Norway Journal: Stavanger

The last stop in Norway was the hip town of Stavanger. We pulled into the port early in the morning and the clouded, grey sky let the sun peak through in tiny outlets, looking like fire was behind the clouds. There was a chance of rain that day, and the wind picked up. It was amazing that we did not get any rain on any day so far, when Norway is known for a lot of rain.

We breakfasted as usual on the back deck outside, overlooking Old Town. Just off the ship, we were on the edge of Old Town, which is a collection of 200 homes in the classic Norwegian style of white, and red roofs. Old Town rose up the hill, and was like entering a picture book of the quaintest little village, houses all white, painted brightly, coloured doors, and classic red roofs. Flower pots were robust with roses, hydrangea, and all kinds of lovely blooms. Each window had pots of flowers, too.

After a good wander, we headed to the centre of town and the kirke, the Stavanger Cathedral. We toured and sat for a bit. It was a lovely church, and the pamphlet provided a good history that put meaning to the building and many objects of the church. Leaves were falling, and changing colours as autumn was on the doorstep. We were there at the cusp of a new season. 

We did a bit of shopping in Stavanger, as we had more cash than we needed, so I might have ended up with a few books and a few cute home items from Søstrene Grene. We lunched at a coffee shop, Coffeeberry, where I got a salad, soup, and cappuccino. It was a sleek, local coffee shop, with classic Scandinavian design and furniture. I loved it there and the people were so friendly. It was exactly what I love about finding local coffee shops - filled with locals all speaking in Norwegian. 

Stavanger is well-known for its street art and the petroleum museum. Much of Norway's wealth comes from the oil industry. We passed countless (almost a hundred?) oil rigs on the North Sea. We didn't make it over to the main neighbourhood with street art (though I did catch a few clever little pieces of street art), nor did we make it to the petroleum museum. There just wasn't enough time to do it all while we were in port. I'll just have to go back. I felt that I needed more time in every place that we visited. 

Later I was sitting out on our balcony on the ship before we left port with a bath robe on, as it was a chilly 59 degrees, and then the rain started. The first Norwegian rain of the whole trip. I was so grateful to sit there as the gentle rain fell. I was filled with thanks for the ability to see Norway and the beauties it holds.