So here I sit in the Åpen internet cafe only a few hours after having arrived in this lovely town by the sea known as Bergen.  I can only say that after reading so many nice things about this location on the globe, I can certainly understand why. 

The day started simply enough, after having spent a wonderful evening at the Hotel Dalen in Dalen which is about equidistant from Oslo and Bergen.  There were a scattering of guest in the breakfast hall.  I opted for the usual European breakfast of various meats, cheeses, breads and other breakfast items.  I was uncertain of the days drive so I tried to eat as much as possible without over doing it.  I said my farewells to the few folks I had had the opportunity to get to know and I was off for the route to Bergen.  I had a little idea as to how to get to Bergen simply by looking at the map - route 39. 

Sorry, your browser doesn't support Java(tm). As I drove the small two lane roads up and down the mountains, I could not help but to think of the previous evenings events.  I had been greeted at the hotel near 3 in the afternoon and surprisingly only had to mention my name.  Usually there is the whole passport and credit card routine regardless if the nights stay is comped as this one was.  Anyway, after taking a few panoramas for the hotel, I decided to walk to town.  As I was leaving the hotel, a gal wearing large sunglasses, jeans and a t-shirt came out of the hotel and began walking in the same direction.  I can only say she was a smart ass from the start.  But I say that ever so affectionately.  I came to learn that there would not be much to hold my interest in the town of Dalen itself as it is so very, very small.  She was quite animated about communicating this to me.  It turned out she is from Bulgaria and is on a two month contract to play the piano each night in the hotel.  We chatted for a bit and then off I went to confirm her representation about the size of Dalen.  She was right.  On my return, I saw her again only to walk with her to the lake.  I think she enjoyed my company as the majority of the guest are older and she doesn't talk with them very much. 

Dinner was served at 7 in the large dining room and the only regret I have of the evening was opting for a shrimp starter in lieu of that of a whale one.  I should of had the whale.  The evening ended near midnight as I sat on the porch of my room sipping some scotch and having a cigar.  I couldn't help but to chuckle to myself about earlier having sat in the parlor listening to Milena play the piano.  She was ever so stiff and just kept playing sheet of music after sheet of music.  What a contrast to the smart assed girl I had met earlier in the day.  I kept pimping her to play a song from her heart and not to read the music as she had been doing.  She finally did so choosing a song from Diana Krall, "Cry me a River".  Near midnight and after she had finished playing the piano, she came down to my porch and gave me her business card and to thank me for the two cds  of Jazz music  I had made for her earlier.  I also had made a cd for another hotel employee.  She was wearing blue jeans and a t-shirt and I couldn't help but to think she looked like Diana Krall.  She was beautiful and I told her as much.  Anyway, we visited for about 20 minutes and she was off to check her email and I to my bed. 

Sorry, your browser doesn't support Java(tm). The drive today was a disappointment if only in that I didn't see any of the scenery I had hoped to see in Norway.  Often times, the pics in the brochures and on the internet are so beautiful, but miles off the beaten track.  The most challenging part of the drive today was that of the tunnels, some taking 10 to 15 minutes to pass through.  Some were very dim inside and narrow as well.  Thank God only one or two vehicles passed me in them today.  When I arrived in Bergen at about 3, I was impressed immediately.  Unlike Olso, the city didn't intimidate me right away.  The highway sign for 39 was clearly marked, which is the highway leading to where I thought I'd be sleeping tonight at a campground.  I was lucky to find a parking spot near the water and put 20 Kroners in for 1 hours time.  The first stop was the tourist office just across the street.  It turned out to be the best decision during my stay here in Norway.  A young girl who spoke perfect English was challenged in that I told her I had one day to see Bergen and what would she suggest.  She asked some questions to find I would be driving in the direction of Stryn and Andalsnes (I hope the spelling is correct) and then she laid out what seems to be a perfect route through the Fjords.  I had intended on taking what seemed like a logical route, but after hearing her describe breathtaking Fjords and a glacier to boot, I began to get excited.  I have been feeling a little down lately and this and the town of Bergen were just what I needed to pick me up.  After thanking her, I put some more money in the meter and off I went for an hour or two of taking pictures.  It didn't take long to walk the major tourist areas. 

When finished with my brief self-guided tour, I then picked up my laptop from my car and headed to this internet cafe.  The town has quieted down considerably from when I started earlier today.  I think there is all of three people in here right now.  The owner of the cafe, a young guy, has given me unlimited free access to the net to upload my story in exchange for a panorama.   It is so convenient to be able to swap services, not to mention money saving.  I'm going to spend another hour or so here and then I am going to take a tram up to the top of  a nearby mountain where there is a state park.  The last tram is at midnight.  Once there, I am going to pitch my tent and sleep for the night.  I asked and it is alright as crazy as it sounds.  Norway allows camping anywhere that is public land.  I only hope it does not rain too hard as I will not be able to come back down until 7:30 in the morning.  I'll leave my car on the street as it will be fine until morning I was told.   That is all for now, so until my next update, take care!