Lana and Dwaine's trip to Europe

May 9 2011
Anne took us on a pretty drive this morning to Grimstad, where Nils works. This is a pretty town by the sea. We explored the cobblestone streets and popped into a few stores to take a peak. A bathroom break was needed so we went into McDonald’s – I was curious so compared the prices. A big Mac is $20.00! We enjoyed a lazy day and an early dinner because we were off to watch Frederick play soccer. The wonderful thing about children is that they are the same everywhere. They love their friends, sports and people cheering them on. Frederick scored the first two goals then another before half time. He is extremely fast and accurate – we really enjoyed the game. It was fun to watch the coach of the other team – he didn’t like losing so he screamed very load. Of course we couldn’t understand him but we knew what the message was. Once again people are the same everywhere!
May 10
The apple blossoms showed their absolute beauty all around the farm. After the children went to school we went to Arendal and then we parked in a tunnel/parking lot that is also used for a safe area in case of attack. We took the cutest little ferry to an island and the driver made a special stop on one end for us. We saw the home where Nils’s Mother grew up and walked the quiet streets thinking about the life of sailors and fishermen living there. We once again met the ferry and in a few minutes were across the inlet to more stores and browsing. We then drove back to the farm for lunch, then Anne picked up the children from school and off to work. Nils and Dwaine set their energy on changing the fuel filters on the two Ford tractors that belong to the farm. After a bit of a struggle they were both running fine again. Nils made a fantastic pizza for supper and then we took his electric motor down to his boat across the E 18 Hiway to his lake. It was so quiet on the water and we drove past a farm that had just turned out their ewes and lambs, so nice to see spring arrive! We went farther along the water to see the water fowl and farms bordering the lake. Back home we packed up some of our belongings for our final night with our Norwegian family. Anne left her work a little bit early so was home before we turned in for the night. It’s great to keep in touch with such a loving family.
May 11
We awoke early for our last breakfast with Nils and Anne. After a quick coffee and toast the time came to say farewell and thank you to their family. We enjoyed our drive to Kristiansand air port. We traveled along the E 18 Hiway which Nils told us it would have cost 3 times as much if a Norwegian firm had won the bid to build. As it was a German company built the Hiway. All too soon it was time to say good bye to our dear friend. We promised it would not be another 20 years before we got together again.
After a short flight to Oslo we boarded the fast train in to the city. This train gets speeds up to 210Km and so quiet We found an information booth that was closed, what’s up with that?? We talked to a couple of nice ladies who were also surprised that the booth was closed but had been in Oslo for a few days so they were able to help us out. We first took a street car to the Vigeland park (naked statues). We had a picnic lunch on the grass before having a short nap, then taking in the display. Most amazing. We then took the trolley back to the marina and hopped on the water taxi to the Norwegian Ship museum. The afternoon sun was very nice and warm. The walk to the museum takes about 10 minutes and was well the effort. We were pleased with the artefacts that they had. The detailed wood carvings on the sleighs, poles and wagons is amazing. Silver and brass was also used extensively to add to the detail and beauty of these pieces. The Three ships on display had been built around the 850 ad and 900 ad period. They had been sailed for a number of years and then used as burial ships for the rich. They were found in nearby fields and claimed by the government for the museum. Unfortunately the gold and silver had been dug up by grave robbers and stolen as well as other artefacts of value. All three ships where buried by turf as a grave for the very famous indivuals. This is what preserved the boats so well.
A quick walk back to the pier and we boarded the water taxi back to the marina. It was interesting to see the University area where Dana went. There seemed to be a real mix of cultures in Oslo. Before we knew it we were back to the train station area. We stopped by a side walk cafe to people watch for a short while before going back to the Oslo airport. We found the duty free shopping still expensive so didn’t buy too much. A nice short 2 hour flight will soon have us to Amsterdam until May 15. Next adventure – Holland!