Two days in Trondheim...

Well we've spent 2 very full days in Trondheim another lovely Norweigian city. I couldn't update my blog yesterday as I had no more space for pics or anything at all. So a trip to the Eplehuset (Apple Store) helped me solve the problem so I am up and running. Our first day started with a walk up the street to Trondheim's most prominent traffic circle. In the middle of the circle rises the Trondheim Torg, a soaring granite column. At its top stands a statue of the world's most handsome Viking -- in this case, an idealized portrait of Olaf Tryggvason, founder (in A.D. 997) of Trondheim. Markings on the pavement track the seasonal direction of the sun.

We then walked along the Munkegate (the "Champs-Elysées of Trondheim"); it is quite wide for a street in the middle of the city and this was intentional as it was conceived as a firebreak during the rebuilding of Trondheim after a fire destroyed many of the city's wooden buildings in 1681. Then off to the Ravnkloa Fiskehaller - Trondheim's fish market

Beside the fish market on the pier is a contemporary-looking statue erected in 1990 by artist Nils Aas and dedicated to Den Siste Viking (The Last Viking). Its somber caricature was inspired by a novel (Den Siste Viking) by Johan Bøjer, a former resident of Trondheim who honored the brave and tough fishermen of Norway for their bravery and fortitude.

Another statue in the city dedicated to young love. There are a lot of statues in these Norweigian cities! There is also a very vibrant student life here in Trondheim as witnessed by their costumes going to Oktoberfest activities. As well from October 1 - 25 is a festival referred to as UKA meaning 'la semaine' (even though it lasts 25 days) full of folklore and music and stuff.

We then walked up to see a medieval church one of only 2 left in the city. Vår Frue Kirke (Our Lady's Church) was Built in 1150 and enlarged in 1686 and again in 1739. We walked in and were invited to join a group in their procession to the front of the church to light votive candles - a tradition that is performed daily when the church opens to the public. They recited a short prayer in Norsk then English. It was lovely and definitely the highlight of our time here. Following this an elderly man invited us for coffee at the back of the church with the group and he shared his story of coming to Norway in the 60's from Bulgaria and the problems he faced along the way. Thanks to the church for its refuge (it is open at night to house those in need) he is doing okay. His profession had been a jewellery maker and he brought out a few of his pieces. He was so kind, we had to purchase one of his pieces each. He also has a small table at the mall where we saw him again interacting with the public. His handshake was so gentle. I think we were meant to meet him on this trip.

Our walk brought us to the Bibliotek - municipal library - the facade of which is from the 1700's preserved in a now modern building.

Then off to the old warehouse area along the river. The colours are so cheerful. Most of the buildings are now used for offices or apartments.

Next on to the Gamle Bybro - the old town bridge which was originally built of wood in 1685 and then restored in 1861 - it is the most frequently photographed bridge in Trondheim. Locals refer to it as the "Bridge of Happiness" and claim that your dreams will come true if you wish for them fervently as you walk across it. We walked over the bridge twice in two days and do hope that everyone's dreams come true.

We crossed the bridge and walked uphill along the street identified as Sykkelheis - the municipal bicycle lift which is the civic government's contribution to fresh air and exercise. It is designed to assist bike riders to get up this steep hill. A kind of mechanized conveyor belt hauls bicycles and riders up this scenic path. There are so many hills here in Trondheim and in most of the fjord cities that they really need a few more of these. A very cool concept though and a conversation piece... Take a looK...

Up to the fortress for some awesome views...

Then to Nidaros Domkirke (Cathedral of Trondheim) which is described as the single most amazing, stunning, and majestic building in Norway. It is compared to the Notre Dame cathedral in Paris! Beside it is the archbishops palace.

Today we were off to the Ringve Museum on the outskirts of town by city bus - Norway's national museum for music and musical instruments with collections from all over the world. We were treated to a wonderful guided tour complete with mini recitals throughout the buildings which ended in the concert hall - a restored barn on the property. A lovely way to spend part of our 2nd day..

Refuelling..(octagonal shaped table..)

A walk through a quaint neighbourhood on the other side of the bridge of happiness!

Streetscapes and signs...

Back to Oslo tomorrow and Stockholm this weekend.