything is here! I'm not surprised that Oslo is one of the most, if not the most, expensive city in the world. Imagine drinking a medium-sized bottle of water that costs roughly over $ 3.00, or eating a simple salad worth $ 20!
Words cannot fully describe the incredible feeling I had when I was there, and for three weeks I couldn't get over my Oslo experience. But anyway, if there are things that I will remember about my trip these are:
1. My walk to the Munch Museum - that was a loooong walk going to the museum but well worth it!
2. Karl Johannes Gate on Saturdays - very festive. I will miss those street shows and those people who I thought were statues!
3. Vigeland Park - Wow. You get to appreciate nature and man's ability to make works of art.
4. Akershus Fortress / Marina - I spent my first two hours in Oslo there, and I spent these just staring out and feeling the air!
5. Continental Hotel - the most expensive hotel in Norway, but is very worth it. At the heart of the city, good service, friendly attendants, cozy room and bathroom, what more can you ask for in a hotel?
6. H&M stores - the only store where I can afford to buy clothes.
7. Viking Ship Museum - It's so amazing seeing those Viking ships of lore!
8. Norwegian Folk Museum - I felt so Hansel and Gretel there!
9. Appreciating the sun - Rarely do the Norwegians see the sun, but if they do, they make the most out of it. I walked out of the hotel wearing my ultra-chic white French coat, and I got shocked when I saw people sunbathing even on the side streets! And just imagine it is 12 midnight and the sun is still there!
10. The feeling of freedom - Wow. I am just speechless.
I don't know when I will be back in this wonderful country, but I am glad that I was given an opportunity to go there, and I will forever cherish my memories of this trip.
The very first thing I see when leaving the Hotel
Akershus Fortress / Marina
In The Norwegian Folk Museam - check out the house behind me!
Look at this Viking Ship!
Admiring nature and the sculptures at Vigeland Park
Look at those gorgeous flowers!
The youngest lady in Wilhelmsen office, beside the model of the oldest ship of Wilhelmsen!
Those were the first sentences I uttered upon arrival in Oslo. This was the first trip I had in Europe, and two weeks prior to my trip, I had been very excited even if my main purpose was business-related. I remembered the first time I was informed that I will go to Norway. I was in Malaysia back then, when the President of our company chose me to be part of our integrated management system project. My task was to revise the whole corporate manual, and since most of the project team members reside in Norway, it was agreed that I go there instead of them going all the way to KL.
Tension mounted when I couldn't get my visa on time, but I guess the delay even made things better as I had the opportunity to meet my former officemate, of which it wouldn't have been possible if I pushed through with my original travel date.
Well, what can I say about Norway? First: I ABSOLUTELY LOVED the laid-back life there, much different from the relatively urban and fast-paced life here in the Philippines. No skyscrapers, busy streets, buzzing people, commercial centers, and the like. I loved the fact that instead of my usual window-shopping, I spent my leisure time strolling down the streets, looking at the sun and enjoying the cool weather by the marina (Akershus fortress), walking at the Vigeland Park and admiring the colossal sculptures of Vigeland, and going to various museums (here's a whistle for the Norwegian Viking Ship Museum!).
Second: You will be shocked how expensive everything is here! I'm not surprised that Oslo is one of the most, if not the most, expensive city in the world. Imagine drinking a medium-sized bottle of water that costs roughly over $ 3.00, or eating a simple salad worth $ 20!
Words cannot fully describe the incredible feeling I had when I was there, and for three weeks I couldn't get over my Oslo experience. But anyway, if there are things that I will remember about my trip these are:
1. My walk to the Munch Museum - that was a loooong walk going to the museum but well worth it!
2. Karl Johannes Gate on Saturdays - very festive. I will miss those street shows and those people who I thought were statues!
3. Vigeland Park - Wow. You get to appreciate nature and man's ability to make works of art.
4. Akershus Fortress / Marina - I spent my first two hours in Oslo there, and I spent these just staring out and feeling the air!
5. Continental Hotel - the most expensive hotel in Norway, but is very worth it. At the heart of the city, good service, friendly attendants, cozy room and bathroom, what more can you ask for in a hotel?
6. H&M stores - the only store where I can afford to buy clothes.
7. Viking Ship Museum - It's so amazing seeing those Viking ships of lore!
8. Norwegian Folk Museum - I felt so Hansel and Gretel there!
9. Appreciating the sun - Rarely do the Norwegians see the sun, but if they do, they make the most out of it. I walked out of the hotel wearing my ultra-chic white French coat, and I got shocked when I saw people sunbathing even on the side streets! And just imagine it is 12 midnight and the sun is still there!
10. The feeling of freedom - Wow. I am just speechless.
I don't know when I will be back in this wonderful country, but I am glad that I was given an opportunity to go there, and I will forever cherish my memories of this trip.
The very first thing I see when leaving the Hotel
Akershus Fortress / Marina
In The Norwegian Folk Museam - check out the house behind me!
Look at this Viking Ship!
Admiring nature and the sculptures at Vigeland Park
Look at those gorgeous flowers!
The youngest lady in Wilhelmsen office, beside the model of the oldest ship of Wilhelmsen!
