IN Travel : Oslo, Norway - PT1
United Airlines plane descends towards Gardermoen airport, located just outside of Oslo, Norway
DAY ZERO
Appreciation
Did you know that Scandinavian Airlines offers a direct flight from Newark Liberty International Airport to Oslo, Norway? My wife was well-informed and planned a summer escape for us. After being confined to home for an extended period, we embarked on a significant journey and chose the 8-hour flight to Oslo. We also used Airbnb to supplement our trip, so we made the most of our space. It is highly recommended if you are looking to travel and open your home while away.
This would prove to be an unforgettable travel experience. Upon arrival at Gardermoen, the main Airport serving the most populated city in Norway, we were eager to begin our adventure. The Airport is located in the outlying districts of Oslo, and it is a convenient one-hour ride from the city center. Our first impressions were the brimful woodland and carefully considered foliage from the moment of descent. The striking views of the runway and the harmony between human occupancy and the rugged earth encompassing Gardermoen held our gaze. Unaware that this would be the recurring arch, we marveled at the scenery from the terminal window upon exiting the lengthy flight. The crisp fresh air and the tidiness of the Airport only made us feel even more at ease. For a brief moment, we questioned whether our heightened appreciation for the clean simplicity of Oslo was simply due to being caught up inside for most of the last two years.
Full of thrill and travel exhaustion, getting through customs was a breeze: no hustle and bustle. No waiting around to gather our luggage. No pushing through crowds of people. No reading confusing signage to figure out our line too. Just a speedy, smooth transition to passport entry authorization. As we left Gardermoen airport to take an Uber / Taxi into the city center, we figured out that the Flytoget train was an express route into the city center, Oslo Sentralstasjon (Oslo S). We ditched our Uber plans and purchased tickets to take advantage of a pleasant twenty-minute scenic route and view of the countryside. Not realizing it was unnecessary to purchase the route from the Airport to the stop terminating at Drammen. Our ticket ran us a ticket for 256 NOK, which converted to about 24.42 USD at the time; we purchased two tickets and boarded the Flytoget.
The train ride was a meditative experience. We looked fixedly at the sprawl of farmland and industrial warehouses in the lush green open fields. As if two balloons slowly losing air, we slumped into our chairs, eagerly awaiting a brief moment of comfort as we settled into our seating. We were in awe of the polished, accommodating train interior: ample seating, free wifi, and plug sockets ensured that our phones were charged. As soon as we got off the train at Grünerljkka station, we took a picturesque walk to our Airbnb, which was just a few blocks away.
We Reached!
The Airbnb host provided us with a helpful city map, which was conveniently left on the living room table. Along with the map, the host included clear instructions on how to make the most of our stay in the space. We were greeted with a bowl of Norwegian hard candy upon arrival. It is widely known that I have a great fondness for confections, i guess you could say the host knew my heart.
The Airbnb
During our stay in the land of the midnight sun, Norway, we cozied up in a sick Airbnb with a view overlooking a park. The Airbnb had floor-to-ceiling French windows giving us a front-row seat to the green oasis of Kristparken, with its towering trees and calisthenic bars. This pad was a perfect balance of homely vibes and prime location, surrounded by historic buildings and cultural landmarks but far enough from the hustle and bustle to provide a peaceful escape. We were also blessed with a fully-stocked kitchen and a 50" HDTV with Netflix, so we cooked up some pizzas with a view and chilled out after a day of exploring the city. Our host was a legend, making check-in a breeze with a self-check-in option, and they were always just a text away if we needed anything.
In Oslo legitimate firewood for your apartment is a thing!
My wife and I learned that in Norway, heating with wood is still a common practice, despite the country's concern for air quality and climate change. It seems to be rooted in tradition and the need to keep warm in their extremely cold climate. In contrast, American cities like New York have banned the use of fireplaces and have even increased insurance premiums for those who use them. Norwegians only use wood heating as a last resort and have come to rely more on electric heat pumps..
The living room was home to a magnificent giant Monstera plant, leaving us in awe. My wife, an avid enthusiast of this type of plant, was particularly thrilled as we have a couple of our own. But, this particular one was truly exceptional, as we have never laid our eyes on such a massive Monstera indoors.
The incorporation of succulents, live and dried plants into the space was a delightful display of bringing the beauty of the outdoors inside.
The architecture in the heart of Oslo was nothing short of majestic, with its innovative design and historical significance adding to the city's allure. The blend of modern and traditional elements left us intrigued and inspired.
