Following the news from overseas, it seems more like entertainment than ever. A journalist is caught intensifying the smoke in a photo ornamenting his covering of a Holy Land bombing. It seems CNN reporters are getting progressively sexier–blondes filling their flack jackets, husky voices under desert-colored helmets, bringing home the heroics and the carnage. Today, all day, is coverage of an event that didn’t happen–a horrific, multi-plane cataclysm with the marks of al Qaeda all over it. Thousands of flights cancelled. You can take only wallets onto the plane. No liquids! A reporter with an exotic Man-From-Uncle-type name is at Heathrow wringing as much “frustration and despair” as possible out of people delayed at the airport who seem to be taking the delays in stride. Already I’ve had several requests from news reporters for tips on packing liquids.
I’m in Oslo…a world away from the commotion. A “congestion fee” keeps most cars from the center of town. A new tunnel takes nearly all the rest under the city. The old train station facing the fjord boat landing is now the Nobel Peace Prize Center, explaining the vision of a man who dedicated the wealth he earned inventing dynamite to celebrate peace-makers. The towering brick city hall–where the prize is awarded–stands high above the harbor action. A weather-beaten sailor stands at the stern of his boat hoping to sell the last of the shrimp he caught before sunrise this morning.
There’s a light mist. A sturdy harbor front boardwalk glistens as if happy to be the city’s dancing floor. I stand at the edge of the scene and marvel at about a hundred Norwegians swing dancing–in what seems like a microcosm of a content society.
Normally Norwegians are annoying in their good looking self-assured perfection. But these are just extremely normal people–a little over-weight, a little wrinkled, maxed out in what life will bring them–dancing in content twosomes in front of yacht club-type bars and restaurants most of them likely can’t afford. It’s mostly American-style two-step to the recorded oldies…familiar tunes with unfamiliar Norwegian lyrics…there’s a line dance without much of a line and no cowboy hats. Girls looking up at their tall guys with big smiles. No one’s trying to hook up. They are hooked up.
Then, I turn around. Like a mirage, a small, fragile, older Japanese woman with a huge aura walks by otherwise unnoticed. Her attendant holds an over-sized black umbrella over her head…keeping a white beret dry. I have to say hello and thanks and mucho gusto or something. I walk fast to reach her but her attendant grabs my arm and says gently, “I’m sorry sir…not now.” And Yoko Ono walks on by.
(Back in my hotel, cursing my lazy decision not to lug my camera along, I Google “Yoko Oslo” and discover she’s performing here…the day after I fly to Stockholm. Oh well.)
That’s cute….Rick Steves running up to try and meet Yoko Ono. If I ever run into you and do the same thing try and remember your reaction to her. This is so sweet. Aww.
Rick- you really are an eloquent writer. For some reason this blog made me feel so intensely alone yet so happy all at once that I’m hopelessly confounded. What an incredible feeling. I hope writing fiction is somewhere in your future because I’m positive it would be brilliant.
So glad to see you’re in the land of your ancestors again.
We’re heading to there next month… please share with us any tips on Scandanavia and Tallin if you head over there.
Its lovely following along with your travels.
As awful as the planned attack was, the news coverage is worse. If I see the headline “TERROR IN THE SKIES” once more I’m going to cancel all newspapers and shut off the tv for good. You’re right most travelers were a bit frustrated but were taking the delays in stride. Terroism ebbs and flows with
opportunity for them and current events and perhaps world governments should get together to first – address the root problems of the discontent (yeah – I’m a dreamer I know) or at least do a better job of tracking down the terrorists instead of being reactive with security measures when something happens. I will keep traveling!
The whole celebrity thing is simultaneously alluring and repellent. You find yourself drawn to people that you feel you somehow ‘know’ and yet, to them, you are a total stranger. Much like the previous commenter lamented, what might happen should we in fact run into you? …the seeker having become the sought after. Somehow I envision you handling it with more grace.
In my local paper today was an artilce saying how this is the end of cheap, convienent travel. Bah. I for one will keep on truckin’ and enjoying every minute of it.
