Off To The Volga

We understand that we may not be able to get on the net during our Volga River Trip. It5 may be a bit before we are in contact asgain.

Lost in Moscow

Red Square at night


Being lost in Moscow is like being lost in Oslo, except Moscow is a helluva lot bigger, there are a helluva lot more people and a helluva lot fewer of them speak English. Then there are the street signs written with cyrillic characters.

In Stockholmn, the complete remains of the great ship Vasa, whose career lasted for 6 hours in 1628. It tipped over and sank on its maiden voyage. Something may have been wrong.

For us, it's on to Moscow.

More of Stockholm

Never did find out what this building is, but it didn't know us either.

We found depictions of St. George to be abundant in Stockholm. Nobody told us how or why George and his favorite dragon made their way over from England, but who are we to argue with a fait accomplis.

Stockholm Arrival

Very different from Oslo!
It's a complicated city. We think we can master it in a week or so. We leave in three days.

Oslo, without getting lost.

Maritime museum


A castle unlike any we have seen in Sarasota.


We were typical tourists on our last day in Oslo. Visited a couple of museums and a castle, rode the trolley and a ferry and tried to look like true Norwegians. We are sure we convinced many of our obvious Scandinavian heritage. On to Stockholm by train tomorrow.

Lost in Oslo

Back in Oslo. One of the dog food manufacturers is obviously proclaiming the benefit of using its brand.
An advantage of getting lost is that it provides an opportunity to see parts of the city not ordinarily seen by mere tourists.

Coast of Norway6

Small islands in a lacy pattern along the west of Norway

Exploring Norway's Fjords

We were without Wi-Fi on the boat and so no blogs.

The fjords were beautiful as touted, but the surprise for us were the hundreds of waterfalls which are part of the whole scene.

The Big Boat

Starting a boat trip today. Only three days, but it should be interesting (we hope.) We would like to see a fjord or two if they are big enough. We are heading to the arctic circle and hope the woolies Marge packed will keep us somewhat warm, but our Florida blood may have other ideas.

A Day in Bergen

Bergen, Norway's second city is attractive, but wet. We were told the story of the visitor to Bergen who asked a child, "Does it rain every day in Bergen?" The lad replied, "I don't know because I have only been alive for eleven years."

On To Bergen

The best way for Floridians to see snow - from inside a warm train.

Around Oslo for a Day

A quick day in Oslo (we'll be back.) Marge liked the abstract art piece, but was not thrilled by the huge park full of nude statues. The tiny car with its unique parking position seemed like the answer to Sarasota's parking problems.

Copenhagen

Copenhagen welcomed us appropriately. The outdoor cafes had red blankets on the chairs so that Floridians could wrap themselves up to stay watm and the busses had pictures of a python wrapped aro9nd them We felt at home.

Ready to Go!

The luggage is packed and ready to go. Now, if we can also get ready to accompany the bags, all will be OK. That is still in some doubt.

Getting Ready for a cold time in 2009

Plans are afoot…

We are off to Cleveland for family and old friends visiting. Then, on August 18^th we fly to Copenhagen to start our tour of some Scandinavian countries and Russia. As before we will try to do a daily post on things we like along the way. We will appreciate any tips on what not to miss in this area of the world. Thanks in advance for any help you can give.

We are home. Thanks for traveling with us.

Love, Marge and Fred

Hong Kong - The End!

This is the end of the trip since we leave for the US tomorrow. It is also the end of the blog. Incidentally, we found Hong Kong a fitting climax since it was far more interesting and captivating than we had expected.

Proper attire in a Hindu temple

We went with a guide this morning and started by seeing a Balinese play that we didn’t understand even with a translation in English. Then we went to a factory for jewelry, which Marge understood all too well even without a translation. More sightseeing of beauty in the PM. Then on to our guide’s favorite temple for which we had to dress appropriately. When Fred saw how charming he looked in this outfit, (or so he thought,) it was difficult to restrain him from becoming a Hindu on the spot.

Beauty and the Beasts in Bali

In anyone jumped to a foolish rash conclusion, we hasten to point out that the beasts being talked about are those on the beautiful wood carving.