Hibiscus Tea | Overlooking Kristparken
During our five-day stay, we became captivated by a tiny caterpillar that we spotted on one of the plants near the window. Each day, we took time to observe the little creature and ensure it was thriving by checking on it while sipping our hibiscus tea. Although we yearned for a close-up shot of the caterpillar, its elusive nature made it difficult for us to pinpoint its location amongst the many plants in the room. Unfortunately, it seemed to have disappeared before we could capture a photo.
Oh Kristparken was a sleepy little paradise in the a.m. hours. It was more of a pit-stop for travelers just passing through. But hold on, folks! Come Friday and Saturday nights, this park transforms into a wild party central! Locals flock here to light up and drink the night away. And let me tell you, some nights my wife and I couldn't resist opening our window to eavesdrop on the hilarious conversations and drunken brawls happening below. It was comedy at it’s finest.
One of the highlights of our trip was experiencing the midnight sun, where the sun never fully sets above the Arctic circle, and the sky is always aglow. This was a truly magical and unforgettable moment. Our stay in Norway was filled with happiness, freedom, intrigue, inspiration, and curiosity. Everything was truly special, from the warm welcomes and smiling faces to the cozy atmosphere of our Airbnb. We highly recommend a trip to Norway to anyone looking for a unique and epic travel experience.
A stack of Interior Magazines in the kitchen
Meet Me At Jaurès print by Sofia Lind exclusively for The Poster Club feature in the kitchen off the AirBNB
VEGAN EATS
After dropping off our luggage at our Airbnb, we decided to find sustenance at a cute spot called EatHappy Vegan. Upon leaving EatHappy Vegan, we observed random people resting in local parks and napping in the grass, on benches, and even in their cars. After laughing at how relaxed people were, we discovered that taking a much-needed break in Norway is common.  A cultural difference that Americans could benefit from implementing.
After finding a small grocery store (Bunnpris Møllergata) to grab a few things for the night, we retired to our Airbnb. Though the travel was not too bad, taking a second to plan for our first full day was a good way to ease into our first full day in Oslo, Norway.
Day ONE
Art, Folklore, Fashion & Food.
After a restful night's sleep in Grünerløkka, we started our day with a delicious café latte made on our Airbnb's complimentary espresso machine. Fueled and ready for adventure, we set off to find the perfect breakfast spot.
The Double Duvet!
The concept of a two-duvet system may appear amusing to those familiar with the conventional single-duvet setup, like two plush caterpillars snuggling on a picnic blanket. But upon deeper reflection, the significance of this arrangement becomes apparent. Could it be possible? The conflict is resolved. A new era of peaceful slumber awaits.
The notion of sleeping beneath separate duvets was initially unfamiliar, almost absurd. Yet, as we awakened the following morning, rejuvenated and refreshed from what was arguably the finest sleep we had experienced in quite some time, the true test was evident. Of course, it could also be attributed to the lingering fatigue from our flight and train journey. Nevertheless, the power of separate duvets cannot be ignored here.
On our way out the door, my wife found a vegan café named Oslo Raw, and we took a speedy train journey to the picturesque Adamstuen neighborhood. At Oslo Raw, we savored the flavors of mouth-watering overnight oats, a coconut parfait garnished with seasonal jelly, blueberries, and coconut yogurt. I had a revitalizing cold-pressed orange juice, while my wife enjoyed a decadent Chaga Chocolate Latte. We planned the remainder of our day while observing train after train passing by.
Later, we wandered to the harbor promenade and Viewpoint Pier in Oslo, admiring the breathtaking scenery. We were told that the weather in Oslo, Norway was uncharacteristically lovely, and we were lucky enough to be there during the optimal week. Everything seemed to be idyllic and flawless.
National Museum of Art
Our journey to the Norweigan National Museum of Art was a happy accident, as we stumbled upon it while exploring the city of Oslo. Being unfamiliar with our surroundings, we were pleasantly surprised to come across it. The newly opened museum offered us a chance to immerse ourselves in the rich fine art of Norway.It really turned out to be one of the top highlights of our trip.
"East of the Sun and West of the Moon"
The "East of the Sun and West of the Moon" exhibition showcased 150-year-old illustrations by Erik Werenskiold and Theodor Kittelsen for Norwegian fairy tales collected and written by Asbjørnsen and Moe. The museum has close to 500 fairy tale drawings, a central part of Norway's cultural heritage. Rarely displayed due to sensitivity to light, the exhibit is designed for children and families to explore Askeladden, princesses, trolls, and magical creatures. The art of Theodor Kittelsen was a delightful experience for us. As we gazed at the captivating pieces, we learned that Norwegians hold a significant fondness for folklore and illustrations for children.