My husband and I just returned from our Oslo trip. Your description of the harbor and boardwalk is perfect. I marvled at the “shaging” (a Myrtle Beach version of the 2 step) of a large group of Norwegian baby-boomers as we strolled by after supper. There was a live band playing 50’s and 60’s classics. The atmosphere of peace was simply complemented by the new Nobel center. Ah…. I feel my blood pressure dropping just remembering…..
Although this latest terrorist incident is distressing to be sure, I have long held a gripe about travelers who carry on way too much baggage anyway. I travel light, my dog in his airline approved carrier under the seat in front of me and a smaller purse. But I always see people cramming these HUGE suitcases that really should be checked, as well as assorted other smaller bags, into the overhead compartments, which they have struggle with and thereby hold everybody else up during boarding or un-boarding. Is it really that inconvenient to check your bags? I don’t think so. Airports are a major hassle anyway you look at it, having to wait a few extra minutes for your checked luggage is no big deal and makes it easier on everyone else. Same is it ever was: Pack light, pack light, pack light…..
I someday hope to visit Norway. I know it’s expensive but something I long to do! I just found out I had relatives who came from Biri and now would love to see it. Dispite all the hassles travel is so .enriching and has something to teach us so keep up the great work and make it easier for the rest of us! Many thanks!!! Carole
I want to assure those bloggers who wonder about “meeting” Rick Steves . It was 2005, in the breakfast room of a small Parisian hotel, and there sat Rick Steves (with his wife and daughter)! We walked over, introduced ourselves, and thanked him for his tours. Rick immediately wanted to know our opinions, and sought out the lone Canadian traveler in our group to determine how well his informative books and TV programs are working for Canadians.
The inquisitive (and people friendly), continuously curious Rick Steves is real!!!
I read your blog on news reporters already contacting you on suggestions on how to pack liquids now that they cannot be taken on board the cabin of an airplane. My travel buddies and I need all the safe and effective suggestions you can offer as we will soon be traveling to Europe. We’ve always taken them on board so that if our luggage is lost, our one change of clothes and our liquids will be with us. And they handle luggage under the plane very uncaring. We don’t want our clothing to be soaked with lotions and shampoo when we arrive. Help us Rick.
If I ever run into YOU in my travels I promise not to pester you to let me take a photo. However, I will buy you a gelato and tell you how much your views on travel and people and the world in general have affected mine (all for the good).
Hi Rick- I just read your book ‘ Europe Through The Back Door’ and what value for money !!! I love it but right now I am in a panic because I am scheduled to drive through Eastern Europe, taking my car because I am moving to Cyprus for good. I’m fed up with the English weather after more than 50 years of being soaked and having plans and workdays( I work outdoors) ruined.My plan was to ferry the car from the Greek mainland to Paphos – or the nearest ferry port in Cyprus. I have searched the websites and the services seem to be suspended for the time being.In any case I don’t think they are CAR ferries I am sourcing. Can you offer any suggestions? I know you are busy having a ball in Europe but please spare me some time before I pack ! Regards and continued good travel- Betty
Have a great time in Sweden Rick, by far my favorite European country. With Stockholm, in my opinion the most beautiful capital city.
I am off for my third trip to Europe this year in 3 short weeks, and will be heading to Stockholm, Copenhagen, Amsterdam and Barcelona. I can honestly say that you have played an enormous part in opening up the continent of Europe to my wife and I, as our new favorite travel destination. I think that my wife and I have seen nearly all of your shows on PBS! My profession is Trauma surgery, but I always tell my patients that I want to be you when I grow up! Hehe! Keep traveling buddy and keep the great TV coming. From one Seattleite to another….have fun.
In June of 2001, my son and I ran into Rick and his family in Bath on an evening magic and “non-history” walk. That was the summer that much of the UK was closed down for hoof and mouth disease, but Rick had written that he was going anyway, so off we went, too. The whole family was gracious and kind, letting us take pictures together. It’s a great memory, and when my traveling son runs into other Rick fans, he smugly tells them that the Steves family is as nice in person as anyone could be. We have always, and will always, travel the backdoor route! Thanks, Rick!