Bergen Baby

Bergen Baby! 21st-23rd December 2013

Early start with chauffeur service to the airport (thanks Hannah!). Lucky to make it to the plane on time as Lou was frisked, having set the beepy machine off, and had to have her bag searched after leaving some perfume somewhere in its depths - whoops!

So we arrived in Bergen on Saturday lunchtime. The weather was much the same in Bergen as it had been at home - wet and grey - but the excitement of our impending adventure kept us cheery!

Arriving at our hotel (Clarion Collection Bergen), we were met with a warm welcome, and kindly set up with a room overlooking the water - the Veidung Suite. A suite! Not only was it a suite, the staff had put out a fruit platter, bottle of wine and a lovely handwritten note welcoming us to Bergen. 5* already! Great staff and great place.

Headed out into Bergen to scout the place, and take pictures of the surroundings. The Bryggen (a Unesco heritage site) was very picturesque! 

Our hotel offered free make-your-own pancakes and so we took full advantage! Dinner was also complimentary - quids in! Lou out for the count at 8pm, and slept soundly for 12 hours. Toby went insomnia-adventuring on the streets of Bergen until around midnight, taking night time pictures of Bryggen.

After a glorious sleep, we woke to a dark and rainy Bergen, which according to the travel guide, happens more often than not (rain four in five days). We waited for a break in the weather and chanced a journey up on the Fløibanen (sp?) funicular railway up to the top of one of the surrounding hills. First proper bit of snow up there and Lou was happy to splish about in the slush. Got some nice views out over Bergen. Floyd and Maude (see pic) had their photo taken in the snow. We all stomped back down through a mossy and mystical forest into the city centre, where we had delicious cinnamon buns and warmed our toes.

Later on in the evening, we ventured out into the storm (with thunder, lightning and hailstones) to Pingvinen (Penguin) bar. The Norwegians seem to like their low lighting - a crepuscular folk, says Toby. We have a few beers and then Toby decides to buy TWO shots of Aquavit. Aquavit is potato vodka stuff and is pretty vile. It burns on the way down and makes your tongue and mouth fizz, but at least we've tried it!

Off to sleep as Oslo awaits us in the morning, plus a 7 hour train journey through the mountains. Will be sad to leave this place. A nice start to ease us into Norway.

View of Bergen from the top!

Floyd has a swift pint.

Sweet suite!