Gene and Jan's Long Trip Too

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 statu...

We have a 3-day stopover in Bergen, Norway.  This is a scheduled layover for the Viking Sun to resupply and exchange passengers who only book a 15-day cruise segment.  Tropical storm Dorian has affected our weather for the past week.  As the storm travels north along the Gulf Stream, it will be dumping rain on us for the next three days.  Dodging rain showers all morning we visited the island villa of Norwegian Ole Bull, a 19th century violinist virtuoso and composer who traveled the world entertaining audiences.  A small ferry provided us with transportation to Lysoen Island. As it started to rain Jan grumbled, "The tour guide said it was only a short walk to the house. Are we there yet?"  Finally the villa comes into view.  Ole Bull designed the summer villa himself  under the supervision of renowned Norwegian architect  Conrad Fredrik von der Lippe.  The various elements of the house each represent an architectural style ...