Category: Travel

Kandy

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It’s been a relatively quiet day today so there’s not much to report!

We left the hotel this morning via a herb and spice garden. It was actually quite interesting; what the guide didn’t know about it all wasn’t worth knowing. Whack a bit of lime in everything if you want to get thin! The highlight however was Santa having his shirt removed and being rubbed all over by a hairy Sri Lankan.

We then headed for Kandy where we will be staying for the next two nights and we were taken to the Kandy Cultural Show. What can I say…. They tried hard and it was interesting to see their traditional dancing. However, the hall was like something you’d get in a high school and the one slightly chubbier dancer looked like he might have a heart attack at any minute. We then had fire eaters and walkers. I found it rather uncomfortable whilst he was licking his firey stick and making eyes at me 🤣 The whole thing was a rather ‘interesting’ experience!

Sigiriya

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This morning was another early one to get a head start up Sigiriya Rock. It was already 30 degrees when we arrived which meant I was one crispy ginger. The 1202 step climb to the top was a very very sweaty one; make sure you have good footwear as some of the steps are less than friendly. However the view at the top was spectacular. How they managed to build what they did up there I will never know! This is not one for those who aren’t good with heights as the last part of the climb is a sheer drop over the side of the rails (which could have easily happened seeing some of the people we had to brush past). Also be aware of the creepy men who will do anything to literally drag you to the top for a few cheeky Rupee in return. A polite shoo usually does the trick.

As our hotel has a variety of wildlife we decided to go on the hunt after our rocky climb. We were lucky enough to see kingfishers, lizards and fruit bats to name a few (but mostly because I have no clue what anything else was 🤣)

This afternoon we visited a traditional village in Sigiriya via bullock and cart and a Sri Lankan ‘catamaran’. Whilst enjoying a leisurely float we saw the rain coming in and mother nature let it all go again – poncho wanker round 2! We watched a local lady demonstrate their everyday chores, such as weaving palm leaves and de-husking rice paddy. She made us a delicious dish of sambal and roti bread followed by watermelon. It was such a great experience seeing how they go about their everyday life.

Getting back to the minibus was another experience; tuktuk monsoon style! Ours had the most impressive sound system so momma enjoyed a mini rave!

Dinner time = more curry and pudding from what can only be described as Willy Wonka’s cupboard!

Dambulla & Habarana

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We had an early start this morning as we had a lot of distance to cover. As we left Negombo we stopped at the dry fish market which was of course fabulously fragrant 🤢 but it was so interesting watching the locals at work.

Arriving in Dambulla meant one thing; cave temples. We had a very sweaty climb (in preparation for Sigiriya tomorrow) to the UN world heritage site and had our first introduction to Buddhist religion. The caves are beautifully painted and house over 150 statues. Don’t forget your socks if you ever visit here unless you have no feeling in your feet as the floor is incredibly hot! Also don’t forget to have shoulders and knees covered so whip out those patterned trousers!

Keep an eye out for all the local monkeys. One had it’s willy out and the other was breastfeeding!

We arrived in Habarana and had our first taste of monsoon. Practically swimming to the room was an absolute treat. Hopefully mother nature behaves and keeps away tomorrow so we can get up the rock dry (although I’m sure it will be moist from the shear volume of sweat)

We enjoyed another curry tonight although I accidently had an incredibly hot one… #ringsting

Santa is currently fast asleep in the lobby. Think he has had one too many beers!!

 

Day 10 – Brønnøysund & Day 11 – Kristiansund

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So I completely forgot to do this yesterday!

Day 10 – We crossed the Arctic Circle again this morning and ‘celebrated’ with a spoon of cod live oil. It was absolutely horrendous and I could taste it all day. I even struggled to eat my tea because I felt to ill. Never again; I’d rather the cold water ceremony over that!! We did get a lovely souvenir spoon; anything for a freebie!

This afternoon we stopped off in Brønnøysund; known as the coastal charm in the middle of Norway. As it was Sunday (and everything closes on a Sunday) it was very quiet but the blue skies and still waters gave us some beautiful reflection photos.

Later that afternoon we sailed past the Torghatten mountain, or the mountain with the hole in the middle! It measures 160 metres (520 ft) long, 35 metres (115 ft) high, and 20 metres (66 ft) wide and was created during the ice ages. It’s pretty amazing when you get lined up properly and see daylight shining through. Luckily we were here during sunset so were treated to some some beautiful pink sky.

Dinner was a celebration of 125 years of Hurtigruten. Unfortunately I think my potato had been fried in cod liver oil and it took everything I had to not vom all over the dinner table 🤢

Day 11 – Our last full day on board. Today has been spent mostly travelling but we were able to have an hour in Trondheim again this morning. I really loved it last time so it was nice to visit again, with a little bit less snow this time. It was also nice to see the hustle and bustle as last time we were here it was a Sunday.

This afternoon we sailed into Kristiansund, also known as ‘the colourful city’. We weren’t able to get off here which is a shame because it looked really pretty. Lots of old and new buildings lined the harbour with plenty of sea birds about.

We’ve managed to get a few games of Scrabble in today. We’ve quite enjoyed our daily ritual of letters, coffee and watching the world go by.

