A Day in Oslo

Dear Friends,

I am off on another travel adventure with my friend Charlotte Bird. We are taking a cruise with National Geographic (Nat Geo) to Iceland via Norway, the  Faroes, and the Shetlands. 

Before meeting the ship in Tromso we began on our own with a full day in Oslo, Norway.  The Hop On/Hop Off bus gave us an overview of the city,  but we spent most of the day at the Vigeland Park and Museum. 

Here is Charlotte next to a glorious hydrangea bush outside the cafe where we had lunch within the Park.

The food and the ambiance did not disappoint. 

However the main inspirations of the day came from the sculptures of Gustav Vigeland. 

Over 200 granites, bronzes, and wrought iron pieces were displayed in a 420 acre park that is ALWAYS open. Can you believe that?

Because we were so fascinated by this man and his art  we went to the Vigeland Museum to learn more about him and the process of creating these massive sculptures.

I thought back to my visit to the Rodin Museum in Paris twenty years ago. At the time I was fascinated and moved. But the sheer immensity of Vigeland’s output staggered me.  There was also something about his depiction of the human form/condition that gave me wild dreams that night. Or maybe it was the jet lag. 

More to follow!

Best.

Mary