Saturday, May 17...Syttende Mai
Today is Paul's birthday. When we planned this trip, Paul had a goal to spend his birthday in the motherland celebrating Syttende Mai, Norwegian Independence Day. Being of Norwegian heritage and born on Independence Day was a double celebration!! We learned when we got to Norway that it was their 200th year celebration, and celebration it was!!
History: In the period from April 10 to May 17, 1814, 112 men met at Eidsvold, north of Oslo to write and sign Norway's Constitution, a new nation was constituted. After more than 400 years in a union with Denmark (1380-1814) under Danish King, Denmark "Lost" Norway to Sweden as a result of the Napoleon Wars (Denmark had fought and lost with France and Sweden had fought and won with Great Britain).
The differences grew between Norway and Sweden and in 1905, Norway proclaimed independence from the Union and Sweden accepted this later the same year. Norway offered the throne to Danish Prince Carl. He accepted and took the Norwegian Kings name, Haakon VII. Enough history......
We checked into the Park Inn of Radisson late Friday night. We got up bright and early on Saturday and had a birthday breakfast with the birthday boy, our usual bread, cheese and meat breakfast, with fruit, and headed for Carl Johan Street for the children's parade. Paul got to the front of the line to march in with the Royals for his birthday!! He definitely had a bounce in his step, turning 54 years old on the 200th birthday of Norway!! Every Oslo school student marches in the Independence Parade down Carl Johan street to the Palace. Thousands and thousands of people!! LOTS OF NORWEGIAN FLAG WAIVING!! Everyone was dressed in traditional Norwegian clothes. The colors were spectacular and whether you were young or old, they all dressed in custom!! The type of dress is dictated by the region of Norway that you come from. Unbelievable sight!! And each outfit was more unbelievable than the next. And the women/girls were beautiful and the men/boys were model material. I was amazed how beautiful these people are!! And truly family oriented!! I must sway, all through Scandinavia, family is first in everything they do. I have never seen so many strollers and doting parents and grandparents in my life!!
Family is first, all businesses/shops close at 5:00 p.m., only eateries and hotels remain open. No businesses/shops are open for shopping on Sunday...truly a day of rest. I could very easily get use to this Scandinavian way of life.
We watched the parade, and the people, for three hours and walked the town, which was rock'n in celebration!! Fun to watch the young people Drew and Nate's age! Traditional outfits and having fun in the beer gardens!!
After 1:00 we walked to the ferry for an island trip to the Norwegian Folk Museum and Viking Ships. The boat and island were packed with Norwegian celebrants, but we didn't mind, they were fun to mix with!! I was so excited to show Drew and Nate the Stave Church at the folk museum, one of things I remembered when visiting Norway with my family. The Viking Ships were also very historical and had wonderful way to complete our afternoon!!
For Paul's birthday we ate at Hard Rock Cafe and everyone had a burger and a beer. The total bill was over $200 for 4 burgers, 3 beers and a shared dessert!! Happy Birthday Gab!! I must say, we have never had such an expensive trip!! Scandinavia is quite expensive. Everything is double in price!! Research indicates that in 2002, from 18-retirement, the average male in Norway made $70,000. Their cost of living is twice what it is in the US. Paul and I are going to have to get second jobs after this trip!! But well worth it!! As my brother Chris said, "just enjoy the time with Drew, sights are a bonus"!! Both have been outstanding!! We have really enjoyed Drew and his friend Nate. They are closing in on finishing their 100 days and will be home shortly!!
It was a wonderful day celebrating with Paul and Norway!! Thank you!!!
