We were allowed to stay in our apartment until 1pm yesterday which was great. So after our snow escapades we could go back, pack leisurely and of course, use the wifi to the max. We then walked a short way to town with luggage- a bit of a challenge over cobblestone.

We cought a  taxi from town centre to the Hurtigruten. Terminal and managed to check our luggage in quite quickly. Boaarding time was only after 4pm. So we had plenty time to wander around. We found a quaint looking eating hall. All wood and barn looking with long table benches, very dark and different.  I think it was called Nosteboden…but not sure. When we walked in I thought maybe it was one of those eating halls for a Nordic experience. We asked at the counter where we could go and get a coffee, and the host immediately said She had just brewed a fresh pot and we were welcome. Ps. I obviously got a coke zero!

We were directed to an open barn like room where there were a few other people, it seemed like it was a private meeting. Projector screens, laptop etc. we turned to leave and were told it was fine, stay. The decor was incredible. Low overhead beans, trophy antlers (not so pretty) and rhen an array of ancient farming implements. A great find. Anyhoo….next minute a guy comes uo and gaves each of us a piece of paper with a number. He advises it is for the raffle for a guitar. Whaaaaaat?

Then it starts, the presentation in Norwegian, about what appeared to be a history of music. It was a bit etheral, we couldnt understand a word except for song titles and the odd musicians name. We are too well brought up because we both clapped politely when the other 6 people in the room clapped and we laughed on cue. The next mnute a guy was setting up a sheet music stand in front of  us and it looked like we would be boxed in the long haul. I could feel those embarressing snickers and chortles building up and we both knew not to look at each other. I confess I may have snorted trying to keep the laughter in. Had to think fasr, luckily hostess left our room and went to the entrance. We grabbed our things and moved at the speed of lightening. She tried to convince us at stay as the speak is a very renowned Phd in music…..But if you cant follow a word its torturee. Murphy would ensure that I won the guitar and had to carry it all over Norway.

We giggled and guffawed all the way back to the terminal. Our boat arrived just after 3pm and we were allowed to board just after 4pm. By now we were starved, so just shared a small pizza. It seemed an intermnable wait for our cabins to be ready and we could go in at 6pm. We will take pics around rhe boat today although not much to see.

Dinner at 6.30 pm,  which was an outstanding buffet. We didnt each much because of the pizza. Tonight will be a different story. We had our on board lectur just after 9. A quicjk walk around the boat to familiarize ourselves. We sailed only after 10pm, so not much to see. I watched the lights from my window in my cabin.

The restaurant coffee music show shop

Cubby hole on suite

Cupboard and entrance

Bed and window

Sunrise on first sailing day

In the music presentation

My headboard inset

Our ship docking in Bergen

Home for 12 days

Coffee at Starbucks