Frye Boots and Arias

Stavenger, Norway

Known as the Oil Capital of Norway, Stavenger was founded in 1125 and sits on the southwest corner of the country. In the late 1900's off-shore oil drilling caused this city to boom and brought significant wealth to Norway. Once you get past the majestic oil museum and gift shops selling viking magnets, the city becomes a winding path of charming wooden buildings that date back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Some buildings have been reincarnated as Turkish coffee shops, some serve fish stew as you sit on the street, and some are salons. Inside the central part of town, you can find an H&M and a Best Western. The Stavenger Domkirke is the very old looking church and was built between 1100-1150. And finally - enjoy the scenery as we sailed away from Stavenger that evening.

Street Scenes from Bergen, Norway

What a beautiful city! One of the first things I saw when I left the ship was this "Knut Knutsen's ..... elektrisk arbeid" shop. There was also another "Knut .....somebody" shop on the main drag along the harbor - selling traditional Norwegian sweaters - they were spectacular and $300 a piece - !!!! - you can see them in the store window. So, Knutson family, I deduce that we are practically celebrities in the lovely city of Bergen. Here are a few pictures from the main part of town along the harbor.

Fish Market in Bergen, Norway

The fish market in Bergen is alongside the harbor and the fishermen, themselves, sell what they've just pulled in from their boats while still wearing their orange waders. Not only can you buy all the fish you want to take home, the fishermen have stovetops ready to cook up whatever you like and serve it with a slice of lemon, piece of bread, and a salad. Some of the fishermen are Norwegian, but they seem to come from all over Europe. The woman who sold me my meal was Portuguese and explained many come from her country to work in Norway because the wages are much better there. This makes perfect sense because my plate of fish was about $35. I saw everything from caviar to whale and notice the size of the king crab compared to the little girls near the tank. I don't know what kind of whale they sell, but I've posted a picture of it. It is the dark red meat that looks more like beef than fish - I'm sorry I can't tell you how it tastes.