27th March 2019. Yesterday perfect blue skies, today heavy snow fall, last night out in snowmobiles on the frozen River here in Rovaniemi

We departed the Arctic Ice Hoel and Glaa Igloos on the most beautiful morning for the short drive back to the city of Rovaniemi.

We are all a little disappointed because we have failed to see the Northern Lights apart from a short 10 second glimpse. 

Our tournleader, Inger takes our group for a walk through the city and to the WW11 Museum.  This area faced the full military might of Germany and Russia in WW11 and everything was decimated in that conflict, but the hatred remains.

We walk through the shopping centre, find a bank to exchange our remaining Norwegian Kroner, then have lunch. 

It is icy and treacherous and we are wary of the slippery conditions. 

Last night following a buffet dinner, we walk across the road to Lapland Safari’s where we are riding snowmobiles. 

But firstly, we need to put on heavy thermal overalls, long socks, balaclavas and helmets. 

From here we walk 100 metres from the shop and changing areas to where the hndreds of snowmobiles are parked.  We are given safety and driving instructions, then we get aboard and we do get to turn them on. 

For the next 75 minutes we drive along the corrugated river which is frozen over.  It is fascinating, but surprisingly difficult to keep the vehicle close to straight as it is always pulling against you.

It is a pretty clear night with some expectation of seeing the Northern Lights, but whatever the stars and satellites are simply awesome. 

At the halfway point we pull into a display centre, where there are raindeer burgers, hot dogs, hot drinks and raging bonfires as well as a presentation centre re the Northern Lights.  We spend over an hour here. 

Then back on the snowmobiles for a battering initially in the Forrest, then back along the frozen river. 

We are all sore n the shoulders by the time we arrive back, change out of gear, walk back to the Hotel at 12.30am. It has been a long 4 hours. 

We sleep in until 8.20am, breakfast then a short walk and this evening we do the Raindeer sled rides. 

I am typing at 10.55am and temperature here in the city is -7C and the ploughs and tractors are out moving and clearing snow off the roadway. Overnight it was-11C, it remains bitterly cold.

28th March 2019 - Snow, then clear blue skies, visiting the Raindeer Farm , dinner and Yes the Northern Lights!!

Snow greeted us early on this morning following our late night on the snow mobiles.

It was -8 C degrees at 9.15am as we enjoyed breakfast, but those who were out late were still tired. Following breakfast we intended to visit the Museum, but the cold and damp snowstorm made that impossible, so we spent time around the hotel.

Early afternoon the weather had improved and we went for a walk down to the river (frozen completely) to take photos, then had a drink in the bar at the hotel talking to others. 

Our next activity was to visit the Raindeer Farm and ride in sleighs and then have a traditional Raindeer dinner followed by an after dinner discussion . 

We May see the Northern Lights, but to be honest the weather is against us and the group is less than enthusiastic. 

Following dinner and our discussion as to the farming of Raindeer, our guide, Inger came n excitedly saying the lights are out. 

Come outside and see the Northern Lights in all of their finery. 

We enjoy 2 stunnng shows. I will include photos from David here.  They are not my photos. 

28th March 2019. Euphoric after the Raindeer and the Amazng beauty of the Northern Lights we travel from Rovaniemi by Train to Helsinki, Finland

We had an alarm set for 4.15am and hotel wake up for 5.00am.  We had to have luggage outside our room for 5.30 am with hotel departure at 5.40am.  Our big yellow bus took us 10 minutes to the station, where we boarded the double-decker intercity train scheduled to depart at 6.03am.

Breakfast boxes were provided and were quite enjoyable. There remains feet of snow everywhere.

We are still all excited from the performance of the Northern Lights, quite bright but Ken’s phone wouldn’t pick up.  But will get photos from other members of our tour. 

We are in carriage 5 , seats 13 and 14.  Very comfortable second class.  We are in the lower level of the double decker train.

It is a little warmer at the Station with -2C degrees

We arrive in Helsinki mid afternoon, then have a group tour of the city, check into hotel above the station. 

Tomorrow we catch ferry to Tallin Estonia for a full day excursion, then back for a farewell dinner. 

