The Streets of Bergen

Halloween has caught on in Norway - at least Halloween parties. We held one at the center.

 We were type-cast in our favorite role.

We had plenty of festive treats.

Everybody was there

Games included jump-rope. We got as many as 6 in at a time!

The M's taught everyone a line dance that was good fun and a good workout.

A couple days later we went into the old city to do some shopping. We were fascinated by the narrow old timey streets.

This is a main artery through one side of the city. Plenty of room for two way traffic.

If you don't live down on the old streets then you live on the mountain side.

 

The best way down when you are on foot is the switch back sidewalks

There are funky little shops on all of what look like side streets. You are liable to find just about any kind of goods or service on any street.

The Bergen Cathedral burned and was rebuilt several times until this 1700's model lasted.

Oooooo Blue Sky

Shops are on the ground floor with offices and apartments on the upper levels. 

Narrow

Old timey

As we crossed to the other side of town we got a great view of The Bryggen or old wharf area.

...and here is Rosenkantz Tower and Håkonshall

This other side of the city is a little more upscale and some of the streets were closed to cars.

Prams with full weather gear are a requirement here.

We wandered around the theater district for a while

and peeked back toward where we had parked the car. We were hungry

 but not for anything from a 7eleven

Right around the corner from the Henrik Ibsen statue was a Kabab shop - pronounced Kay-Bob



This is a wrap that contains lamb, veggies, rice and a tasty sauce for only 40 Kr ($7.50) We had them cut it in half and there was plenty for lunch1

Mmmmm Kabab!

Last of all we were brought up short on our way back to the car by a couple of monuments. First, this one is dedicated to all who tortured by the Gestapo during the occupation of Norway 1940 - 45.

The couplet at the top reads:

Such a hard time

Such an evil strife

This building is all that is left of an old cloister - built in about 1150 - and is now a memorial to those who died during the Second World War either in the initial battles, at the hands of the occupation army or in the death camps.

BTW - the Gypsy woman on the lower left is there every day begging. The rest of the family have spots in the downtown area - but it must be for their special fund. Nobody in Norway is not taken care of. Immigrants, unemployable, anyone gets money, housing and medical care.

The Monument