We explored a lot around Oslo today by foot. It was a pleasant 70 degrees F and sunny.
Lots of architecture and city can all be found in the city center.
First we checked out the famous Opera House which was quite amazing in its design. You can actually walk up to the top – it is quite high up and gives a nice view of the bay.
I am not sure I understand the story behind this pseudo iceberg structure they keep trying to move around the bay by towboat.
We spent quite a bit of time touring the fortress and military complex on top of the hill overlooking the bay.
Lots of stories and history here dating back to the 1600s I believe. There is even a special memorial for the Norwegian resistance movement against the Nazis in WWII. Most were shot and executed here when they were discovered.
Oslo is definitely becoming a hot spot for cruise ships – you can see the area where we went running this morning and all the locals hunt for Pokemon.
We also walked up to the Royal Palace to see if the family was available for a beer or a cup of tea at the end of the day.
They were busy so the guard soldier sent us away to check out one of the local pubs instead.
Interested in seeing more of the city? Check out my blog post of Oslo when we toured the whole city.
Go running early in the morning of course!
Oslo has removed most parking on the streets and made biking, walking and running trails. We went running down by the waterfront which was very serene.
It is a great spot for runners and bikers as you can take a bath afterwards if you like.
We decided to run along the marina…and yes, boating and fishing is very popular here in Norway. Boats as far as the eye can see. Second in popularity to the Tesla automobile. Did you know that 50% of all Teslas sold in Europe are here in Norway? Why? No tax on electric vehicles. 50% savings compared to alternatives…
We then headed over to a peninsula or park similar to Seward park in Seattle. The one difference is there is a lot of trails can you run on…and there are electric fences too.
Why is that? Cows find their home here in Oslo 🙂
Running around the world is always fun. Some of my other favorite spots:
Since it was so hot in Seattle, we decided we should go somewhere cooler in the Northern hemisphere…
Any ideas where we landed? You can see we are just about to land where it is very green…
OK – you need some more hints? Everyone likes to walk along the waterfront next to the marina and catch Pokemon.
We have a great hotel that is close to the water and also next door to the national theater.
Lots of history in this city with landmarks within 10 minute walking radius. There are lots if Irish pubs for some reason, but no, we are not in Ireland.
Last hint: this is where the Nobel Peace Price museum honoring all the winners resides.
Where are we going? You will have to wait and see. Very different and adventurous. Good thing I woke up early as out flight was delayed 6 hours and I scrambled to change the flights. It definitely pays to be Diamond on Delta as they helped find the best option with no change fees.
Our friend was not sure if he should help pack the luggage or eat it for breakfast.
Here is the favorite of a few posts of our visit to the Czech Republic and the few days we spent in Prague. Here are a few of the other detailed blog posts if interested in exploring further:
Last night we went rogue and walked down some curves and alleys in the darkened streets to explore a local restaurant that was not in the tourist district.
It is called La Degustation – it is an asian fusion restaurant and has a Michelin star. We only tried the 6 course menu, but with all the appetizers and other treats, it felt like 12. Simply amazing food, flavors and staff.
This morning we took a private tour of the Prague Estate Theater which was only a few blocks away from our hotel. This is the only remaining theater or house where Mozart actually conducted and the location still exists or is still in use today. A small, quaint and historic theater worth checking out.
The theater has been in operation since 1873 and was only closed from 1983 through 1991 for renovation. It did not even close during WWII. Don Giovanni is played very frequently, but interestingly, they only play Mozart’s music and no other. The President has a private box at no cost, but our host indicated he is not very cultural and prefers to hang out more in pubs and restaurants.
But we did have a little time to enjoy a few pieces from the Marriage of Figaro in a private recital with some members of the orchestra. We could not sit in the main theater as they were working on building the next set and the set hands were yelling quite a bit.
Here is one of the clips for your listening enjoyment.
We walked through the historical Jewish ghetto which has been mostly demolished, but we went into the Jewish Museum and learned about Golem.
We now know the connection from the Czech Republic Jewish community to the Lord of the Rings movies 🙂
On the way, we also captured a quick picture of where Albert Einstein met and hung out with other academics at the university near the big market square near our hotel.
Not far from the Jewish Museum we visited the Prague WWII memorial which recognized and named everyone that was deported to the concentration camps from Prague and the Czech Republic with all their names on the walls. 80,000 names.
The other side of the memorial was the cemetery which is where the famous Rabbi Loew is buried, but not his Golem servant. There was also many other famous people and scholars.
Now for Golem, the story hoes that his magic was taken away and put into the attic of the Pinkasova synagogue which is the oldest synagogue in Prague.