 

Day 9 – Stokmarknes

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This morning we got up early to have a quick look at Harstad from the ship; it looks a beautiful place so gutted we couldn’t get off. Only there enough time to collect the fishy treats for the evening meals 🐠

This afternoon we were treated to gorgeous blue skies and sunshine again, I even had to wear the Oakleys! We stopped at Stokmarknes; the birthplace of Hurtigruten and where you’re able to see the old ship MS Finnmarken. It was a lovely little town full of the traditional red Norwegian buildings.

Later we sailed past the Trollfjord. The last time we were here we were watching Aurora dancing over the mountains so it was lovely to see it in the day as well. It’s a beautiful but narrow stretch of water below jagged peaks and mountain walls. We were lucky enough to be here during sunset this time; so Trollfjord is now always going to be a special place for me.

This evening more memories were made as we saddled up and rode Icelandic horses across a moonlit beach underneath the twinkling stars and Aurora. What an incredible experience it was and one I will never forget.

Aurora has been very well behaved again tonight making it the third time we’ve seen her on the trip.

Day 8 – Hammerfest

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We’ve reached the world’s northernmost town! A town completely destroyed in WW2 with the graveyard chapel the only building left standing. We opted for a bus tour to enable us to see as much of the town as possible. We were taken up high for the best views of the town which is blanketed with snow (much like back at home!) Back on lower ground and we were taken to the ‘Struve Geodetic Arc’, a UNESCO World Heritage Site for astronomer Friedrich Georg Wilhelm Struve who determined the arc of the global meridian (all very sciencey!)

Other than that today has mostly been about sailing (and playing Scrabble) but we have stopped by some pretty fishing villages to pick up the fishy treats.

To brighten up our evening, we’ve just had a visit from two Norwegians to fix our rather stiff door 😉

 

Day 7 – Kirkenes

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Today we came within sniffing distance of Russia with a visit to the border and a World War II bomb shelter. Kirkenes is steeped in history with only 13 of its houses surviving the war.

Whilst at the border we came across the most fabulous dog; an Alaskan Malamute. He was gorgeous and I think we were all more interested in him than the border itself!

We also stopped off in Vardø in the extreme northeastern part of Norway. As with everything in this part of Norway, everything is the northernmost, so today it was the northernmost ‘star fort’ in the world, although I’m not sure if there are many others to compete with?? This photo was taken in the ‘blue hour’ which is literally what it says on the tin.

It’s been another very rough day on the ship and the travel sickness tablets have certainly come in handy. So much so that our whole room is currently vibrating and incredibly noisy.

Day 6 – Honningsvåg

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Even though it was actually warmer here than back at home (we managed the reach 2 degrees!) the wind and the rain made sure it was one miserable day. This unfortunately meant out trip to the North Cape was cancelled 😥 on a positive note, this means we are going to have to return! Probably for the midnight sun next time.

Crampons were needed for this town as it was icy, however mine will only fit over my trainers which meant I spent half the time with freezing cold water sloshing around in my shoes.

As with most things in the north of Norway, they claim to be the northernmost; so we decided to pay a visit to the northernmost bakery in Europe. We had a lovely little pastry with creme pat and berries.

We got back on Richard quite early as we were cold, wet and tired (poor sleep last night due to the rough waters) so carried on our match of scrabble. Fortunately I won all three games!

Were both struggling with sickness tonight as it’s particularly rough. It was also a challenge at dinner because it was a fish buffet 🤢 but I soon sniffed out the cheese and meat section.

Here’s hoping for better weather and a better night sleep!

Day 5 – Tromsø

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We arrived into Tromsø in the early afternoon so had the whole morning to potter around the ship. As much as I was desperate for a lie in after the 2am bedtime, I was still up at 8:30 😣

There was beautiful scenery this morning so spent a fair bit of time out on deck. The sun was shining, the sky was blue and the air was crisp. We even had time for a game of Scrabble whilst watching the world go by.

Tromsø is unfortunately another city that is undergoing transformation and therefore has lots of diggers, cranes and rubble about. We headed for the Fjellheisen cable car to get the best view of the city. The advice was to take the bus so obviously we decided to walk. I cannot describe the cold and the wind to you whilst walking over the bridge; it was beyond anything I have ever felt. The top of the mountain however was a light breeze so we were able to enjoy the views without being at risk of hypothermia. It was incredible and something I would 100% recommend if ever you come here. We even saw an Eagle in flight! The Arctic Cathedral is also very striking as the sun is going down.

It’s very cloudy tonight so I’m not holding out much help for another Aurora display like last night, but just in case the Nikon is all set up and ready to go.

Day 4 – Bodø

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I’ll keep this short and sweet, like me 😉It’s 02:00 and I’ve been outside over 2 hours watching the greatest light show on Earth. I feel incredibly lucky.

This morning we crossed the Arctic Circle and we decided to join in with the ceremony to mark the occasion. This involves sitting patiently in front of everyone waiting for the captain or the troll to ladle freezing cold water and ice down your back!

In the afternoon we visited Saltsraumen; one of the strongest tidal currents in the world. Unfortunately this was an incredibly rushed experience, but one I won’t forget!

After an incredible sunset and tasty beefy dinner we enjoyed a hot Norwegian drink (no idea what it was but it was definitely alcoholic) and fresh fish cakes (and I must say it was delicious) out on deck. And this is when the show began!

I’m off to sleep now after the most fabulous day. Luckily I can have a lie in as we don’t arrive in Tromsø until 15:00