We are almost 3 hours into our train trip to Helsinki, we are sitting beside the additional 4 seats we have purchased to store our additional luggage.

The weather remains -1C. 

We are passing through many centres where there are timber trains. 

As well we notice the many apartment buildings in each of the towns.

Some of the groups’s luggage stored in 4 additional seats. 

Passing through Oulo Station. 

Loading cars for the morning Train heading North to Romanieri

We have progressed South through inland area of Finland arriving Tampere / Tammefores at 1.00pm and it is the first sign that the snow is diminished and we see the occasional lake beginning to thaw. 

It has been a long slow trip with the train stopping at many stations, but the carriage has remained full throughout most of the trip. 

We now have 90 minutes remaining.  We will all be pleased to arrive in Helsinki after a very early rise. 

Our arrival in Helsinki is smooth, we are met by a local guide and we depart for a 2 hour tour of the city of Helsinki, pass the Rock Church, visit the architectural art piece, visit the park, and travel by the marina and port area, but we are all very tired. 

The Holiday Inn in Helsinki is beside the Helsinki Railway Station and is an ideal location.  We check in to the Hotel, room 208, then 5 of us walk to a restaurant, named Leonardo and serving quality Italian food. The group enjoys a great meal, with quality food and wine.  Eileen,Jan and Colin and Jeanette and Ken.  Back to the Travelodge by 10.00pm, because we have a very early start, needing to be at the Ferry for our trip to Tallin, Estonia before 6.30am.

29th March 2019. Ferry from Helsinki to Tallin, Estonia and return for final Dinner

Another very eary start with wake up call at 5.30am, then departure for Star Ferry at 6.00am

Tjese are large ferries carrying 2,000 plus people, 2 decks of cars and one deck of lorries and trucks. 

Inger shepherded us on board and we had a breakfast buffet in the Delight Buffet.  Good breakfast and enjoyable food and company. Smooth trip and we quite enjoyed the whole ferry experience. 

Upon arrival in Tallin, Estonia we were met by local guide Eric, who then took us on a 3 hour tour of the major sites ncluding Upper and Lower Old Town.  We started at the famed Estonian Singing venue where Independence was claimed and is celebrated every 2 years.

We then drove back to the Port area and a toilet break, before visiting the Old Town, being dropped off and walking from Upper Old Town , visiting several churches and palaces before we ventured down to the lower old town. 

We were guided through several lanes, passed by merchants homes, many shops and restaurants, then eventually came to the city square. 

Following a historical lecture we all went our own ways, enjoyed lunch then agreed to meet underneath the clicks at the old Town Hall. 

Inger returned we then traveled to the Ferry terminal for return to Helsinki. 

On the ferry we sat in a bar area listening to a group playing music and singing. 

On return to Helsinki, we caught our bus back to the main boulevard,  

We dined at a beautiful Restaurant named Kavelli, where we enjoyed a superb meal. 

Always sad to say farewell to the group and our guide. 

Just a wonderful way to end our magical small group tour. 

30th March 2019. Allegro Teain From Helsinki to St. Petersburg, Russia.

We checked out of the Hiliday Inn, Helsinki, walked with our luggage to Helsinki Statuon, platform 9 and boarded our “Allegro” train for transit to St Peyersburg.  It is a comfortable fast train traveling at 227km per hour, but does make regular stops.

Jeanette waving to me from carriage2 seats 3&4. 

We thoroughly enjoyed our train trip from Helsinki to St Petersburg on the Allegro train.  Comfortable in every way, luggage stored conveniently and our trip was interesting.  We passed through a variety of countryside with plenty of snow and Ice. 

Train travelled at 227 km per hour, the immigration and customs officials processed our passports and letter of introduction to the Belmont Hotel whilst on the train at designated security area.  Train was quite full. 

It was a 4 hour trip with a time change.  We arrived at the St Petersburg Station where we were met by a guide, who took us to the car, some 50 metres away.  The driver then took us to the beautiful Belmond Hotel, just superb, dropped us and our luggage and disappeared. 

We checked in with a glass of Champagne, had been upgraded and our suite overlooked the park and in the background was the Church of the Spilled Blood.  How good is this?