And to end the day of walking, we had to visit the Communist Museum on our way back to the hotel to help remember the good times when the workers united to be more social than the current capitalistic society.
This morning we went up to the Prague Castle that was controlled by the Communist Party during the Soviet area… Now it is where the Prime Minister works. High security.
We also went into St. Vitus Cathedral which was immensely crowded despite the $10 entrance fee.
It is famous for the silver tomb of St John of Nepomuk which had so many people around it, it felt like a grunge mosh-pit when trying to take a picture.
This cathedral was also where the famous priest brought Christianity to Bohemia and created the Cryptic alphabet. I could not remember the full story on this one from our guide.
We also walked around the Lobkowicz Palace where Franz Kafka also lived and wrote some books in the surrounding homes/shops. This is one of the places where he wrote a book. I bought a book on Golem which was intriguing. Stay tuned for that story tomorrow.
The first vineyard was also next to the Palace up on the hill. We decided to walk down and try the local beer instead.
When walking down, you can see the TV tower off in the distance that was built by the Soviet Union and still in use today. The locals call it “Breznev’s Finger”. You can guess how they feel about it.
Moving on to another location not far from the palace…
The real highlight in this area is the Strahov Monastery and libraries associated with the Norbert patron saints and monks.
This is where the most popular craft beer is made in Prague… I think some call it grog though…
But the most interesting aspect is the ancient library of over 250,000 books which we got a private tour of. A movie was filmed here… In 2002, the League of Extraordinary Gentleman had many scenes here. Recognize the scene?
Lots of walking across cobblestone streets, lots of old architecture, almost so many different examples, it is hard to see them all and take pictures of them all. This is one of the “cubist” examples.
Also, lots of music, lots of restaurants…and lots of tourists. Almost as many as NYC. The year 1300 midevil tower is one of the hot spots.
Thousands of people fill the square every hour to see the animation and motion in the weighted ancient clock.
Another hot spot is Charles Bridge which is the oldest bridge from the 1850 time-frame that is now closed to tourists, I am pedestrians only. We will walk across it tomorrow.
This evening we went to a local market, purchased some cheeses, crackers, local meats and a good looking Portteus.com american wine to have a snack before heading out for a local concert. The Mark Luxury Hotel in Prague is full of multi-rooms suites that are only 2 blocks away from the main squares.
We then walked to ancient Spanish Synagogue to enjoy a string only rendition of Ravel’s Bolero and some other recitals to get a taste of the local music talent. Excellent choice, amazing inside design and amazing acoustics.
If you are in the classic Prague tourist area near the Powder Tower…you just have to wear trail shoes for all the rough cobblestone streets!
So from there, head to the National Theater which is near the river.
The problem is you run through the Times Square section of Prague…which is deserted at 6:00 in the morning…it feels like the walking dead will appear in any second…
But once you get to the river, it is gorgeous and this where all the local runners are. The problem is at 6:00 AM, they are all running 7 min/mile pace and it is hard to keep up with them.
And like every city, you find thing along the way that are…unique and hard to explain.
But, survey says: yes, Prague is a great place for runners to start the day…and listen to your favorite GrowthHacking or Doomsday Prepper podcast. 😉
Here are a few more examples of where I have around the world:
Last night, we had dinner at the Imperial Hotel since John Kerry and company had a dinner event in our hotel taking all the tables. Learn more about the peace conference in this posting. So we needed an alternate choice nearby.
The Imperial Hotel became quickly available since the Syrian peace talks delegation bailed because a member of the opposition party just recently purchased the Imperial Hotel…so they did not want to be associated with the opposition side in any way.
The Syrian delegation all stayed at a different hotel down the street. They did want to hang with us since we were not dressed up enough.
We also went to a private Mozart and Strauss recital at Palais Auersperg.
Great way to end the evening with a little music with some up and coming local artists.
So the local police let us check out from the hotel this morning. Surprise! The police made the Souvenir seller stop selling fake guns next to the peace delegation. Check out my posting yesterday to see it in the shop.
We headed north across the border to the Czech Republic. Waves and waves of the yellow rape seed crops…the phone does not do the picture justice. It is BRIGHT yellow!
As soon as you get across the border into the Czech Republic, it is party time!
Austrians can cross the border for casinos, outlet malls, kids parks…
And lots and lots of nightclubs. Reminder signs are posted every 100 meters along the highway.
We kept driving…until the police stopped the bus. Suspected of smuggling immigrants across the border. Quick check, we were allowed to stay in the country and continue our journey to Prague in this posting.
Whew – lucky us. The blog can now continue for those waiting for Prague highlights.
David Cross Travel Blog 