A Sunday Stroll in Oslo

Once upon a time I would have come off the plane and immediately gone for a long brisk walk.

By the time I’d got me and my 40kg of bike bag and backpack weighed down with more bike gear from the airport baggage return to train, and from central station to my nearby hotel (with detour because I didn’t understand what google maps was telling me) I was pooped! But after a few jobs and short snooze it was still only 11:30am so nothing for it but a walk! But very leisurely.

I’d been told that Oslo is pretty quiet on Sundays. Most shops aren’t open. But the promise of 20deg later in the day brought out the crowds. By 2:30 the drizzle had stopped and sun trying to poke through. By 4:30 it was quite hot in the sun. Why didn’t I bring my hat out? Lots of coffee and kerbside eating places. People on the streets and parks. Large tubs of summer flowers along Karl Johan Gate, all overlooked by the royal palace at the top of the hill.

Lots of usage of the electric hire scooters that I’d seen for the first time in Adelaide last week. Helmets not required here,

Interesting old cloisters behind the cathedral. Now used by a cafe.

Eventually I took to the trams and rode the 13 line from end to end. Heading west from the CBD is a neighbourhood of fine late 19th century dwellings, now many used for embassies. Further west the line climbs, turns off the roads onto what look like old railway tracks. More trees, narrow winding suburban roads.

In the other direction heading north of town almost immediately old-style 3 and 4 storey apartment blocks. Then as the land rises, newer apartment buildings.

No high rise in the centre of town. Redevelopment means refurbishment.

And finally a stroll along the Akerselva stream. Reminded me very much of Denver, Colorado.