Getting on the ship

Breakfast at the Thon Bristol was extremely good although neither tried the brown Norwegian cheese. Each had tried it many years ago and didn’t like it, retried a few years ago in sophisticated maturity (like the cheese?) and still didn’t like it so didn’t try this time. The sweet herrings and the mustard herrings were both excellent, which cheered TSH up after his struggle to shave in a basin with no plug (the bathroom was otherwise, modern, pleasant and functional).

A morning walk before embarkation around the harbour allowed time to see the new development of stylish apartments and museums which look like they have been built on reclaimed land. There were hooded crows and black headed gulls as well as mallards there.

The 15 minute taxi ride from hotel to port cost over £20!!

The Silver Cloud sailed out of the Oslo fjord in dry but cold misty weather.  TSH and Diva have been greeted by name by crew who have met them before and did not need to provide names or numbers for the safety drill as the person on the door knew them. This is what a second home is like. But the travel alarms have both got flat batteries – not good for control freaks.

Other characters have asked to feature in this blog. TSH has two grown up children. Bird Lady is married to Bat Man and their 6-month old child is Dinosaur. Techie Nerd is planning to marry Cake Lady during 2015. The names might provide clues to some of the regular themes of the blog.