I was on the fast train from Oslo airport to Oslo central station when my phone rang! The woman calling was letting me know that I didn’t need to worry, that my carry on bag would be on the next fast train! I hadn’t noticed that I had left it behind! And so, about 15 minutes later I had my bag back. I gushed my gratitude, she looked perplexed by that (well of course, if you leave your bag somewhere, whoever finds it will return it… wouldn’t they? Why the big thank you? Just a regular sized one is called for, surely) and she in turn thanked me for having an identity tag on my bag, making the returning easy.
This matter of fact adult thinking seems to be the culture here. No doubt with multiple exceptions, seemingly everyone looking out for each other and with low fuss. No jarring encounters. No need to ask for assistance, it happens as soon as a puzzled look appears, or a bracing of muscles to lift that suitcase commences - an offer to assist is right there. Generosity.
And the immediate willingness to participate in a bit of fun is also present in the culture! Rosemary will be here in Flåm in about a month and I have fellow conspirators poised to deliver a small gift to her. All that she has to do, is to go to the what3words location I sent to her, and look puzzled. 🤔
In addition to these delightful culture observations, I am loving the deliciously clean water and crisp clean air. Really noticeable! The utter beauty of the countryside and waterways. Just so powerful and pretty. The limited palette of colour enables me to see more of the subtleties in a scene. And Ed told me about the chocolate here. I had my first one yesterday and I reckon I’ll have another one today.
My journey from Oslo to Flåm was beautiful. Two trains, the second travelling steeply down from Myrdal to Flåm, not that I had a sense of that. Here are some photo highlights:
The amazing train that travels up and down the mountain
The view from my room and the local with possible Viking descendent
I am in a losing battle with formatting this blog. Enough! Bloody hell…that’ll do for today.
Got it, had to use a back arrow to find yr latest blog...will read now, photos look great xx Tyche
ReplyDeleteSo glad you found it Jan. thank you for the comments, always
Deleteit's snowing too. Amazing so far. Love the photos 🐝 Tyche
ReplyDeleteAww... you have a slippery dip outside your motel room. Gonna try it out? Huggi would 😄
ReplyDeleteI see what you mean about the colour palette. The idea of crisp clean air and pure water appeals. Love the people already. I have found this with my Scandinavian visitors in the shop as well Helen.
I’m besotted with this country and the people. So very glad to be here. And I just know the appreciation for Ferry’s of Broken Hill would be obvious!
DeleteYes, I wish all the children were here! Lol💗
DeleteWonderful reading your blog Helen& loving the pics.
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