Oslo 4/5 July

Two lovely days exploring this vibrant city. And we’ve discovered more about our surroundings… the seemingly unfinished building behind the Opera House is in fact the Munch Museum and Art Gallery. Edvard Munch (famous for ‘The Scream’) donated all his work to the city. He was uneasy about the German advances in WW11, and probably justifiably so. Anyhow. The building is amazing for its city views and galleries etc. 13 floors all accessed by escalators and lifts.

Before anything opened this morning we walked across the foot bridge to the left of the Munch building and through all the new housing developments. Lovely green spaces and access to fjord swimming…

And back to yesterday - Hop on Hop off Bus did not disappoint! The Fortress was an excellent stop. Watched the army practising for the Queen’s 21 gun Birthday salute at noon and met a local guy who filled us in on preparations for watching Norway v Brazil. We thought it was some kind of Octoberfest in July. 😂 

These venues are replicated all over the city. It’s going to be a very busy night.

And finally for this post. With my friend, opera singer Kirsten Helgstad, opera house in the background rising from the fjord like an iceberg.

3 July 2026: Oslo, Norway.

After 43+ hours of travel -  5 flights, some train transfers and a longer train ride from the airport we are finally here in central Oslo. Staying at the cutie Scandic ByPorten Hotel, where everything is close by.  

Quick pics are of: a large building behind the (looks to be possibly still under construction and thus worth of a closer look…) Oslo Opera House, looking back from the Opera House over the waterside part of the city,  and the white building beyond the Square which contains the Train Station, a Mall and eateries, + our hotel.

Inside the Opera-house and the contrasts in materials used. Gorgeous! Mr Hall tried to get a look inside the theaters but was denied entry.😛 

Vanuatu Sunday…

Well, we tried to go to church in Port Villa - the Anglican one, but had been given bad information re service times, however we met lots of parishioners and were able to spend some time in the church and visiting with the pastor. Then we were off to Iririki Island Resort for drinks, a swim and lunch. Helen and Robyn had stayed here in the past and were able to show us the ropes. A lovely interlude.




Long Island Iced Tea. Thanks Sheldon (big bang theory) I think I experienced similar effects!!

And finally from Vanuatu… can you read this? It’s phonetic and I chuckle every time we need a ferry to the mainland.

Vanuatu

Henry took us on a town tour. Learned some local history and were able to stock up on fabric and dresses from in Port Villa. Always interesting to meet people in their place of work and compare products here with those at home. We organised some tables and chairs for the women’s sewing group on Pele. 👍

On Saturday we attended church in Mele and met Henry’s wife, Alice and two on the younger children. He very proudly showed us the extension he’s been able to make to his home. Then off to view Hideaway Island from a pizza bar.

Vanuatu

A lovely day of mixed blessings. It was so special to visit Eratap village 

and Arthur’s family.

Dresses gifted to us by Arthur’s’ Family.


Village ladies preparing lap lap.

Spectacular light show after a delicious Melanesian Feast.

Vanuatu

What a team! Here we are, ready to get on the water taxi and off

To the mainland for our next adventure.

After a drive through Henry’s village - Mele - our next stop was the local coffee roaster and shop. Tana coffee is available in the restaurant here and I was also able to by some pods to try out in my Nespresso. I may have to get a regular order. 


We accessed lovely Pele island by banana boat and what a welcome when we arrived!! Lovely people and a great walk around the the village before a lovely local lunch. We were so blessed. 





The local village ladies who were available to meet with us. I don’t usually include food pick but we were treated to a delicious local lunch. 


I have a new tale about the origins of the coconut but in the meantime… the coconut / juice  combo was really refreshing on a hot day. ❤️

Vanuatu

Morning view at Erakor Island our Vanuatu paradise for the week. Very relaxing.

Blue Lagoon -  fab place to visit. Mixture of fresh and sea water so we floated well. 

I did jump in after testing with my toe and hesitating - quite a while. 🤔



Iguana and turtle rescue park. You could swim with the turtles here but we’d just 

dressed after a refreshing dip at Blue Lagoon.

I love turtles… what more can I say?

Beautifully curated and clean markets in Port Villa. A pleasure to wander around 

and chat to the locals. How lucky were we?