Bergen, Norway - Day 2 & 3

During our 3 days in Bergen rain has been the consistent element.  There was one brief period when we manage to walk into the historic Bryggen historic district and buy some warm, Norwegian-wool sweaters.  The rain started again and we hightailed it back to the ship!  Our stateroom veranda became the location of choice for shooting photos.  

Pictured above is Vågen Bay in the center of Bergen.   This ancient city, founded in 1079 by Vikings, is nestled between snow-capped mountains, magnificent fjords and one of Europe's largest glaciers.  At one time it was the capital of Norway.

Most buildings in Bergen are constructed of wood.  They are traditionally painted white, yellow or red.  During earlier times, iron rust was used as a pigment in the paint, hence red paint.  The yellow pigment was more expensive and the white pigment the most expensive.  Thus the color you painted your house reflected your economic status by how much you were willing to pay to paint your house.

These buildings on the waterfront were once warehouses.  Today they are expensive apartments. 

The Nykirken Church spire has been a landmark since 1764.  Its name Nykirken means "New Church" because it was the last church constructed in the downtown area.  Today it is known as the "Children's Cathedral" because its emphasis is on serving children and their families. 

At 10:30 PM, the tug BB Worker arrived to ease us out our dock and sent us to our way to the next destination, the Faroe Islands.

Once in open water, the tug returns to its base.   We are headed for a rough night on the North Atlantic.  Wind forecast is 25 to 30 knots with waves of 18 feet!  Tonight we will "rock and roll!"