Oslo Winter 2005
Returning to Oslo at the end of the year
It is my first return to Norway (the first of many, I hope), and it is easy to say that I have missed being here. The people and the city make me feel so welcome. I return at the best time of year; the days may not be long, but the snow and light is exquisite.
I took the opportunity to join my friends on some walks through the city. Too many, if I am honest. My knee had healed, and allowed me to go on holiday to the North, as well as several bike rides, and the odd caving trip back home. Within three days of city walks in Oslo, it was back to its damaged state, and annoyingly was hampering my enjoyment. My camera was happy though, so I was able to take many pictures to keep me company when I return home again.
A night in the life
It is late evening according to the sun, and just 15:00 according to the clock - the sun has just set.
An hour later, and night begins with a deep crimson silhouetting the buildings of Oslo.
Every plass has its trees covered with christmas lights.
Akershus fort, as seen across Oslofjorden.
Aker Brygge, one of the main restaurant and shopping areas, with the ugly town hall in the backround.
The lights on the bridge of Vigelands sculpture park.
The monolith at Vigelands park, taken with a long exposure shot. It was nearly 21:00 and we could hardly see the monolith ourselves from here - for once, the camera's eyes were better than mine.
The back of a very important building, looking towards Grünerløkka.
Another long exposure shot, looking down the river. This one took 4 seconds, so I apologise for the digital noise in the high quality wallpaper.
Snowfall. Unlike back home, this snow does not really melt - it remains as powder on the streets, and slowly builds up until spring.
The back garden of the hostel.
Another important picture; the balcony of a certain building - distinct.
The city after the snow.
In both directions ...
Opera party
The banquet hall in a secret location somewhere near Frognerseteren, just a bit down the sledge run, on the left - but still a secret, OK? The meal consisted mainly of caviar (salty balls that burst in your mouth in a most disturbing way), followed by chunks of Santa power, which had been frightened with a frying pan - tastes a little like a cross between steak and kidney. A delicacy here, but not something I wish to repeat
The competition, to see who could grow the best beard ... no, wait, that can't be right ... oh well, I can't remember.
Axel shows them how it should be done, with this natural number - honest.
Eira (mistress of the colours red and green), and Axel (master of second base).
PNG graphics.
As is traditional, everything needs candles. They are on the street to tell people there is a party, or a restaurant or bar is open. They are on every table, including those in the banquet hall.
The band was a little slim this year.
The people made the most of it though, and spent several hours making strange hand gestures towards the audience.
Sorry about the motion blur, but 2 seconds is a long time to keep still, and it's not like I would have brought a tripod to a party. I am not that obsessive :P - but I love the picture. Yeah, I am not much of a dancer, so I stood outside taking pictures, and discussing business plans with those who were still able to stand (yes, some people do not know how to relax ;)
It is late evening according to the sun, and just 15:00 according to the clock - the sun has just set.
An hour later, and night begins with a deep crimson silhouetting the buildings of Oslo.
Every plass has its trees covered with christmas lights.
Akershus fort, as seen across Oslofjorden.
Aker Brygge, one of the main restaurant and shopping areas, with the ugly town hall in the backround.
The lights on the bridge of Vigelands sculpture park.
The monolith at Vigelands park, taken with a long exposure shot. It was nearly 21:00 and we could hardly see the monolith ourselves from here - for once, the camera's eyes were better than mine.
The back of a very important building, looking towards Grünerløkka.
Another long exposure shot, looking down the river. This one took 4 seconds, so I apologise for the digital noise in the high quality wallpaper.
Snowfall. Unlike back home, this snow does not really melt - it remains as powder on the streets, and slowly builds up until spring.
The back garden of the hostel.
Another important picture; the balcony of a certain building - distinct.
The city after the snow.
In both directions ...
The banquet hall in a secret location somewhere near Frognerseteren, just a bit down the sledge run, on the left - but still a secret, OK? The meal consisted mainly of caviar (salty balls that burst in your mouth in a most disturbing way), followed by chunks of Santa power, which had been frightened with a frying pan - tastes a little like a cross between steak and kidney. A delicacy here, but not something I wish to repeat
The competition, to see who could grow the best beard ... no, wait, that can't be right ... oh well, I can't remember.
Axel shows them how it should be done, with this natural number - honest.
Eira (mistress of the colours red and green), and Axel (master of second base).
PNG graphics.
As is traditional, everything needs candles. They are on the street to tell people there is a party, or a restaurant or bar is open. They are on every table, including those in the banquet hall.
The band was a little slim this year.
The people made the most of it though, and spent several hours making strange hand gestures towards the audience.
Sorry about the motion blur, but 2 seconds is a long time to keep still, and it's not like I would have brought a tripod to a party. I am not that obsessive :P - but I love the picture. Yeah, I am not much of a dancer, so I stood outside taking pictures, and discussing business plans with those who were still able to stand (yes, some people do not know how to relax ;)