Oslo Norway

First impressions: One could spend the day in the train station which is encompassed in a giant mall, with everything from grocery stores, nice restaurants, clothing shops, housewares, everything you need on the way home from work or travel. Both the station and trains are used by all. Public transportation in Oslo, like in many European cities is efficient, convenient, runs frequently and throughout the day.

And…. Oslovians have good coffee.

Nearly everyone speaks English. The language only became a challenge in the grocery store, we had no idea how to choose a milk, yogurt, what was in the granolas. I was able to use the phone camera on the google translate to decipher some labels.

The city is very clean, extremely diverse with many ethnicities, races, languages, it seems progressive and is proudly gay friendly, (2022 marks 50 years since the ban on homosexuality was lifted).

There is strong contrast of old and new architecture throughout the city center.

The city is green, beautiful parks everywhere. We strolled the Botanical Gardens.

The Scent Garden is arranged as an experience for all, but especially the blind, mentally handicapped and wheelchair-bound. 

All through the gardens, there are places for kids to play, to picnic, dogs are welcomed, there is a cafe, and it is all free.

This Victorian water lily was fascinating. This is all one giant plant with huge lily pads growing more than 10 feet in diameter.

The food diversity is amazing, dining options from all over the world. We chose Thai food, but didn’t know this until after we ordered. It was very good.

Then out for some night life and silliness. I prefer the picture that makes me look tall and skinny.

What a fun city!