TJ's Travels: A Change in Plans

After a day in Copenhagen, I set off the next morning in dumping rain toward Elsinore to continue my ride into Sweden and on to Stockholm. Ten miles into my ride, soaked completely through, shoes sloshing from the water that had collected inside, I had reached my conclusion: the cycle tour was over. I finished the next 20 miles, shivering and miserable till I got to Elsinore, then took a train straight back to Copenhagen.

It was a difficult decision to stop the cycling tour, but after 30 days and over 1,000 miles, I knew I had made the right choice. A flu and rain that seemed to follow me across Europe had dampened my spirits but ultimately, cycling all day, day after day, had lost its fun. It was incredible experience and I'm so glad I got to see Europe in that way but it's time to turn a new leaf! And after arriving in Norway, I was certain I had made the right choice!

Cycling, trains and flying is so passé when you can travel by boat so I booked an overnight cruise to Oslo, Norway to arrive in style.

Above, leaving Copenhagen. Europe is always such an interesting juxtaposition of old and new; a historic, island fortress in the foreground with electric windmills behind...

And below, entering Norway through the wide Oslo Fjord. There were islands of all sizes dotted with cabins, marinas, and homes... This one was particularly small...

More islands...

The view from the cruise ship's breakfast buffet...

Oslo has a distinctly modern feel compared to some of the other cities I have been in recently. This particular section of town has a cool skyline and is a newer neighborhood of posh bars, restaurants, offices and apartments out on a finger in the harbor.

One of Oslo's more famous attractions is the Vigelandsparken Scultpure Park, which is apparently the largest sculpture park in the world made by a single artist. Perhaps also the world's creepiest sculpture park...