September 15 -Day 1 – Bergen

We actually slept normally and woke in the morning.  The extended day flying over mostly solved the jet lag.  We had breakfast at the hotel and then repacked our suitcases and rolled them over to the ship, about a half mile away.  

After checking the bags, going through metal detector (extra sensitive) and checking in with Viking, we set out for the Tourist Center and then set out for the Edvard Grieg museum.  It involved finding the light rail station based on a tourist map.  The map was as good as some they give in Kennebunkport and was absolutely no help.  After walking around in the rain for far too long, we took a coffee/tea break and discovered the wonders of Apple Maps.  Google said the nearest light rail station was 3 km away, while Apple correctly told us that it was a matter of 300 m and right around the corner.  We have put one of our phones on AT&T’s World Day Pass, which adds the internet and phone overseas for a flat fee.

So anyway, we got to the light rail, went to the Hop stop and followed signs to the museum, about a mile away.  We got there just after the free concert had started, but were able to get in after the first song.  The pianist played many Grieg pieces quite well.  After that we toured the house where he lived for many years.  He was born in Bergen, though he only wintered over once when this house was built.  He went to warmer climes to perform.  Interesting place.  

We then went back the way we had come, had a late lunch, did a little shopping, and walked back to the ship.  We had dinner at The Chef’s Table, which is a small place which has several interesting dinners during the cruise.  This featured reindeer consume, and lots of good stuff.