A Replacement for Facebook?

So I've recently signed up for Google+ I've used it once in about 10 days. I have just one "friend" who is actually a very close friend, who always shunned Facebook, but in his infinite wisdom decided that G+ was for him. Since he's one of my State-side friends who I really wan't to keep up with, I caved in and got myself an account. So, much like when I started twitter, I am giving G+ a month, and I'll decide whether I like it or not. So, in the interests of science, I need to use G+ on a regular basis - not that easy to do when you only have a single friend! So, if you're on G+ add me, and we'll see how it goes!

A recap of the last month, birthdays and holidays!

So, its been about 3-4 months since my last post, and as predicted I forgot I even had this little patch of Internet Real Estate. So Lewis' birthday was in May, we had a blast - went to go see Avenue Q, which I also so a few years ago on Broadway. It was as good as ever, even though the whole Gary Coleman thing didn't quite work any longer. John came for a flying visit in early June, all the way from Portland. It was lovely to see him and go to Alton Towers (first time since about 1990 for me).  Then it was time for my birthday!

Given recent events, I'm just not sure exactly how to convey how I feel about our trip to Oslo, how I feel about Norway and the Norwegian people. Prior to the events there last Friday, the general sentiment would have been "It was fantastic, had a lot of fun, would love to go back again sometime in the future". I don't particularly want to harp on about what happened Friday, but it would be an injustice to not bring it up.

It goes without saying that the horrific events that unfolded in Oslo and Utøya were barbaric and above all, tragic. The Norwegian people that we met during our trip were extremely friendly, lovely people. For such a tragedy to be unleashed upon them by one of their own is simply unthinkable. Their reaction to the revelation that the perpetrator was one of their own, has been exceptionally noble and admirable. Taking the moral high ground where most others would vow revenge and to hunt down and kill those responsible.

A few months ago, a friend of ours moved to Oslo, and in the short time that he has been there, he has become (in my mind) an honorary Norwegian. David is loving life there, and is extremely enthusiastic about everything Norway has to offer. David lives in the center of Oslo, about 1 block away from the hotel we stayed at (the Comfort Xpress). His account can be seen here: http://www.diaryofdavid.co.uk/ 
The bomb went off a block away from the hotel, according to David there is some damage to the building, most likely windows blown out.  I have to say that in light of all this, I now have a burning desire to return to Oslo as soon as I can, where as before it would have been a case of "well sometime soon". Its one of those cities that seems to have so much to offer, that you can't possibly explore everything in one visit. And thats just the city, not the rest of the country!

The red pin on the below photo is the location of our hotel. The purple pin, is where the bomb went off - a 2-3 minute walk away.

Anyway, on to happier times. I've said enough, its now time to let the pictures do the talking :-)

Transportation was provided by Brussels Airlines BHX-BRU-OSL, outstanding inflight service.

First things first, our host makes us a quintessentially Norwegian lunch!

Skolebrød!

Something I like to call "Crouching David, Puking Chicken"

The "Bridge of Fairytales"

A wonderful mural at The Tea Room

Oslofjord from the cloudline at Frognerseteren

David & I wandering in the forest in search of trolls!

The training ski-jump at 362ft/106 metres high

Holmenkollbakken at Holmenkollen. 134m high

Holmenkollbakken is at 1,000ft above sea level to begin with

Found a troll!

Vigelandsparken

Akker Brygge

Pipervika

A 360 degree view of Akker Brygge and Pipervika

Oslo Operahuset

Holmenkollen is visible center/left of the hill

Because every gay bar needs a gold furred moose

Lewis has made a friend

Vikingskipshuset - Also featured in the movie at Norway in Epcot!

Reindeer pølse!

I call it "Hurdygirdy Bee!"

Fram Museum

Akker Brygge

Akershus Fortress

Island hopping in Oslofjord, first stop: Gressholmen

The best non-West Country cider I've ever had!

Oslo

The sleepy island of Lindøya

The entrance of the Oslo Comfort Hotel Xpress

Nationalteatret

Nobel Peace Center!

Lunch at 'Alfred' at the Nobel Peace Center

And of course, we travel like the Royal Family. This is how Lewis gets to work!

I hope that you're still awake, and as always, I shall endeavour to post as regularly as I can :-)