The Purple Penguin

So up earlier and had breakfast at the hotel before heading back to the room to pack. Breakfast was quite nice – lots of different things. Once packed we checked out and made reservations for dinner for new year’s eve. So at least we’ll get fed. Left the bags at the hotel and headed off to the aquarium (that site is in Norwegian!).

The aquarium was nice though a bit small. One of those older aquariums without the huge areas for the creatures. So the penguins, sea lions, harbor seals, and marmosets are all in small enclosures. But we saw the penguins get fed and spent a good 3 hours wandering around looking at what is in the waters around Norway – much like what we would see diving in the UK! Then we walked back into town, around the shops, and got a light lunch. As it was dry today (will wonders never cease) we did a lot of walking – coming back from the aquarium we walked along the ridge between two of the harbours (I would not live on those streets – they are a straight drop down to the water and in ice or snow would be a death trap! Not sure if Joe got photos – maybe when we get back.) We also walked around Bryggen again and Joe got more photos (as it wasn’t pouring it down with rain!)

Back to the hotel to get bags and walked to the ferry terminal, checked in, saw the safety video, and got on board. Luckily they put your bags in your room as we had a bit over an hour before we could go to the room. So we wandered around the ship seeing where everything is. Nice ship. I found the big comfortable chairs in the top deck lounge in the bow and settled in while Joe went and got photos. Dinner was buffet with a wide selection of Norwegian dishes. We have a intro talk at 9ish and departure champagne on the deck at 10 and we’re off at 10:30. First tour tomorrow morning at 11:45!

We should also have internet access – that was one of the first things Joe checked out and sorted. Of course.