Oslo in the Rain

Today, we had a very slow start. Breakfast was in the apartment sometime around noon and by the time we finally made it to Oslo Central Station, it was after three. It was beginning to get dark. We grabbed some lunch in the food court and bought a two day Oslo Pass.

This is from the food court looking up into the station.

Outside the station was a tiger (of course).

By now it was after four and all of the museums were closed. We settled for a tram ride to the Oslo Sculpture Park. It was huge and dark and wet and rainy, but we walked anyway. The ground was icy and we had to be very careful with our footing. Many dogs were nevertheless enjoying walking their owners. Every few minutes a bicycle buzzed past us. We later read that cyclists routinely switch to studded tires in the winter. Walkways went in every direction. I suppose the park must be a shortcut to everywhere.

Because it was dark and wet, we had a somewhat unique view of the many sculptures. Using a flash, it was possible to get clear pictures of the art, but little or no background showed.

Perhaps we should have been miserable, but we enjoyed our walk.

A bridge over a pond was lined with people playing.

In the centre of the park was a group of these (whatever they are). In the dark behind, several giants are holding up a large cauldron.

Back in the centre of the city we found a pedestrian shopping street which provided us with another lovely walk.

Nobody is dining here at the moment, but if they were they would have heaters over their heads, furry chairs to sit on, and blankets to throw over their knees. Civilized.

There are scores of these huge planters on the street full of plants that are growing in the winter (lichens, mosses, some greenery).

We walked through a nursery where you could buy these and other hardy plants. Christmas decorations for sale included absolutely gorgeous wreaths made with white moss.

Trolls are mythical forest creatures that apparently originated in Norway. (Who knew?)
I bought a little one to keep.

Without warning we came upon a Christmas Market. It was quite magical.

Only a few people are skating, but they are being watched by a pair of young statues.

Throughout the market area were several large tripods filled with warming fires. Each was surrounded by benches.

There were not many rides, but Deb decided that she absolutely had to ride on the Ferris wheel.

By the time we got to the top, it had started to rain harder. The camera had to be wrapped in a waterproof bag. (No pictures from aloft)

As you walk through the tunnel of lights, you can buy treats and gifts.

Before heading back home, Deb needed to visit a washroom, so we searched until we found the appropriate little oblong building. We could not find an entrance but did find a little coin box on the side. I did not have the necessary five kroner coin so I had to tap with my Visa. Magically, the end of the building became a door and slid open so that Deb could slide in.

On the side I noticed a sign in French that I could read. It said, "After each use, this facility cleans and disinfects itself." What a world we live in!

After Deb was finished I noticed that there was a bank of twelve free toilets right beside us. Back on the pedestrian street I noticed another public facility. It had an attendant and it cost twenty kroner.

Ours was not the cheapest, nor was it the most expensive, but it was the most entertaining. Me, I waited until we got back to our apartment.