Welcome to Oslo

Dear friends,

The last part of our trip has arrived... Last but certainly not least we have visited Oslo. The capital and most populous city in Norway was established on 1 January 1838. It was founded around 1048, but the city was largely destroyed by a fire in 1624. Then it was rebuilt and named "Christiania". In 1925 the city reclaimed its original Norwegian name, Oslo.

Oslo is the cultural, scientific, economic and governmental centre of Norway. The city is also a hub of Norwegian trade, banking, industry and shipping. It is an important centre for maritime industries and maritime trade in Europe. The city is home to many companies within the maritime sector, some of which are amongst the world's largest shipping companies, shipbrokers and maritime insurance brokers.

Bygdøy

Oslo has a large number of parks and green areas within the city core, as well as outside it. We have visited one: Bygdøy. Bygdøy is a huge and green area, known also as "Museum Peninsula" of Oslo. The beautiful location, surrounded by the sea, makes it the most expensive Norwegian district. What a place to live, I was dreaming immediately.

Oslo Pas

Oslo has the world's most extensive metro, including the six-line Oslo Tramway and the eight-line Oslo Commuter Rail. The tramway operates within the areas close to the city center, while the metro, which runs underground through the city center, operates to suburbs further away. We found it was rather expensive to buy tickets for any kind of transport in Norway. Luckily we discovered tha "Oslo Pass". The Oslo Pass provides "free" travel on public transport ans "free" admission to museums and sights. With free I mean you have to pay a fixed price for it, afterwords you can use it as much as you like, for a limited time of course. (Source: http://www.visitoslo.com/en/?cat=49104&page=5)

We were looking forward to experience the Eurosongfestival here in Norway, but unfortunately  the Norwegian entry did not make it to the Eurovision Song Contest 2011. Stella Mwangi and her song "Haba haba" failed to reach the top ten in the First Semifinal in Düsseldorf on Tuesday. :( Too bad. But I must admit, I don't like the song either. (Want to listen to it? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0yoSRD83ks)

Stella Mwangi, the Norwegian entry for Eurosong

Within a few days we will be back in Belgium. It think it will be with mixed feelings, because I missed you all very much, but on the other hand I have had such a great time. I will never forget this trip and I recommend to everyone to do something like our trip likewise.

See you soon
xxxxxxx
Marlies

Ps: to mom & dad: I hope you are preparing a welcoming party? ;)