Archive for the ‘Family’ Category

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Sunny start to holiday

Thursday, July 24th, 2008

610We had always planned to take some time off to explore Norway towards the end of our stay here and, with practically no-one left in Oslo to work with, the end of July seemed like a good time to go. We had thought about getting the train across to Bergen but practicality prevailed and we decided to drive the hire car across. We still intended to make the most of scenery though by taking the R7 throught the Hardangervidda.

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Oslo in the rain

Sunday, July 20th, 2008

604Christine’s brother Ian, and his wife Sarah were our latest guests. They arrived on Thursday night on the late flight from Bristol. Fortunately they had a good day out at the beach in the sun on Friday (whilst yours truly was working) because come the weekend the weather wasn’t so kind. On Saturday it was just threatening and we managed a walk out to UllevÃ¥lsetter but the heavens really opened up on Sunday. Our Oslo itineries don’t cater for bad weather (unless you’re a fan of museums) so we just walked around the city centre sheltering from the showers when we could. This provided my first chance to take a good look at the new Opera House up close. It’s an impressive beast and I must try and get back there with the camera when the weather is better. Ian and Sarah timed their departure just right as we got soaked getting back to the car from seeing them off at the station. They took with them some of our belongings – a sign that it’s now less than a month to go before we return to the UK (and that we’ve accumulated a lot of stuff whilst we’ve been out here!)

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Emma on a bike

Monday, July 14th, 2008

598Emma finally made it out on her first bike ride this evening. One of our neighbours had generously lent us an old bike and child seat ages ago but it took a while to get a helmet for Emma and then to get the seat attached to the bike (the bike it came off having a larger seat post). To offset her blue for boys helmet (they were out of the pink and neutral helmets in her size) Emma was sporting tights and skirt. Surprisingly (given her usual dislike of hats) Emma seemed to accept the helmet without too much fuss.

We were only out about 15 minutes as the spring return is locked solid on the front gears and I wasn’t going to tackle any of the local climbs on our first outing. It was long enough for Christine to get the vacuuming done which Emma hates. Emma seemed happy enough on the back of the bike although it is difficult to tell when she is tucked right behind you. She was burbling away to herself for much of the time although seemed to go quiet when we sped up. Not sure whether that’s fear or enjoyment! I don’t think we’re going to be planning any long trips given the state of the bike but it’s nice to have something else to do with her in the evenings and to know that it’ll be worth us getting her a seat when we get back to the UK.

Lastly, I would like to point out that the honking great 4×4 in the back of the photo is not ours!

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Weekend in Oslo

Sunday, July 13th, 2008

595We’ve had a fairly quiet weekend at home in Oslo. Christine was sick on Thursday night (food poisoning we reckon although we’re not quite sure from what) and was still recovering. We just went in to town yesterday. We started out at the playground in Aker Brygge although Emma largely ignored this and just walked her buggy up and down instead. Next stop was the tourist information office in the hope that they would help us decide on the route for our summer trip to the west coast. Strangely enough, although very nice, they couldn’t really help in our general indecision between having a relaxing few weeks and cramming in the sights. We walked back home via Frognerparken as the sun was shining by this point.

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Emma’s first birthday

Tuesday, May 27th, 2008

541It seems like a lifetime ago that Emma was born. Well it was – her lifetime. But that lifetime only reached one year yesterday. With Christine’s parents here we were able to have a bit of birthday tea and, in keeping with Norwegian tradition, flew the Norwegian flag outside our apartment. I’m fairly sure Emma didn’t have a clue what was going on but she loved the attention.

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Cabin fever

Monday, May 26th, 2008

535Christine’s parents arrived at the end of the last week and this weekend we all decamped to a hytte that we hired on the coast not far from Fredrikstad. The accommodation was basic (no running water and a compost toilet) but still very comfortable. From what we could understand from the (Danish) owner in his broken English, it is probably hired out for less than a month each year and is used by himself for the rest of the time.

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Norwegian Constitution Day

Saturday, May 17th, 2008

532The 17th May is yet another public holiday in Norway although sadly, this year, a Saturday. This time it is the National Constitution Day, celebrating Norway’s declaration as an independent state in 1814 (although still under Swedish rule). The day is very much targeted at the young and as we ate our breakfast we could see the local children gathering at the school for the raising of the flag. Unfortunately, it was to prove to be the coldest National Day for fifty years and at this point was actually snowing!

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Ian and Sarah wed

Sunday, April 20th, 2008

523After much feverish preparation masterminded by the bride’s Mum the day of the big wedding finally dawned. The sky was overcast but the wind had turned as promised and there was no longer a danger of the marquee disappearing over the cliff! Ian had laid on a surf lesson in the morning and eight hardy souls appeared at the appointed time. I took Emma along to spectate whilst I took some photos. The waves at nearby Praa Sands were just right for beginners (or so I’m told) and a few managed to get vertical on their boards if only for a short time.
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