Mid morning we crossed the Arctic Circle, which was celebrated by swallowing cod liver oil and receiving a commemorative spoon👹.
Last night was a bit rocky as we were on open sea instead of sailing through islands. I wasn't sure for awhile if I would stay in the bed, but I did. Tonight is supposed to be worse.
Pretty laid back day, so far. We had a lecture on Vikings from our tour leader, who by chance I haven't said anything about. She is Swedish and his employed for this purpose by Grand Circle and has lead tours in China and Ireland in addition to Norway. In addition to being a tour guide, she does research for a German firm half time. She has a PhD and specializes in medical ethics, specifically in regards to brain implants. Though she got off to a rocky start, perhaps due to her boss being along for the first part of tour, she seems to be better now that he's gone. Still not totally up to the quality we have come to expect from Grand Circle, but maybe we always had the best before.
Tonight is a Fairwell Dinner for the boat as appears many may be getting off tomorrow at Trondheim. We don't get off until Sunday in Bergen.
Not sure I can do the discussion of Vikings much good. Appears that some were very feared and others not. Leif Ericsson, in the early 1000's, may have touched the shores of Canada and Greenland.
Other Vikings would travel the rivers of Europe clear to Bagdad and places in between to trade for all sorts of stuff to include spices and slaves. Their boats were designed such, first with keels, that they could run up on shore and then be pushed off when time to sail. Sorry, but that's the best I can do.
For my car buddies, today in a small town of a few thousand, a Tesla appeared near the ship. Also saw a Full size Ford Van, a Jeep Grand Cherokee and a smaller Jeep make from states. The latter three aall diesel of course. Also saw a stack of tires with studs. Learned tonight from our tour guide that the Tesla is very popular here and owners receive special incentives and benefits.
Bronnoysund, the town we saw these cars in is considered geographically to be the center of Norway. If you took the upper half and added it to the south end , it would stretch to Rome.
The following pics are:
#1&2 The arctic circle crossing drink and marker.
#3 A sign in Norwegian warning drivers of children playing.
#4 You know who at playground/square
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