Tromso, Norway

The big day had come. A trip which was two year in the planning, but today, Danik and Olga boarded the flight from London Gatwick to Tromso with Norway's no-frills airline, Norweign. A pleasant experience was had, despite the thirty minute delay at Gatiwck due to the early fog. Comfy seats, plenty of leg room, but nearly had a go at the child and parents sitting behind me, because the little girl like to play kickboxing with my chair.

A great landing was to be had, as we circle into the island of which Tromso is on from the south, and round the east coast, and onto the run way from the north. I manage to get great views of the island and of the town with the surrounding mountains from the plane while landing. Some mountains had some snow still laying on the peaks, but after leaving the aircraft, the temperature was quite mild, which really surprised me.

Around +21, with no wind, so no coat or jumper was needed. A long walk with all the luggage to our hotel near the airport, Scandic, checked in, then it was time to hit the local area.

A short bus ride later (52NOK for 2 people, around £4.90), into town via loads of housing estates, and we were at the harbour. As it was now late afternoon now, we only had a short time. (But I don't know why we rushed it, as it was the time of year where the sun never sets!, but we were tired from the early start today!). We walked along the harbour front, looking at all the small boats, then walked along the bridge back to the mainland where at the other end of the bridge is the famous Tromso catherdal, also known as the Arctic catherdal. Its amazing 11 arches pointing upwards towards the overlooking mountains, in its amazing whiteness, but as it was starting to rain we thought of going in, but they were charging 30NOK per person (£3), and I said no to that.

I will not pay to go into a church as it should be free as it is a place of worship. I don't mind donations, but getting money from tourists, tut tut! Selling on relgion! Anyway, we took a short walk round to the cable car (190NOK - £17 for two persons), and took a quick three minute trip to the top of the local 480m mountain (haven't got a clue what it was called!). Great views were to be had, especially with the sun not setting, and the reflection gave it some fantastic photograph's. There were too many pesty insects about as it was mild weather and it was really bugging me. They really seemed to like my hair which had loads of hair gel in. grrrrr.

Back from the cable car, and another long walk over the bridge pass the ripped-off catherdal, and we landed up in town where it was dinner time, but it was SOOOOOO expensive! All we had in the end was a Burger King and two meals cost around £15! Not good! But it was the cheapest meal in town! (I couldn't find the most northest McDonald's in the world (they was suppose to be one in according to a website!)

After that, we just head back to the hotel where I am writing this blog and uploading the first day's photos.

Now it is time to get a good rest before our SAS flight to Longyearbyen on the island of Svalbard (Spitsbergen) in the morning. :)

Night all.