Oslo, Norway

The day started with a visit to the port for some picture taking before we headed off to the Royal Palace which was located fairly right in the city.

Oslo Royal Palace

The Palace was built in the 19th century and boost a fairly spectacular sight. Located right on a fairly isolated 'park', it stands out being the only building in the area eventhough the palace isn't very big.

*I just love how blue the sky was :)*

Lucky for us again, the changing of guards happened when we were there. And this time, I actually got to see the whole thing!!! :D

My only regret is not being able to actually visit the insides of the Palace. That's the downside of being in a tour I suppose. Most things and places are just more of a photo stop. Just to say you've been there. Without actually 'feeling' the place. *sigh*

Anyway, there are guided tours of the palace in the summer if one's interested.

*Quiet Saturday*

Our next stop was going to be the Holmenkolen Ski Jump, but unfortunately the area was under renovation in preparation for the Nordic World Ski Championship in 2011. It is the second oldest standing ski jump to date. Anyway, seeing that it was closed and all we did was drive pass - I didn't take any pictures. But we headed towards the cafe which was further up on the hill which boosted quite a pretty sight :).

:)

Look at the houses in the background! The roofs of all these cottages are covered with grass/moss in order to keep the house warm. It was really quite cute, I have to say - although I might be a little hesitant to stay in one.. What is the worms from the grass on the roof falls through the ceiling? Or what if the roof collapses if it became too heavy? Especially when it's soaked wet!?!? *Okay, okay - I do think too much :P*

Isn't that just the cutest thing? :D

Next stop - Frogner's Park

Frogner's Park is an 80-acre public park in Oslo which houses the famous work of Gustav Vigeland. Built in the 20th century, the most well-known structure in the park is the Monolith, which has 121 human figures clad on each other, on a pillar.

The Monolith and surrounding statues

Closer view of the Monolith

Surrounding that is are statues, depicting the different stages of life - of how we all started as babies, and then toddlers and children together with peers, growing up to adults and ultimately growing old and needing assistance.

The beginning

Of love, family, togetherness

The end

What I liked about the statues were that there was always more than 1 'person' in each. To me, in a way, it shows just like how we go on with life from being a helpless baby to an independent adult and ultimately a dependent adult was that - we are never alone.

Garden Fountain

Just like the monolith and it's structure, the fountain also depicts the different ways and emotions of life.

Just loving the weather :)

Another sightseeing bus :)

From there on, we were dropped off in the city centre for some leisure/shopping time. I managed to grab a couple of tops for a bargain! Plus the weather was fabulous, it was warm-ish with the bright sun working very hard.

A band playing in front of .... *I forgot what building*

National Theatre

From there, we then left after dinner to Hamar, before making our way towards Geiranger the next day. I remember being totally excited about Geiranger after hearing all about how pretty and breathtaking the views and sceneries are. Man, I was so not disappointed!!! :) *Pictures galore up in the next post :P*