Rome Highlights

The next three days were spent doing Rome which included eating, shopping for clothes, (unfortunately) and seeing the sights. We are big fans of the breakfast buffets in most European hotels. I was greeted in the morning by a barista asking cappucino? This was music to my ears.
We made it to the Trevi Fountain which was amazing, the Pantheon, the Time Elevator where we saw a 5D movie on the history of Rome, (very cool) the Coluseum and the Forum. We also walked to the Boghese Park and several fountains. Kent walked to the Vatican too.
We found clothes, etc at a mountain shop for Kent and me. I got some hiking capris and sandals. Kent found some shorts and a belt. At a department store KJ found summer things including pj's, a jumbo pack of undies, a skirt and a couple t-shirts. We did pick up a few other things at the Adidas Store close to our hotel. We decided to buy things that we'd wear again rather than just some cheapo stuff. Naturally our bags were delivered to the hotel on our third night. One of the hotel employees told us we had to be patient and that things are slow in Italy. I guess he was right. It was great having our things but boy, did I over pack! That is worthy of a blog entry of its own.
We really loved Rome but it is a place I'd like to visit again as we didn't get to everything.... but who does? July is hot and the city is packed with tourists. Seeing Rome with a nine year old warrants frequent gelato stops (not that I'm complaining)

Off To Roma...

Today is the start of our 3 week Italian adventure. Before I begin I must admit how fortunate Kent, KJ and I are to have this opportunity.
Off we went off to the National Theatre stop to catch the Flytoget (fast train) to the Guardemoen Airport. The flight was uneventful however our bags didn't make it. We weren't the only ones. By the looks of it, I'd say about 20 passengers were bagless. Big bummer as I assessed our wardrobes. We were going to be hot in Rome. Kent spent forever in line waiting to speak with the Air Italia agent. He finally left without a clue as to the whereabouts of our luggage. Fortunately, our driver was still waiting to take us to Hotel Forte. This was a worthwhile splurge after the luggage ordeal.
The hotel is located super close to the Spanish Steps which was appealing to me. I've been there before and loved hanging out and people watching. Emanuel, the consierge was welcoming and gave us a choice between two double rooms. We picked the one with two levels. KJ was all about having her own space. He also told us not to worry about our missing bags. Easy for him to say I thought.
We headed out to explore, perhaps buy some cooler clothes and eat. I'm trying not to freak out about the bags but it is super hot and I'm not used to the heat. Kent found an Adidas "climacool" shirt. It becomes part of his uniform for the next three weeks. We find a small cafe with some of the best pizza that has ever crossed our lips and the Italian beer is so refreshing. I forget how grumpy and hot I am. Geez, after all I am in ROME! We look around a bit more after dinner. We buy toothpaste, toothbrushes, a comb and brush.
Much later we head out for gelato and enjoy it walking around the Spanish Steps. What a beautiful evening! We decide to treat ourselves to gelato everyday while we are in Italy. What a goal?!?

American Independence in Norway?

Sunday June 29 was a celebration in Frogner Park. Each year a picnic is held in honor of America's Independence and we were able to partake. What a party! There was variety of food for the hungry: tacos, barbeque, fried chicken, chocolate chip cookies and brownies, and of course the usual Norwegian fare... hot dogs and waffles.

The kids enjoyed races and games and a watermelon eating contest.

The American Women's group had a book sale where we bought paper backs for 5 kroner. What a deal!

It was a lot of fun. A great way to spend our last day in Oslo!

Time For Closure

My blog has been neglected. Since we've been home I've been doing everything but writing about our grand adventure to Italy. I'm sure I must have some readers who are waiting in anticipation. I do have stories to tell so let us wait no more.

And The Fun Continues

With school out for the summer I wondered what would we do to keep ourselves busy our last week in Oslo. Well, its been no problem. Kayleigh had Anna and Elsa over for a sleepover one night. We also went to see a production of the Jungle Book at Frogner Park with Meagan and her kids. The play was in Norwegian (of course) and was not Disney like at all. We'll chalk it up as a cultural experience. We did get free bananas.
We had a barbecue with our new friends last night at Frogner Park. One of the things I've wanted to do. We had our one time use disposable grills which we really enjoy using. The weather wasn't very good but it didn't stop kids from rolling down the wet, grassy hill. Go KJ! We introduced The Aussies to smores and they really liked them. Chloe said she wants to have a smore party for her friends when she get home; very cute.
We only have 3 more days in Oslo before we leave for Italy. It's hard to believe!

Oslo Fun!

Monday Kayleigh and I met our new Aussie friends at the bus stop and headed to the Norske Folk Museum for a Mid Summer's Festival. It was pretty entertaining with lots of activities. The kids hit the arts and crafts table and made crowns. After, they spent a long time at the play scape. We watched and sampled a lefsa demonstration. (It was some of the best lefsa I've ever eaten.) They went on a carriage ride. The museum also had different musicians performing too. Many people were barbecuing.
Mid Summer's Eve is a fun time in Scandinavia. I don't know much about it but it is common for people to people to celebrate late into the night on their boats out on the Oslo Fjord. There are also lots of bonfires and picnics. Everyone is enjoying the longest day of the year. It doesn't get dark?!?

Club Penguin

Saturday night we had dinner with Alex, Zhen and Reyes. On the walk to Friday's KJ was busy telling Alex all about Club Penguin, a game she plays on the computer frequently. She loves it! Alex seemed very intrigued asking lots of question. It was quite cute I must say.... After our delicious meal of American fare, Kent suggested a tour of Club Penguin by KJ.
We are all wondering if Alex, Zhen or Reyes have themselves a penguin yet?