Bilbies Banter

Photo: taken on the morning we disembarked of Norm, myself, my cousin Tina and her husband Graham Well!!! It wasn't actually Edinburgh but South Queensferry, which is the port which services Edinburgh. As I was still in quarantine, I didn't leave the ship and as it was a lousy day anyway, nor did Norm. However, I noticed on the ship's forward camera that we had a Tug Boat holding us in position all day and would you believe, its name was "Hopetoun", so I just had a grab a couple of pics of it - I thought I might even feature it in the next Clan Hope newsletter!

Photo: of the Lerwick Police Station, as seen in the TV program "Shetland". And finally, we are back in the lands of the United Kingdom - a bitter sweet moment. We loved seeing a small part of Norway but it was also good to be nearing the end of the cruise, as it's been a long time we've been on the road, so to speak. This was another day I wasn't feeling perky and we had made an appointment to see the Dr but as it wasn't until 5pm, after the ship left the port, I decided I would feel lousy whether we went ashore or stayed on board - so we went ashore for a couple of hours. I also have family history dating back to Lerwick and so I wanted, if possible, to at least set foot on the Island - even if it was to simply say "I've been there"! And so we did. Note: when I finally saw the Dr, it was discovered I had Influenza-A and I was immediately put into quarantine - another bitter-sweet moment!!!

Photo: of the celebration of the unity of Norway from the 27 individual communities into the nation of Norway. The central pillar is made up of 27 stones atop one another, while the 27 smaller monuments surrounding the central pillar is in recognition of the 27 distinct communities who united to create what we now know as Norway. Today was our last day in Norway and while it started out as a great day, it soon took a turn for the worse, as Norm missed a step as he was leaving the wharf and had a nasty fall. Fortunately, the first 2 people on the scene and who saw him fall, were a doctor and a paramedic and so he was in good hands right from the start. We had been planning to simply go for a bit of walk around the town town but we were persuaded to do a Hop on-Hop off tour instead - as the person said, at least he can sit in comfort and see something of the town, rather than just going back to the ship - and so we did.

Photo: Trolls are everywhere in Norway and are often seen having a bit of fun - this pair were on a camping holiday. Today we were in Tromsø. However, as I wasn't feeling 100%, we walked around the town for a while before returning to the ship.

Today's photo is of the towel arrangement our Cabin Crew did as a celebration of our wedding anniversary.

Photo: taken at midnight by my cousin Tina.

Photo: of Norm at North Cape This afternoon we were at North Cape, Norway - Europe’s most northerly destination. We had amazing weather - blue skies, cool breeze and almost perfect conditions. We took our cold weather gear and really didn’t need it. Along the way we saw reindeer but either they were too far away or I was too slow taking the shot.

Photo: The Trondheim Cathedral which dates back to 1060. Norway has not let us down - from what we’ve seen so far, it’s absolutely beautiful and culturally, it stands up there with the best. Today we visited the Trondheim Cathedral and what a spectacular place of worship and pilgrimage it is. Our Norwegian friend, Torie, suggested we do so, and I’ve gotta say, I’m so glad she did. Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim, Norway, has a rich history spanning over a millennium, beginning as a modest stone church built around 1060 over the grave of Saint Olav. It evolved into a grand Gothic cathedral by the early 1300s, becoming the largest church in the Nordic countries and a major pilgrimage site. In 1537, during the Protestant Reformation, it became part of the newly established state Church of Norway (Lutheran). It is the northernmost medieval cathedral in the world. It was also a significant center for royal ceremonies, serving as a coronation church for Norwegian kings during the Middle Ages ...

Photo: of my cousin Tina and I dressed for dinner. We’ve had a great couple of days on board our ship. Today was an At Sea Day and there’s always something to do (or not do, if you prefer). However, tonight was our Formal Dinner night.