Final lap

Since so many people were getting off at Trondheim, we had our farewell dinner last night. It was fine with a lot of palaver but OK. Woke up in Trondheim very early. Had our breakfast and up to the Centrum at eight am. We got as far as the Cathedral and back to Husflidden but that has gone quite upmarket now and there was nothing we fancied. Nearly got lost on way back to Nordnorge but made it with five minutes to spare.No further long stops until we disembark in Bergen tomorrow at 2.30 pm local time. Saw your photos. You both look quite pleased with yourselves!Lol M&D

Concert etc

Great to know you are receiving. It is quite a struggle to get onto the net sometimes.
The Concert in Tromso was excellent. Three blokes--- a baritone, a wind instrumentalist and a pianist/organist. Singer was so pure it was lovely. The Sibellius was "Be still my soul" and they did an Irish melody which was "Be Thou my Vision". The rest were Norwegian or Sami folk music.
Yesterday afternoon we boarded a smaller vessel in the Raftsundet--- a narrows near Trollfjord--the boat just kept the same speed as the big one and we crossed without incident along a gangway. This included a baby in a carrycot of about 4 months.This was for the Sea Eagle Safari. And boy we did see them. The ladies held out their hand with food and the gulls came to pick it out of their hand. Then the eagles came at the side and were fed a fish. Trying to get a picture proved very difficult. You had to focus on where the fish was thrown and try to snap as they swooped down. We saw at least eight or more.
Hope the running did well. Love M&D

Hammerfest Visit

Hi there
This seemed to have worked quickly tonight for a change.
We had a visit to Hammerfest today. As usual we began with the Church but I was not so impressed. It did have a beautiful stained glass window and carvings on the organ loft. Maybe I am just getting blase!
Hammerfest will be nice when it is finished. Just about every street had been dug up. Looks as if they might be renewing the water system.
We did get into the WW2 reconstruction Museum. The Germans raised Hammerfest to the ground as the Russians advanced. You've seen bombed cities in France, Germany and Britain but this was total wipeout! It was lovely in the Museum because there were no German tourists. We seem to be quite overwhelmed by them on board. Decided to attend concert in Tromso Cathedral tonight at midnight. Only because the first item on the programme is Finlandia excerpt by Sibelius and you know Dad can't pass a bit of Sibelius.
Spent the afternoon in cabin this afternoon due to being in the open sea and getting tossed around a bit. This is the first time we were glad of second sitting dinner since we were into shelter by the time we had to eat.

Visit to Kirkenes

Sorry if this comes twice.
We have reached the turning point of our journey. Heading south now.
Last night we stood on Deck 5 as the southbound Nordkapp passed and we were given sparkling candles to light and hold . This was a memorial for the those who had died and were injured on the fire on the Nordlys the week before we came.
We had no organised tours today and did our own thing. We had three hours to enjoy the town. First we headed for the Church which had a very interesting interior--- green pews!
In the grounds of the Church we saw a lemming. I have a photo but it is very well camouflaged.
In the square, there was a market. I think most of the stalls were manned by Russians except one which was Sami.
We walked along the main street and up to a view point and this is where my camera comes into its own with the panorama setting.
MandD

Had a great day for birthday. The Viking Feast was interesting but I was apprehensive about it since we were told on the menu it would be lamb--- not my favourite. However it turned out reasonably well and I managed to eat more of it than I thought I might. We had only a dagger type knife and a spoon. We had mead too but it was too alcoholic for me and too sweet for Dad.
Up this morning early and visited Harstad which had a red telephone kiosk--- not working--in the street. We were off for four hours in Tromso and we enjoyed the freedom since we took ourselves off--no organised tour.
Tomorrow is a busy day since we are off to North Cape--- breakfast at 7-10am; brunch 10--13 hours; dinner at 6-8.30pm. We can't fit in the eating!
love JandE

Norway

hi there
If you get this it will be a miracle.
We are having a relaxing time so far and the weather has been really kind. It has been very dry, sometimes sunny and calm. Of course it is quite cool but it is September near the Arctic.
We have done two tours off the boat so far and also a quick walk off at a wee place. Food is good. Our dining companions are from Cumbria but I don't think we have too much in common so far.
Off to the Viking Feast tomorrow evening but we have first to cross the Arctic Circle at 7-8 in the morning. Champagne Breakfast can be had for 74 Kroner, £8 per glass. I'm sure we will pass this event.
Lots of Love from us both

trial run

Dad and I hope to send some messages in Norway as a trial run for NZ.