Aug 10 - Stavanger

Yesterday evening we set forth from Oslofjorden going back the way we came starting with a nifty maneuver of turning the boat around 180 degrees in a tiny space which was rather impressive. We go back across the Skagarrak, rounding the Southern peninsular of Norway and up to Stavanger, docking early morning. Bit rainy today as well but the forecast promises some sun in the afternoon.

We started with a drive up and down the hills checking out the high-priced real estate and ended in the city center where we ditched the bus and walked about a bit before crossing the street onto the ship. Stavanger is a small but pretty town with lots of rocks, hills, hiking areas, alpine centers and fit people. We went to the Utstein Abbey which had a very neat graveyard and kick-ass acoustics. I checked out a medieval Cathedral in the town center and then we sat at Dickens pub and drank a pint of the local brew. Some folks got some fish from the market across the street but since fish and beer isn't exactly my thing, I went for a walkabout instead and go on board.

High tea with Jean, a snooze in the sun on deck, bit of gym and then dressed for the evening. There was a play (The Importance of Being Earnest) with a very cute chap who's career I shall be following with extreme interest. Lions Pub this time with passion fruit martinis and short, fat, red, bald man playing Billy Joel on the piano. Had drunken giggles with Dr. Chopra and Sam at midnight, delivered potatoes to Uncle Hassan at 1 am, checked out the sad scene at the nightclub and crawled into bed at 2 am.

While we were living it up, the crew have been busy and have navigated us along the East coast of Norway, along Hjeltefjorden, through the narrows at Byfdn Bridge and entering Byfjorden into Bergen.

I'll also have you know that I have not turned on my phone once since landing at Heathrow and am not missing it one bit. Feeling rather pleased with myself for that.