Norway. days 1&2: Oslo.

Oslo, Norway. (This is going to be a long post with lots of pictures!  Disclaimer: I am still getting used to my camera; sorry to all of the photographers out there who are privy to viewing these pictures.)

Tuesday, May 21, 2013: Arrival.

When we arrived in Oslo, we went directly to the Vigelandsparken Sculpture Park.  All of the sculptures are by the same artist, Gustav Vigeland.

The sculptures were really magnificent; below are two of my favourites.

it's all so green!

After the sculpture park, we went back to the hotel to prepare for dinner... we ended up going to a Turkish restaurant that was incredible! I am becoming more and more excited for Turkey!

The next day was full of Museums!

Wednesday, May 22, 2013:

We started our day at the <Vikingskipshiset> the Viking Ship Museum.  There were two fully intact ships and many other artifacts from Viking life.  It was amazing to see the art and carvings of a society that so often is characterized by its violence.  Also, fun fact: the Vikings did not wear helmets with horns!

This is where I was taking pictures while I was creeping on a Spanish language tour... haha!

After the Viking museum, we made our way to and open air museum called the <Norsk Folkmuseum>.       It was filled with old buildings from all across Norway from many different time periods.  Below is an old church.  My favorite thing about this church- besides its structure- was its lighting.  Except for minute holes at the top of the building, there room was not lit when it was in use.  This design was purposeful so that when people entered the church, it would take time for their eyes to adjust and this was supposed to prepare them for worship.  I love this concept of intentionally established focus.

An authentic <kirke> or church

I found my [new] home in this museum... sorry y'all, not coming home ;)

My dream house.

typical Norway... can it get any more lovely?!

The Fram Museum- http://www.frammuseum.no/

This ship and the explorers/expeditions were great to learn about!  The Fram is a polar ship made famous in the late 19th and early 20th centuries for exploring both the North and South Poles,

After the Fram Museum, we crossed the street to the Kon Tiki exhibit.  It was awesome to see the actual rafts Thor Heyerdahl and his crew constructed to first cross the Pacific with Kon Tiki and then cross the Atlantic with Ra II.

Kon Tiki

Ra II

 In the evening, we set up in the Cathedral where we sang... it was stunning and the acoustics were incredible.

Tomorrow we're headed to Roros for a concert... I'll write more soon about our free day in Oslo!

Cheers!
Hannah