I have been very impressed with Norway and its people. Everyone here speaks English. Some speak English exceptionally well. Anyone you stop on the street will help you. Our guides have also been really interesting. Our guide on the trip up to the Russian border was a retired politician. He was very passionate about things. He talked a lot about World War II and the impact that the Nazis had on Norway. Norway was an occupied country. The Germans destroyed a lot of the country when they pulled out. A good part of the north of Norway has been rebuilt because of this. The woman who guided us through the Lofoten islands was also retired. She told us a lot about her family and we actually drove by the house in which she lives. In the north of Norway people do not use shades on the window in spite of it being cold and dark but they do put lights in the window.  90% of Norwegians own their own home. Many own a summer cabin somewhere in the mountains or fjords in order for them to be in natural surroundings. The third thing that Norwegians want to own is a boat. 

The last night in Oslo night, we went out to eat at an Asian fusion restaurant. It was excellent. I had three small plates, fried eggplant, calamari, and incredible mushrooms on top of puréed cauliflower. Unfortunately I forgot to take a picture of the last dish which was beautiful. After dinner I went out for a walk along the harbor and took some final pictures.

Our apartment building in Oslo.



The end of another incredible trip.



These two, Mazel and Tovah, have been staying really close to me ever since I’ve been home. This picture was taken while I am in bed composing this post.