Fjording

We had a great day yesterday fjording. We got up early, had a great coldbord buffet breakfast (also hot food). We made sandwiches to take with us since we didn't know how our day would go and that was a good thing. First we took a 2hour train ride it Myrdal, which consists of a train station and a couple of houses, and the boarded the flambanna train which descends 864 meters to the aueland fjord.it is considered one of the world's most scenic train rides. It was funny thoug because there was a cruise ship full of people who came up from the fjord, doing a round trip. They all fgot off the train for a few minutes, so we got on. We took some window seats that looked unoccupied, but when they got back on, we were yelled at in Italian because obviously we had taken someone's seats. Too bad. They were not reserve! So anyway, we got to take some photos of some beautiful scenery as we descended, even though we were stared at the whole time. The village at the bottom is called FLam. Not much there except the pier, a train museum and some gift shops. We ate our sandwiches on a hike through the village,then boarded a water ferry back to Bergen. It was pretty scenic 5hr boat ride back. It is not just for tourists, but a means of transport for the people living along the fjord. I only mention the sandwiches that we made from the breakfast fare because we have discovered that food in Norway is outrageously expensive!!!! First night we had fish and chips and it was $60!! A bag of potato chips was$8, and a bottle of water was $5!! We've decided today is a big breakfast, which is included w our room, then do burger king. Save our meal money for another country. There's more than one incentive to loose weight. We were going to go to some museums today, but we found out that may 17is their independence day and everything is going to be closed, but there will be several parades and celebrations, so we will actually see the Norwegians being themselves. Should be interesting. Ps it is difficult to determine the price of things, the norwegian crown is about 6to1$ so everything looks really high priced and you have to divid by 6. Other than food, things don't seem too bad, but only if you want to starve! Haven't bought anything yet. Can't see wearing a sweater in Memphis this summer! Lori has a cold and Rick is going through technology withdrawal. Well, when they wake up we'll be off to the parades and fireworks. One more interesting sidelight. There was a northern Ireland accordion band on our flight from Amsterdam, first evening in Bergen, here they come marching down the street playing, get to flam,a few hours later here they come marching down. The pier! I think they are following us! Stalked by accordion playing Irishmen!(actually they are a pretty cool bunch) Now,off to the parades and $20burgers