Naeoryfjord

Today’s visit was to a sheep farm with added value. We tasted a variety smoked and cured meats as well as flatbreads like lavish and yoghurt. Then… we were introduced to their major revenue stream - sheep’s heads.. quite a delicacy so we’re told.

One of our party was charged with burning off the sheep’s wool… in the traditional way.

Then we were off to board our cruise in the Naeoryfjord. Beautiful landscapes and very warm. Passed lots of scout groups on kayaks enjoying the water. When we reached our port, Flam, we discovered a cruise ship - over 250 km out to the sea from there.

After a wee drive, a 24.6 km tunnel through the mountains, a car ferry ride and on to Solengal where we’ve spent the night. Great day!

Bergen 8/7

The train journey from Oslo to Bergen took us through really mixed terrain - forests and green farming areas and up onto a windswept plateau. Lovely vistas from every window. 

Bergen sits in the rugged fjords in the southwest of the country. High rainfall as you would expect. View from the Floyen funicular:

Visited an amazing maritime museum catering for kids with fun hands on exhibits in the old fish stores. And then on to learn more about mariculture and aqua culture in the fjords. Over 1400 fish farms on the coastline here. 

Met with our Farm to Farm travel crew in the evening and a very pleasant get to know you dinner in the evening. This pic is taken on the way home in the evening - Yes, the sun was still shining at 9:45. Our hotel is to the right of the old fish warehouses - now retail and restaurants. 

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.