Norway 2 Trondheim

Our cabin is working out well.  We are not disturbed by the night-time stops and starts (thank goodness) and thus slept well. 

Trondheim did not show its best side to us.  Mostly it was our fault for not being absolutely clear with each other as to where we wanted to go and therefore we ended up nowhere we wanted to be.  We did, however, get a good walk with a nice view of the city from above.  We saw that there has always been significant money here as there were neighbourhoods of large stately homes.  Boarding schools must have been (maybe still are) the norm for the well-to-do and we walked past a number of them on the hill.  The waterfront is a busy place and there is an extensive train network hub on the harbour as well.  We will be stopping in Trondheim again on the way back south, so I hope we will make a better plan for that visit.

The lectures on board have been varied and appropriate.  Today we had a talk about Vikings from our cruise director who spent 25 years as a 'Viking' with his own viking ship which was featured in a number of documentaries.  It is always fascinating to hear about history and another culture from a totally different perspective than the Canadian one. 

Each evening there is a discussion of the next day's destinations and highlights.  Even just cruising, there are noteworthy sights like the lighthouse today.  This octagonal structure is 20 metres high and sits on a rock which is under water for part of each day.  It is automated now, but was formerly the residence of a lighthouse keeper and his family including 3 children and their tutor.  On stormy days, the kids were tied with a rope when they ventured outside so as not to be swept away.  Can't imagine living like that.

Most times we cruise between the outer islands and the mainland for protection.  However, at some points each day we must venture out to the open sea.  These open sea times are noted on our daily program sheets so anyone with mal de mer can take appropriate action.  I have only seen one poor soul wretching over the railing.  We have been shown how to 'waddle' to maintain stability when the boat sways.  It is a strange feeling to have the ground sway under foot, but I am getting the hang of it.