August 2, 2023 - Wednesday - Bergen, Norway
We first visited Bergen in 2004. We set out to retrace our steps while Sean stayed onboard nursing a bad head cold. Shelly struck out on her own. We did succeed in doing what we did previously. We visited Bergen’s Castle. It was the first site along our way after exiting Pursuit. It is just as we remembered it. The pictures we took probably match those from 19 years ago.
We continued along the boardwalk and passed the historical warehouse buildings to our left. These are no longer used to store goods. Now they are shops for the sale of goods. On our right was the small boats dock. Here there were many luxurious yachts docked. Some beautiful sailboats melded in with the fuel-guzzling power yachts. Halfway along the boardwalk, we found a wooden shelter that we used in a rainstorm last time It remains in excellent condition.
At the end of the boardwalk was the fish market. This has changed over the years from the place where fishermen sold their catch to a series of walkup fish and chips and other seafood eateries. Gone are the fishmongers.
From the harbor, we walked to the cathedral. Our visit was short because our target now was the funicular and the ride up to the top of the mountain for the views. There was quite a line at the ticket booth, but it moved quickly. Each train could take 90 passengers. A large digital display showed the countdown as people had their tickets scanned and the turnstile opened. At the zero mark, it announced that boarding was closed. The scanner did not accept any more tickets.
The incline of the train is significant. Each car has multiple tiers for passengers. the loading area consists of stepped platforms to match the tiers. When the train arrives, the far side doors opener exit. Then they close and the boarding doors open. It all works very smoothly. The first thing we noticed was how streamlined the trains have become. These are really sleek compared to the trains we rode before. This was just the first of the changes we were about to experience.
After the quick ride to the top, we exited onto a multi-level viewing area. There are flat tiers connected by stairs. This allows viewing for a great many people with minimal obstructions. This replaced what was a sloping asphalt single-level area. We were impressed. But wait, there’s more. This new viewing area extended well around the side of the mountain. We were able to see not just down to the harbor, but also to the other mountains around the city.
Did I say there is more? Absolutely. There is now a network of trails away from the viewing area. There are children’s attractions as well as hiking trails. And there is a trail down to the harbor. We cannot get over how great this was. We had been tempted to forego this because we had done it before. What a bad move that would have been.
Shelly went looking for a pharmacy early this morning to get something to relieve Sean’s symptoms. When she finally found one she worked through a language barrier and purchased a nasal spray to relieve Sean’s symptoms. We were scheduled in Prime C, the premium restaurant specializing in steaks, this evening and Sean did not want to disappoint us. He stayed in all day. Shelly went out on her own. She took the funicular to the top. After enjoying the views and some upper trails she walked the return trail through the woods down to the harbor. She said it was peaceful and good for stress relief.
We all met for dinner. It was a kind gesture on Sean’s part because he had not gotten much relief with the spray. He was a trooper and we really appreciated the effort. He was not able to enjoy the food, but he was good company. The rest of us agreed that while the food was excellent, it was really too heavy and left us feeling uncomfortably full. Our preference is for Aqualina where the seafood and Italian fare is also very good. It is more satisfying for us. We were surprised at how few tables were occupied in Prime C. When we ate at Aqualina last week it was almost empty and we assumed Prime C was getting the business. Not the case.
Alice and I had been happy when we learned that Bergen had replaced another port because we thought it would be more enjoyable for Shelly and Sean. It was a shame Sean could not enjoy it. He says it is added to their “must return” list.
Throughout the day people stopped to ask where Sean was. He and Shelly have made a lot of friends. We tease them about being royalty with subjects. They have really taken to cruising. It is fun for us to see them enjoying it, and we get a kick out of being recognized as Sean’s parents.
Again the weather contributed to this spectacular day.
No comments:
Post a Comment