Weekend in Norway

I had heard story of Akbar and Birbal where Birbal proves to Akbar, whatever happens, happens for good.


One of the things I heard about this country was Fjords. When I came here got to know there is a cruise to Fjords. When inquired, it came out to be reasonably costly. But since have to see it, booked the tour called Norway in the Nutshell for almost kr 2000. Everything was set for the Saturday 19-Jun. Come that day and we were on the bus stop at 5:30 am. Reached the NSB railway station at 5:50 am and the train was at 6:30 am. Too early.... But somehow this time went by and we boarded the train. It was moving slowly, stopping for signals. At @ 8 am it came to standstill and the conductor came over to tell that there is a power failure ahead and train cannot move for at least next 2 hrs. So our tour was canceled and we returned to Oslo. Stood in a queue to get the ticket postponed to next day i.e. Sunday. But due to this incidence, one of our members dropped out. But guess what another one joined in his place. So we were still four planned for next day. But inside there was very much frustration. Can power on a railway line fail. This does not happen in India and this is supposedly developed country. But lets keep our hope alive.


Next day was bit casual. We planned for slightly late bus and reached railway station at 6:15 am. Train was on the platform. We boarded and the train was almost full. We could notice quite a few yesterday's faces. But the day seems to be better. Bright and sunny, no clouds at all. Train was running at quite nice pace. At @ 10 we were reaching Finse. What a spot. The water is less than 50 mtrs from the platform and on the midsummer day, it had snow. Amazing.. We were thrilled. Don't know what was in the store.

After reaching Myrdal, we had some food that gave us some energy for second half of the day. And there comes Flamban. The Flam railway has outstanding view outside. It has to be experienced. Crystal clean water, dense woods. Fabulous journey it was and we met a doctor from Kolhapur on that train. He was in Oslo for a convention and was out on weekend. We heard announcement that there is a photostop. And suddenly everyone shouted wowww....

The Kjosfossen waterfall was amazing. The sprinkles were coming on the camera lens but no one bothered. It was an awesome feeling. Everyone was trying to save it to them. Total experience in the Flam train is fabulous. The train we had been told that takes a 180 deg turn in order to go round the rock.

Then came another beauty of nature. Fjords cruise. It was wonderful 2 hours. Looking at the mammoth natural structures, we realise how small creatures we are. They are wonders of nature. There is lot to write about the experience. The only thing that can describe what I experienced there is 'peace'... At some moment there was silence and I think it can happen at such a serene place where everyone on such a big cruise would like to be peaceful and enjoy the nature.

We got down from the cruise and headed towards bus towards Voss. Thought the tour is over but there was a surprise. We were headed to a road that was having 1 in 5 gradient and hairpin turns. The driver was telling us the history and I was thinking "Man look straight and drive" That is the oldest road that connects Oslo and Bergen. The bus took us to Voss and then the train to Oslo.


All and all an amazing experience and I am sure I would not have enjoyed the same had I done it on Saturday in the bad weather. So it was meant to be for best.

For some more photos check out this.

New Country New Experience

Norway, till now only thing I heard about this country is Land of midnight sun, Fjords and the emperor. Come May 2nd week and I have plans to travel to this country. My current assignment demands to travel there for 3 weeks. Now that's manageable considering the things back home. So it is all set for this visit.

Unlike UK and US visas, this one has a lengthy process and month of May has 3 Public holidays in Norway and obviously to the consulate. Hence what normally happens in 5 working days took almost 10 working days for me and I received my passport just 2 days prior to my travel. Thanks to my travel coordinator in the office, Forex, Insurance are all done and a day before I have everything in hand, including the airport transfer arrangement.

Travel to Oslo was not straight. I had an international flight from Delhi. So there was domestic travel from Pune to Delhi. Keeping track record of past week, Kigfisher Airlines, started the flight almost one hour late even though we were boarded in time. Reason: Air Traffic Control... After landing into Delhi and being transferred to International airport, all was set for the flight. But I am very disappointed by national capital airport. Considering the space available, it could have been fantastic. But the present one is crampy and dull. I feel the new renovated Mumbai one is far better in country. The Delhi Zurich flight was cool. Mostly in night and unlike my previous international travels, I spent most of the time sleeping, even skipped the snacks. Then came the interesting part. We had 45 mins time for our connecting flight from Zurich to Oslo. Had a transfer from one terminal to other via train. Completed immigration in EU zone. Cleared security checks. When passed the security gate, the official came over and asked if I am to board on Oslo flight. When answered yes, he said you and another person are the only one missing. Please run fast. At least once in my life flight was waiting for me. :-) Then again a two hour journey over Germany reaching Oslo as per schedule. The interesting part of this journey was about someone I met over the flight. It was one of my team member in my previous project. He has traveled to Oslo for a long term assignment. Earth is round.... IT world is very small.


Came out of Oslo airport, had converted Euro to Krona and waited for bus to Oslo city. Checked with a driver and he said he will drop @ 3 mins walk from where you have to go. We boarded the bus and it was literally 3 mins walk from apartment. It was @ 12 in the noon and I was in big 1 bedroom apartment. This would be my home for next 3 weeks.


Watch out for this space for further news / updates from me. Good night. Its 11:20 pm. Welcome to my blogs in Norway...