Scandinavia - Monday August 31, 2015

Deb & I slept in until 7:00 AM; Howie was up and exercising earlier.  Down to breakfast at 8:15 AM.  The spread this morning in the hotel was similar to yesterday's Oslo spread, but the food wasn't as good - still, we managed to fortify successfully for the coming day.

Out to conquer the shops of Bergen. We ventured into our first shop, Pell Designs, and after a quick reconnaissance, discovered there was a dilapidated alley next door which, lo and behold, began a warren of little shops, jewelers, crafts, art galleries and sundry other wares.  As this was waterfront property, these small buildings were apparently the living and working quarters of the fish merchants on the waterfront.  All were small with upper lofts that may have warehoused food, grain and other merchandise moving in and out of the port.  The whole area turns out to be the World Heritage Site of Bryggen, the original name of the town.  We did our best to support the community. As time wore on, the number of tourists increased dramatically.  We learned that at least two cruise ships had docked and released their prisoners for the day.

We then walked a few blocks to the entry for the Funicular Railway.  Long lines in a crowded and poorly organized entry.  Also a tour group form China arrived at the same time.  They were noisy and pushing all the time to swarm onto the funicular car. Not a pleasant wait - no where near Disneyland standards.

The view from the top was amazing and photos were had.  The wait for the return trip was another 20 minute line, but much more pleasant, owing to the fact that you could take in the view as the line moved along.

Upon descent, we split into pairs.  Howie & Lee headed for the Leprosy Museum, while Deb and I headed for the modern art museum.  Turns out neither of us made our destination - the Leprosy Museum closed 10 minute before they arrived, and we just made it through the gift shop at the art museum, not purchasing anything.  Deb and I stopped at a cafe for a few minutes and returned to the hotel at 5:00. We met Howie and Lee and then repaired to the dining area for afternoon waffles. 

Then on to an outside bar down the street for a beer/wine moment served by an enchanting Jennifer Connelly lookalike.

Back to the hotel for dinner  - the first fish of the trip.  An adequate meal that was no feast for a gourmand, but, considering we had already paid, quite a bargain.  After dinner we took a short stroll and then to the top of the tower in the hotel to admire the sunset.  We were in bed by 9:30. All in all a satisfying day in Bergen and one to recommend to any thinking of traveling to Scandinavia.