Just one thing more before we move . . .

Stop me! I must be stopped. During my stint as the Assistant CLO (Community Liaison Officer), we sponsored a trip to Lee’s Antiques. It’s one of my favorite places from my first CLO sponsored trip there two years ago shortly after we arrived in Singapore. Mick finds it very disturbing that the owner, Laura, calls me by my first name. (Mick’s comment: And they have each others cell phone numbers on speed dial!)

The last time we were at the warehouse, Laura had a drum cum occasional table in her warehouse/showroom but it was already sold. Of course, she could get me one! We discussed color and painted decoration. I mentioned black and gold dragons but very muted and subtle – antiqued so to speak. So in goes the order . . . weeks pass and it wasn’t ready so I figured maybe it just wasn’t meant to be. Well, Laura called the other day to say my drum is here, actually she had a hard time reaching me because we were out of town. Along with Rachel, we headed over to the warehouse. I wasn’t sure they would interpret my idea to my liking, and I was prepared not to like it; an excuse so I could possibly purchase another rug! Well . . . it turned out very nice, though Laura didn’t have the glass top for it, not to worry . . . on the right is the painted design on the top of the drum – the Chinese character that means “double happiness”.

I mention our friend Rachel because although she has packed out and will be leaving in a week, she still could not resist “just one more thing”. She got a small drum (different shape), stand, and glass top for a steal – at the “a special customer is leaving” price. Laura also received a new shipment and we could not not poke around. I found my short-legged tea table. It’s 25″ square and sits 12 1/2″ high and solid wood.

But the best find was a lidded rectangular woven basket/chest. Laura had no idea how old it is, or much of the history about it but it was unique, old, and sported all of the original hardware. I had never come across something like this and it was in good condition – I had to have it. Mick was able to read the Chinese characters; vertically from right to left reads: “Huang Tian” and “Bao Ji” but all together it doesn’t make alot of sense. Mick thinks that from the meaning of Huang Tian, the name of a rebellious leader from the latter part of the Eastern Han Dynasty; and Bao: ensure/defend, Ji: records, the chest may have been used to hold his important documents. Makes for a good story, doesn’t it? I’m sticking to that.

Aren’t these the neatest locking pins. My next search is for an antique lock to put through the locking flap – I know just where to go in Chinatown too!

I’ll have a piece of glass made for the top and use this as a little side table. It’s so much fun when you’re not really looking and come upon something unique!

Sunrise, sun . . . what set?

I haven’t been on a long flight in such a while that I’ve forgotten what it’s like to have jet-lag after getting home. I’m not sure if it was just the long flight, or a combination of that and experiencing a week of looooong days. Sunrise was @3:45 am and the sun didn’t set til @10:30 pm. Talk about losing track of time!

Our directions to get to the hotel from the airport was to take the train, with our luggage (we’ll address this later) to the National Theatre stop. From there a short walk over to the Radisson; which at 21 stories is the tallest building in Oslo.

People coming and going in Oslo walk around dragging a wheeled carry-on bag. It’s not so easy to drag two suitcases, wheels or not! But the Radisson was only a short couple of blocks from the station. Taxis are available, but unlike Singapore where they are affordable, cabs in Oslo are outrageously expensive; shuttles are ok but a longer ride than the train. The pictures below are some of our first impressions of Oslo. On the left is a pretty “dandelion” water sculpture but off when we arrived. On the right is the view towards the Oslo Fjord from our hotel room. The tall buildings you see are the City Hall buildings at the water-front.

To stretch our legs and shake off the economy class seating, we dropped off our bags and headed out to explore. The Radisson is very well located for exploring the city. First stop, the Royal Palace in Slottsparkken, which is literally around the corner from the hotel. We didn’t go in, just walked to and through the grounds.

. . . then down to the water-front area and Aker Brygge, think Harbor Place. This is looking at Aker Brygge from Akershus, the castle and fortress opposite Aker Brygge. It’s summer time in Oslo and with the long days Norwegians take to the outdoors for eating and catching as much of the sun as possible. If the sun gets blanketed by a cloud and the temps dip a little, the outside cafe’s have overhead heaters (think Vancouver). Some cafes even provide sheepskin fleeces to sit on, and even a blanket for your lap if you’re from somewhere like Singapore where you actually find it chilly – refreshing, but I was about the only person in a turtleneck

We came upon a weekend festival with live music and food! I was drawn to the food; you’re not surprised. With only our airline breakfast under our belts I thought we’d try the cod cake sandwich and local beer. The guy is stirring up a pan of mussels; there is another pan filled with seafood, then the cod cakes on the griddle. They’re served on a bun with cole slaw – Delish!!! And of course we had to try a local beer. I was too busy eating to photograph it, but Mick took a shot of me noshing – too unflattering to show you!

Oslo is a city of sculptures. Everywhere you turn there is a sculpture, everywhere . . . full blown, bigger than life, abstract, life-like, busts, etc. Mick says he hopes to capture a picture of every sculpture in Oslo before we leave!!! Guess what he’s getting for his birthday – his very own camera.

On one of our outings we walked over to Akershus, the castle and fortress that guarded Oslo from outside threats when it was named the capital of Norway. It suffered from numerous fires and battles, and has gone under many renovations with parts of it destroyed to accommodate population growth. It’s a museum now, and also serves as a venue for concerts, and theatrical productions but remains as a military installation.

One of the highlights on the 4-hour bus tour I took (while Mick was at work) was going to Vigeland Park. It was the home and studio of Gustav Vigeland. The grounds are beautiful, with 212 granite, and bronze works. His most renowned piece is Sinataggen – Little Hot Head. It’s on the bridge where each of the bronze sculptures represent an emotion. I think this is popular because everyone has experienced or witnessed a bit of a melt-down at some time. Though none of the little munchkins out on their field trip was affected by the sculpture!

The highlight of the park is the 14m high Monolith, and the series of sculptures on the steps depicting human emotions and activities.

We went to see our apt and explored the neighborhood where we’ll be living. It’s very nice, a little over 2 miles outside of the city proper. A nice walk to and from the Embassy in the summer; and a quick ride on the Trikk (tram) in the winter. The tram station is about a 5 minute walk from the apt, and about 5 minutes from the stop in town to the Embassy. Watch for the new Oslo blog for all the details

I think Norway has a boat for everyone man, woman, and child! I may have to take up sailing . . .