Bergen, Norway

This is going to really test my memories... It's been almost a year since I went on this trip and I can barely remember where's what, and what's what! Note to self : Must Must MUST write about it AS SOON AS I CAN!!

All that I could remember was that it took a while to get from Voss to Bergen, which is the 2nd largest city of Norway. The bit about Bergen that I was excited to see was the UNESCO Heritage Bergen Wharf. The beautiful colourful wooden buildings, built so close to each other, so unique when you walk inside. Just so so so pretty!

The old Bergen Wharf (R)

The old Bergen Wharf (L)

We did have a quick tour with a local guide who took us beyond the front of these shops. We went round to the back, and from there, one could observe the unique architecture where they buildings are built really close to each other, some wth jutting bits, but all interconnected with some sort of plank. *If I am making any sense*

Behind the shops

And of course, I love the colours!!

And if I had really want to live here (I just have to find a way to deal with the cold), I suppose I could work here :

:)

The rest of the visit in town was mainly via looking out the windows on the bus. Which is my pet hate as anyone could tell. Looking out a window on a moving vehicle is NOT the way to experience a city! :(. But anyway....

Looking over the Wharf

We also drove by St Marie's Church, which was built in 1130 making it the oldest church in Bergen. The church has been burnt twice and had undergone sigificant reconstructions then. Apparently, it is also close at the moment for renovation works.

St Marie's Church

We then drove to the opposite side of the water to have a greater view of the wharf and it's surrounding.

Just couldn't resist another shot! :P

After that, we made our way towards the city's lookout point, the Floinen Mountain. The mountain is a hot tourist spot, serviced by a funicular cable car known as the Floibanen. There is no need to make reservations for the ride, even if you are travelling as a group. Our guide just walked up to the counter to get tickets, and just like everyone else, we had to join the queue. Same as all the other tour operators.

The Floibanen base station

Waving schoolchildrens :)
*Apotek = ?Pharmarcy*

Boarding the cable car

The good thing about the cable car is that it is almost entirely glass/transparent giving you the great views of Bergen as the train ascends and descends the mountain. Plus, the seats/standing spaces are designed in the way that, even if you were not standing at the side, you would still be able to enjoy the views from looking down the roof of the train.

Soon enough, we were 320 metres above sea level with gorgeous views! :)

Check out the mega cruise ship!

Fascinated with the bridge/road/highway designs

The area is designed with glass fence on the side of the mountain, giving you the perfect view of Bergen. An absolute delight if you enjoy looking down at cities just like yours truly. The only negative part of the whole thing was that it was freezing cold! There is also a souvenir shop at the top that quite a few of the tour members managed to get souvenirs at a bargain. Mum and myself almost bought a 'ship in a bottle' ornament as it was such a bargain! The only reason we didn't get it was because it would have posed as a 'packing 'issue.

Sorry, I can't explain my fascination with colourful houses

After spending about 45minutes at the top, we decided to head down and have a quick walk in the city. I was particularly keen on getting a shot of the local McD. Loveeed that building it was in!

How quaint :D

From there, we caught a quick lunch before heading to the airport to catch a flight out to Copenhagen. To be honest, by the end of this trip, the amount of photos I took has dwindle by a chunk. I was starting to get lazy and I couldn't wait to get home too! Reminder to self : No more packed, and 3-4 weeks holidays with a tour.

Colourful wine bottles

The airport in Bergen was a little confusing. We checked in, went all the way to the gates before finding out that I was unable to do tax refunds as the shops that we had purchased things in wasn't recognized at the counter near the gates. So, a few of us had to actually exit the gate and return back to the check in luggage counter to find the tax refund counter, which is actually located almost outside the airport... How bizarre. I didn't know that there are different tax refund counters for different shops etc.... Anyhow, got my money back. That's all that matter :P