Norwegian fashion EXHIBIT
Overwhelmed is the word to describe the temporary exhibition for Norwegian fashion designers. It was an absolute feast for a fashion eye! But, let's be real here, the standout of the show was undoubtedly Peter Dundas and his incredible dress for Kim Kardashian West - it was nothing short of a work of art! Peter Dundas is a true maestro of fashion, and this dress is a testament to his boundless creativity and fearless use of bold prints, rich colors, and dazzling jewel accents. This is what you call haute couture at its absolute best!
And can you believe that Peter Dundas is actually a Norwegian designer? Mind blown! I've been a fan of his work for years, especially his collaborations with the likes of Ciara, Madonna, Beyoncé, and Rihanna. The exhibition also featured some incredible pieces from other talented designers like Per Spook, Edda Gimnes, and Ramona Salo, but for me, Peter Dundas stole the show.
I was first introduced to the incredible talent of Dundas when I laid eyes on Ciara's gorgeous gown at the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute Gala. The dress, a tribute to her husband and superstar NFL quarterback Russell Wilson, was a perfect example of Dundas' signature style - making a bold statement and leaving a lasting impression. In my view, Dundas creates designs that are very memorable.
‘Drawn night’
Nuit dessinee (Per Spook) 1990: Machine-woven silk fabric in twill weave with printed design, metal hook and eye, plastic and metal zipper, machine and hand stitching.
OTHER ART Works!
‘Portrait of a young man’ by Hans Johan Frederik Berg
We were fascinated by this masterpieces by Hans Johan Frederik Berg. Not widely known for his stunning portraits of individuals of African descent but for his romantic paintings of Norwegian landscapes. Similar to the style of artists such as J.M.W. Turner and Johan Christian Dahl, the work of Frederik Berg can be considered one of the first depictions of African people in Norwegian art. This artwork serves as a testament not only to the talent and skill of Hans Johan Frederik Berg, but also to the cultural openness of Norwegians in the 19th century. By depicting individuals of African descent in his portraits, Berg was breaking away from the dominant cultural norms and exploring new perspectives. It's hard to ignore the fact that this was a milestone in promoting cultural diversity and comprehension in Norway, and its impact is still felt in the art community to this day.
On the museum's top floor, we discovered a scenic rooftop deck where we could take in views of the entire Oslo waterfront from Frognerstranda to Grønlia. It was a warm summer day; we marveled at the stunning scenery, took photos, and watched people as they walked below.
Wavelengths Recomposed by Siri Aurdal on Roof Patio
As a politically active member of the artistic community during the 1960s and 70s, Siri Aurdal sought to challenge the conventional display of art by bringing it out of museums and into the everyday lives of people. This goal is evident in her wave sculptures, which were initially designed as climbing frames for school playgrounds. These sculptures serve as a physical connection between people and architecture, influencing movement and behavior within a space while encouraging new forms of social interaction. Aurdal's sculptures can be interpreted as an attempt to educate young people on the beauty of art and architecture and to challenge their perceptions of design and structure.
The artwork "Wavelengths Recomposed" exemplifies Aurdal's philosophy, as it not only invites imagination and play, but also interacts with the hard edges of the museum in a visually stunning manner. Although actual climbing on the sculpture is prohibited, the observation of its interaction with the surrounding environment is a testament to Aurdal's innovative approach to art and architecture.
As the day came to a close, we set off on our journey back home, eager to continue our adventure in taste. We stumbled upon a charming little eatery called Nordvegan Oslo and couldn't resist stopping for a bite. After a day of exploring the city's art museums, we were starving for something healthy and delicious. And Nordvegan delivered! This restaurant is all about sustainable living and serving mouthwatering vegan dishes, and the menu created by a Michelin-starred chef was the cherry on top.
We had a tough time deciding what to order because everything sounded good, but we eventually settled on the lasagne and a few sides. The lasagne was creamy and packed with veggies, and the side salads were the perfect addition. The meal was a little pricey, but it was worth every penny. We were transported back to one of our favorite restaurants in Boston, Life alive, and left happy and satisfied. The dining experience at Nordvegan was delightful and the perfect end to a wonderful first day! We walked home feeling cheerful and grateful for all our experiences on our first day.