So when our trip to Normandy and Mount St Michel was no longer possible, we decided to go to Oslo instead. Too bad we hadn't checked hostel lodging before buying the tickets, because it just so happened to be one of the busiest weekends in Oslo because every single hostel and hotel was booked that time. Searching for a room had never presented a problem so far, and if it had been warm summer I think we might have roughed it in the train station or a park or something. But it was definitely edging on 0 degrees Celsius in Oslo so lodging was going to be a necessity for the 3 nights. Only possibility? Couchsurfing. It's something I had heard of often but never tried before...basically, it's a website where people from all over the world log-in and offer 'couches' or beds for other travelers. You don't have to know these people, you probably will never see them again after you've come and gone, but people join for the sole reason of wanting to communicate with others from across the world.
So we ended up staying with this nice guy who lived right in the center downtown, and he basically picked us up at the train station, gave us the keys to his apartment, and took off for the weekend. It was incredible. Maybe in the States we get too nervous or realistic about these situations, but here it seems quite normal to just pass your apartment off to random travelers. Granted I wouldn't have done anything wrong anyway, but still.
Marta and I wanted to get to Bergen, which is a good deal west of Oslo, but its famous for its views of the fjords and classic Norwegian landscape. As it was, however, we ended up spending the entire time in Oslo, with a small side trip to Drøbak. Drøbak is one of 6 cities in Norway that claims to be the 'home town' of Santa Claus, and it was an important town in the timber and shipping industry back in the day. It's name derives itself from the Norwegian words, Drøye bakker, which means long lasting hills. The town is one of Oslo fjord's popular summer resorts.
Mermaid statue near the old port. The statues were a gift to the city from a former resident.
Marta standing in front of the old lighthouse. Many of the homes in Drøbak follow this type of architecture, as it is a quaint picturesque old town full of small white wooden houses.
My favorite spot thus far: Akershus Castle. The fortress was built by King Håkon V at the end of the 13th century. It protected Oslo and Norway through numerous struggles, and later was converted into a Renaissance castle and the fortifications were extended. Now, the castle is used for government receptions and you can wander through the entire grounds and still see the changing of the guards.
Another spot not to be missed: Vigeland Sculpture Park. It is one of the most visited places in Oslo (over 1 million visitors per year!), and for good reason. This amazing park is the life work of the sculptor Gustav Vigeland who created more than 200 sculptures in bronze, granite and cast iron. The statues are intended to depict the cycle of life as they depict humans in all forms of living -- playing, fighting, loving, eating, teaching and sleeping. It's an incredible sight: you enter the park from these massive cast-iron gates, and in front of you spreads an entire paved road leading up to the crowning achievement on top of the hill - The Monolith (a massive 46 feet high totem pole, of sorts).
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