It pays to get up early in the morning to begin your day! We had a lovely time overlooking the Oslo Fjord on the way to Akershus. There was a limited number of people, and the water in the marina was calm and peaceful. We enjoyed seeing the crocus, tulips, and other spring flowers sprouting up from the ground and blooming their vivid colors.
Yesterday, I could check off one of Oslo destinations, and today I could check off the other - the Resistance Museum at Akershus. I remember being there as a child with Rebecca and my parents, and was fascinated with it. Now as an adult, I have done much reading and research about the resistance and was anxious to return. The visit didn’t disappoint me in the least. In fact, it served to extend my knowledge. I thoroughly enjoyed my time and was able to see many of the artifacts I’ve read about, including the red hats, the hidden compartments (including the tip of a match and the inside of a pencil, and the resistance printed material.) I could go into GREAT detail of the resistance, what I know and what I learned there, but that would bore many people. For some reason, the castle was closed today, but we went into the building where the tourist information center and gift shop were, and went through a temporary exhibit about the film “Queen Margrete” with many examples of set costuming, props, and staging. Another movie to put on my Netflix list!
We then walked over to Aker Brugge to check off one item of Rebecca’s list - that of visiting the National Museum. In 2003, three museums consolidated into this one museum. It contains the most extensive collections of art, architecture, and design. A hint to those tour participants coming to Oslo. Plan ahead! Download the app on your phone or study the map on the website. There are three floors and many, MANY small rooms filled with artwork, paintings, sculptures, objects, etc.
We do have some warnings for those who wish to go to this museum during your free day in Oslo. First, only small bags (smaller than clipboard) are allowed in the museum proper. Backpaks and other large bags must be stored in lockers on Level -1. In addition to the lockers, the toilets are located on this level. There is a handicap bathroom on second floor. We only found stairs to go to Level -1, but there is an elevator (heis) to take you to Levels 2 and 3 if you don’t want to do the stairs.
Second, if you follow the directions to lock your bag(s), know that “the key” is a little button on the bottom right with a key icon on it.
Third, there’s a pamphlet that shows the room numbers to each part of the gallery. An example would be if you wish to see the paintings “Scream” by Munch, go to Rooms 59 and 60. A famous Monet painting is nearby.
Fourth, the main entrance is somewhat hidden. It’s actually behind the Peace Building. We didn’t realize that, and went into the building from a side entrance and walked through the building to get to the main entryway. But that was good, for when we left the building, there across the courtyard was a boller cafe.
Have you heard of a boller? It’s a sweet bun and found in many bakeries and cafes. This one had all sorts of choices…from the simple white boller…to a chocolate-covered with hazelnuts and chocolate filling…to a custard-filled one…there were endless possibilities! Of course, we each tried one, and have now checked that off our list.
Our evening was spent with our cousin and his family. It was a delightful way to spend an evening! Unfortunately the evening turned ugly after we returned to our hotel room. My computer crashed. Despite more that an hour on the phone with Apple Care, I have lost my ability to use my computer. Thankfully, Rebecca is allowing me to use hers. BUT things will be different. There may be less posts and Instagram Feeds. :( My computer is only three years old, and I am saddened to end the day in this way. This also reminds me that Internet may be spotty in our next locations.
Tomorrow we are off to Eggedal for several days.
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