OSLO, NORWAY

The cities, the fjords, the flowers all get more and more beautiful. The air is filled with laughter and the food is fabulous and the street paving looks like a work of art. Norway is stunning! And Bruce managed to navigate the tram system and pedestrian walks with great skill and ease. The first two photos are at the final World Cruise dinner at a beautiful hall in Oslo (great chandeliers!). The third photo is of our ship next to the King's yacht, tied up next to a local private boat. It somehow bespeaks the very organized and safe atmosphere here - coupled with an informality that is very attractive. We spoke with a crew member of the King's company - just a neighborly chat over the deck - and he told us all about the ship and its crew and the cute dog aboard. NO GUNS! No Secret Service agents with wires sewed into their ears, no distance between the monarchy and the family of folks. And the people love their King. Absolutely.

Flowers bloom everywhere; every street is lined with pots. The Domkirke (Cathedral) is imposing, especially its royal box (the King is very respected). A statue of Fearless Girl faces the Parliament Building and exudes optimism and challenge and hope. This sculpture is the copy of the first Fearless Girl installed in 2017 at the NY Stock Exchange facing down the charging bull - and now has been slowly appearing in other places across the world. She's tough, this one! More sculpture fills the Vigeland Garden, a vast expanse of streams and decorated bridges and gorgeous lawns and truly amazing life-size bronzes of men and women, old and young, single and in family groups.

Back downtown, the Oslo City Hall is the site where the Nobel peace prize is awarded every December 10. Our hearts were moved as we walked there and recalled the dreams of those who would end the wars and rumors of Edward that threaten us and our children.

Finally, a little photo of the Silver Whisper choir singing at the Captain's farewell party last evening - Bill the one in the blue sweater, all belting out ABBA songs.