A Relaxing Day in Oslo

Our next day in Oslo started with Tim Wendelboe.  "Who is Tim?" you may ask yourself.  The answer we do not know (but probably should have found out).  In any case, Tim Wendelboe is the name of reportedly the best coffee shop in Oslo, so, naturally we had to check it out.  A ten or fifteen minute walk from our place, in the chic area of Grunerlokka, Timmy had all the right vibes you could want in a hipster coffee locale.

Golden portafilters adorned the walls, proclaiming top prizes in national (and perhaps international) barista competitions.  We were very ready to sample this critically acclaimed brew.  I'm not sure what my barista was going for in my macchiato, but I'm going to say it was a white dove to symbolize peace among people and nations.  The coffee itself was solid.  Not jumping jacks and cartwheels, but solid nonetheless.

We were on our way, caffeine charged and ready to check out more of Oslo.  This time we headed down to the harbor area, but on our way, walked by a Farmer's Market and couldn't resist these strawberries and blueberries.  Norwegian berries (for whatever reason) are truly remarkable, and we have definitely made a repeat visit to this vendor during our stay.

Not fully satisfied with his berries, Ivan bought a gelato from a reputable looking spot, and can be seen enjoying it here while flexing his abs.  It's like having dessert while working out at the same time.

The Nobel Prize is awarded in Stockholm, as stipulated by the Swedish born Alfred Nobel.  However, The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded at this location in Oslo.

Continuing down the way from the Nobel Peace Center, we passed numerous cool restaurants and cafes on the water.  Tempting as they appeared, we were more interested in checking out the end of the docks, where people laid out and sunbathed and dipped in the water.  At the far end, new buildings can be seen where brand new luxury condos with arguably the best views in the city can be purchased for around $1MM for a 2BR.  At only half the price of San Francisco, really quite a bargain!  Marveling at the beauty of the day, or perhaps on a sugar high from his gelato, Ivan was anxious to do a handstand in front of his favorite sculpture we have seen thus far.  And I caught it all on my iPhone 6.

A few hours down by the harbor, and even a dip in the water (not too bad at around 65 degrees), then it was back to the apartment to get ready for dinner and the evening ahead.