A further glimpse at the lampposts and bus-stops of Oslo... … [Read more...]
Norwegian Labour Day
May 1, 2012 By 6 Comments
The run of public holidays at this time of year continued today with the traditional 1st May celebration - Labour Day. It also coincided with the first anniversary of my move to Oslo. My, how time flies! Today was widely predicted to be a "different" 1st May due to the ongoing terror trial, but the day was embraced and celebrated, no doubt helped by the glorious weather, a welcome change for me after an awful weekend of rain on a trip back to … [Read more...]
Oslo Goes Mobile!
April 22, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Last month Visit Oslo, the organisation charged with promoting the city to a worldwide audience, joined the iGeneration. A free app for iPhone, iPad and Android allows visitors to Oslo access to a wealth of information to aid their stay. Let's take a closer look... Welcome to iOslo My first impression of the iPad version is positive. It's bright, colourful and appears to be pretty user-friendly. Clear navigation is displayed down the left hand … [Read more...]
City Bikes in Oslo
April 12, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Not only has springtime brought better weather and the Norwegian Easter break, we've also seen the return of Oslo Bysykkel - the Oslo City Bike - after its winter holiday. The concept is far from unique in Europe(London's Boris Bikes spring instantly to mind) but the implementation in a compact city such as Oslo is spot on. Unlike pretty much everything else in Oslo, the city bike scheme is fantastic value for money. Let me say that again, … [Read more...]
My First Ice Hockey Experience
April 3, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Like in much of Europe, most Norwegian football teams are part of a wider sports club. The Vålerenga IF sports club consists primarily of football, handball and ice hockey, alongside other sports such as basketball and even American Football. Soon after my arrival in Oslo I was given the Vålerenga injection to ensure my blood ran blå og rødt! So, having already seen Vålerenga Fotball beat Viking 3-0, the time had come for my inauguration … [Read more...]
Goodbye Winter, Hello Spring!
March 18, 2012 By 5 Comments
I have a confession to make. I've not really enjoyed the winter. Before all the Norwegians start piling in, I'm well aware it's been the mildest winter for many a year. But that doesn't change the fact that for me, it's been the coldest, darkest, iciest winter I've experienced. The knowledge that next winter will surely be colder, darker, icier, does not put a smile on my face. It's not so much the cold that's bothered me (although if … [Read more...]
Markveien – The Best Street in Oslo
February 19, 2012 By 1 Comment
Today I want to tell you all about my favourite street in Oslo. It's not the grand Karl Johan, taking you from the Central Station all the way to the Royal Palace. Neither is it Aker Brygge, with its people watching qualities and Mövenpick ice cream stands. It's not even the main drag through Grønland, which hosts great value curry houses and some of Oslo's best bars such as Gloria Flames, Asylet and Dattera til Hagen. Nope, none of … [Read more...]
A Stroll Around Kampen, Oslo’s Wooden Village
February 8, 2012 By 1 Comment
Something I’ve done a lot of since arriving in Norway is walking. I love to explore Oslo's neighbourhoods and I've discovered some of my favourite cafes and other places of interest just by walking around and "getting lost". Eastern Oslo is known for its tower blocks, industry and not a lot else. But sited proudly on top of a hill, between the inner-city and outer suburbs is this charming colourful place called … [Read more...]
Coffee, Books & Holidays – The Chillout Travel Centre Oslo
January 12, 2012 By 3 Comments
There is a strong cafe culture in Oslo; Norway is after all a nation of coffee drinkers. Close by, I have my regular spots (T18 on Torggata), my coffee-geek spots (Tim Wendleboe in Grunerløkka), my indulgent spots (a little further out at the Oslo Chocolaterie) but my favourite spot of all is just over the river in Grunerløkka at the Chillout Travel Centre on Markveien. When my friend Charlotte visited back in the summer, she commented … [Read more...]
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