Jacobs Apartments Bergen

... to try another Norwegian restaurant, and this time Steve ate reindeer and I had elk - I suspect that a jolly old man in a red suit is none to pleased with us right now!!<br><br>We went back to Pingvinen for a couple of cheap(er!) drinks, and for the Norwegian atmosphere later on, and discovered that their menu changes every night - so although just a few things on the blackboard, it changes! (But have the meatballs if you get the opportunity!!)

... 2 days in Bergen and knew they would have lots of walking to do later in the day.<br><br>We found our hotel after a few missteps and dropped out packs there so that we could check out the wharf.<br><br>Bergen is famous for Bryggen (The Wharf) as it is an international wonder! The wooden houses ofcourse have all been rebuilt in the traditional fashion after having many fires over the years. The fish market is splendid! The kids were suitably grossed out at the ...

... more than willing to give an invaluable insight into the Norwegian persona and mentality. I didn't know this, but until the early 60's Norway was one of the poorest countries in Europe consisting of small rural farming communities, their only natural resource being timber, whereas neighbouring Sweden, which is looked upon as being more refined, had well established industries such as Saab, Volvo, Ericsson and Ikea and also Abba! Norway then hit it big-time in 1962 and ...

... it impossible to get to the lake walk so we kept our Stryn hostel reservations and found out about boats through the fjord on the way there from the tourist office. Went back to the hostel to finish off our errands via phone and internet and after I worked out the Norway dialling code gave Sam a buzz. He was at our 'poof cafe' in about 30 mins. Headed off to his house on foot via the rain sculpture - Bergen's tourist monument erected to show off the ...

... been three times. Small world, indeed. Tip: For the best sunset view, take the funicular to the top of Mount Fløyen (35 NOK, $7/one way) and do what the Norwegians usually do -- sit on the steps of the viewing platform and watch the radiant orange-yellow gleaming sun cast its luminous reflection over the shimmering fjords and majestic mountains. In the summertime, the sun does not usually start setting until 10:45PM-11PM. Then, instead of ...

... from his house was incredible. I forgot my camera in the ship but as soon as I get a chance I will put up some pictures. After Grieg's house we went to St. Mary's Church, it is the oldest building in Bergen that is still in use. Yesterday I hiked Mount Fløien, it's a mountain over looking the city, again incredible. We saw sheep! My feet are still hurting me from the hike. After that we went to ...

... cable car up to Mount Fløyen. This looks directly over Bergen and the views are amazing. I am not sure if it was unusually packed because of the national holiday the day before but there were thousands of people up there. Behind the lookout and cafes there a lots of trails that meander through the country side. There trails were jam packed with families just out for a stroll( Hiking in the woods might be a Norwegian hang over cure). It was up here that I ...

... two nice little Norwegian girls crying from the room. Later we went for gelato with our new friends. Having the chance to talk English with kids their own age was a huge release for our kids. Nice for Amy and me, too, having a chance to compare notes with other Yanks on the challenges of paying for a trip to Norway at a time when the dollar is wastepaper. (Amy) As Jim mentioned, spending a few ...

... been standing in that same spot, I would have witnessed the Germans invading and occupying the city, which they used as a major naval base for 5 years. After lunch, I headed back down the hill, and walked around central Bergen. There's 2 peninsulas, the Nordnes and Bergenhus that I walked around. I happened upon 2 old fortresses (or at least what remained of them). The first one was next to the Nordnes and labeled on the map as Fredriksberg ...