two

The tourist information office was the first stop today. I left clutching (inevitably) every pamphlet going with no idea of what to do. I thought I’d just walk around today, get a feel for the city.

I went down to the harbour at Aker Brygge, took a few photos and found my way up to the castle at Akershus. It’s a beautiful old place – lots of little huts and arches and stairs and courtyards. It’s the kind of castle you couldn’t imagine any military action taking place.

There were a doxen or so Japanese tourists there taking photos of everything and everyone. I realised I was doing the same. I often wonder if my preoccupation with capturing memories inhibits my ability of forming meaningful new ones.

I marched around the walls like a toy soldier for a while and thought about the flight yesterday. It got me thinking about how I’m the kind of person who enjoys the journey as much as the destination. I know several people who spend there lives going somewhere they never get to. I picked up 4 conkers and put them in my pocket.

Oslo is crazy about art, there are sculptures on every street corner. I saw this one outside the castle:

What a waste of space. I wonder if the artist even considered the environment the piece was to be placed in. The sculptures on the promenade at Aker Brygge are much better.

This afternoon I walked past a one-man-band busker on Karl Johnas Gate. He was playing ‘Puff the Magic Dragon’. That made me smile. I took a photo and gave him what coins I had on me.

I spent most of the afternoon looking around the 1st floor of the National Gallery. It’s an interesting collection, I need to go back to see the rest. Lots of Munch paintings including the Scream. Have to go see the Munch Museum too.

Kris took me to meet his mum and sister and grandmother this evening. He has a nice family. I got dinner cooked for me too :)

Saw Panic Room when we got home. I liked it – I can’t think of another film I’ve seen that takes place in just one building. (Does Die Hard count?)

three >

diary index