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.