It’s been 10 years since I was last in Oslo. My last visit was in winter, for a two week stint on the Hurtigruten ship Nordkapp, traveling from Bergen to Kirkenes and back again. I barely recognise Oslo in summer without a coating of snow and slippery sidewalks.
Aker Brygge is much as a remember it, but instead of sliding around in snow, people are dancing in the square.
My urban disguise is working well as I wander around…I manage to shock a street vendor who tries to sell me a mobile phone plan and then realises that I’m not a local. Likewise for the group of girls looking a shopping centre. No idea girls, but Karl Johan street is that way…
I stop for a while to watch this street performer. His claim to fame is to get out a straight jacket and chains in less than 3 mins. I call that leaving work and going on holidays J. Something about his accent tells me he is either an Aussie or a Kiwi. Turns out he’s from….Canberra, but has been living in the UK for the last 10 years. He does manage to get out of his jacket and chains in the three minute period.
The days are longer than in Paris….dusk isn’t until 11pm, but Oslo is out and about around the harbour until well after nightfall.
