A Cherished Day

Tuesday, July 24:

            Tuesday morning we got up around 8, ate a hearty breakfast, and set out for many entertaining activities. We began our excursion at the city hall. This was a wonderful building with murals everywhere and paintings of the royal family inside. It is also the location where the Nobel Peace Prize is awarded. As I stood there I considered my own personal dream; I would love to be nominated or receive the honor of that very prize someday. 

Roses in memory of those who died in the Oslo shooting last year.

      

           We finished viewing city hall and went across the street to the Nobel Peace Prize center. This was one of my personal highly regarded sites. The exhibit presented and communicated facts about several men and women in history who have made an impact on their country and the world. There was also information about three women who were recently recipients of this esteemed decoration. Their stories of courage and strength motivated and inspired me. The pictures were very influential. It is true that a picture is worth a thousand words. 

             Next it was time for the Opera House. This structure is not only beautiful but sustainable as well! The architecture is surrounded by glass to save energy and much of the way the construction was designed is to adhere to nature. I was thrilled to see the backstage costumes and rehearsal rooms. It was also great to walk on the top of the building after the tour was over. It was a nice, sunny day that we all took pleasure in very much. 

            The Munch Museum was fourth on our list of tours. This museum held the very famous “Scream” painting and several other famous works by Edward Munch. I wish I would have researched or understood some of the motives behind his paintings better, because I was a little confused. His artwork consisted mostly of nude women and depressing portraits. I feel like this man was very sad and emotionally unstable during his lifetime. Nevertheless, some of his oil pieces were very attractive. My personal preference was “Into the Forest” where a man and a woman are holding each other very close as they walk into a dark forest. To me it seemed to symbolize a deep love for each other that would never depart even through hard times. 

            

 

            Vigiland Park was my most favorite place we visited during the day; it was an absolutely engrossing park that stretched for miles on end. Although my friend Chris and I walked around it for about an hour, we still did not even cover the whole place. There were 250+ statues of men and women in different positions throughout the walkway. Some were embracing; others were fighting. Some displayed emotions of happiness; others possessed ones of anger. They also demonstrated what it means to be human. I really enjoyed my time there observing the greenery, the flowers, the fountains, and the incredible art masterpieces. 

            The Ski Museum was last on our tour for the day. We rode a bus there and then got our exercise by hiking up the hill to the location. The walk there however was clearly worth it. We were able to go to the top of a ski lift and overlook the entire city of Oslo. I can only think of one other place in the world I have been to that is more exquisite than what we saw. It was absolutely breathtaking seeing the mountains and water and homes neatly aligned. I wish I could have stayed there for hours. When I finished admiring the view, I migrated down to the main part of the museum and delighted in learning about the ski industry and many of the famous Olympic skiers. 

            It was soon time to go, but another memorable occasion was in the making. Our group ventured to a Norwegian family’s home where we would be having dinner. Their daughter went to TCU and played tennis for our school a few years ago. They were so kind to invite us into their home, and they prepared the most extraordinary dinner for us; reindeer, potatoes, brussel sprouts, carrots, green beans, and peas! I am not normally a meat-eater, but I was amazed at the tenderness and how delicious this meat was! I do not know if I have ever eaten a meat so tasty. The dessert, a fruit tart and a Norwegian cinnamon roll, were terrific as well. We had such a fun time talking to the family and getting to know them better. It was so relaxing being at their house and having a home-cooked meal. We were truly appreciative.

            After dinner we headed back to the hotel on the tram and called it a night. It was a super busy day, but a gratifying one as well! I can definitely say this was one of my cherished days of the trip so far.