For me, this was a great way to start the voyage. The ferry docked at about 10am and it stayed parked until just now. 8pm. So, I had all day to wander around Alesund, a town of about 50,000. It was 50degrees and the wind howled something fierce.
Wifi still sucks, but if I finish this quick enough, I can use the cellular signal. Found a use for a Google maps feature that I had never used. Wondering how I was going to find my way back to the ferry. Well, I just punched the PARKED button. And when I wanted to return all I had to do was ask for directions to where I parked.
Happy with the food today. Fine breakfast, coffee and pastry on my walkabout, really nice dinner with a woman from Switzerland. Note to self: do not order from the vegetarian page in the menu. Where we were seated , we could hear but not see the cooks. One unfortunate cook was berated with: Use your eyes! You have them for a reason.
On my walk, I discovered a big monkey puzzle pine. Who would have expected to find one in Norway. Apparently they were all the rage in Norway 150 years ago and about 20 years ago when the monkey puzzle pine became seriously endangered, Norway sprung into action collecting and saving seeds. Then again, the doomsday seed bank is in Norway. So, it makes sense.
Think it’s best to get this underway while there’s still signal.
Told my brother about your trip and he said you are inspiring. Norway looks great. I’m hoping you catch a lot of northern light action! We’ve booked a trip for October to Estonia, Lativia, Lithuania and Poland. Now we’re wondering if it will still be on. Here’s hoping Putin has chewed off more than he can handle, and the Ukraine will remain independent.