View from our window, simply amazing! 

We quickly unpacked then decided to go for a walk, Ken made a dinner reservation at a local favourite, we then set off for a walk of 50 minutes.  Weather is cold but clear blue skies.

Ourwalk took us to the main boulevard.  

The popular gardens around the corner, people out and about as a first sign of spring. 

The beautiful facade of our Hotel. 

One of many churches

Here we are out walking. 

The canal is still iced over and the ducks are walking on the ice.The canal below looking back toward the major boulevard, with superb buildings upon either side.

Katyusha- where we enjoyed a beautiful Russian dinner, no tourists about.  Recommended by Belmond Hotel, not expensive and a terrific night. 

Quaint old fashioned decorations with our waitress.

Our Hotel in St Petersburg the Belmond Grand Hotel, just superb.

Today we traveled from Helsinki to the beautiful Russian Western city of St Petersburg, checked in, then walked the local precinct, before enjoying a favourite restaurant of the locals.  A stunning city, beautiful Belmond Hotel, just superb then quite early to bed anticipating our guided tour tomorrow morning. 

You just have to be excited as to this opportunity.   But weather is expected to turn nasty

31st March 2019 Tour of St Petersburg - All the Major sites-Simply Amazing.

We have a 5 hour Tour of St Peyersburg with pick up from our Hotel at 10.00am.  We have breakfast in the stunningly beautiful main dining room, following which we meet our guide in the foyer at 9.50am.  She introduces herself as Tatiana and she is a senior guide with over 30 years experience.

Our departurefrom the Belmond Grand Hotel is in driving rain and we are disappointed given yesterday adternoon and the Clear blue skies.  She confirms that we do not wish to visit the Hermitage Gallery and Museums with their thousands of wonderful art works. 

Our first stop is over the canals and then down toward the river Neva?  We drive down the principal boulevard named Nevsky Prospekt, which is just a stunning street with beautiful architecture.  The stop is then at the large square.

A spectacular photo of the Admiralty and St Isaacs Cathedral looking back from the Paul and St Peters Fortress Island and church / cathedral. 

We then drove along to the bridge crossing from the seafarers memorial to the spectacular Peter and St Paul Fortress with is stunning gold spires.

We stopped for photos. 

The Chapel of St Catherine the Martyr.   

Jeanette and Ken in front of St Isaac Cathedral.

The Admiralty just beautiful. 

Church of Spilt Blood.  -unbelievable. 

1st April 2019. Train St Petersburg to Moscow and transfer to Hotel National (Luxury Collection).

We were. collected from the Belmond and our drive to the Railway Station took 10 minutes, not the expected 30 minutes.

We waited in a waiting room and when Sapsam 757 had its platform nominated as 11, we slowly walked to that platform. Our carriage is numbered C2 a d seats 1 and 2, passports are checked and we enter the train. It is a sleek looking ntercity special . Departure is smooth. 

3rd April 2019. Entry to the Kremlin Museum and the Armoury Museum then the Kremlin Cathedrals - Simply Amazing.

Katherine picked us up at The National Hotel and we walked via Alexander’s Gardens to the Kremlin Museums. 

It is another perfect day of 3c degrees and clear blue skies.Katherine walked us through the gardens and we queued at the Armoury to progress through security before we undertook tours through 8 galleries of all sorts of garments dresses and ceremonial outfits, before then progressing into separate galleries of weaponry from the 13-17th centuries.

Subsequently, we entered further galleries with impressive collections of silverware for regal table settings then eventually after some 3 hours of description and commentary of amazing wealth and collections we came to the collection of gifts from Faberge including “eggs” and a whole range of other extremely valuable gifts and items.

We could have chosen to then visit the unique “Diamond” exhibits  depicting an amazing array of diamonds and diamond creations.

We were too tired and sore knowing that we still had to visit the several wonderful Russian Orthodox Cathedrals which make up the Kremlin Cathedral Collections.

Katherine led us from the Armoury to the Rlite Apartments then through to the square with the several Cathedrals which I Describe further on.

It has been an amazing 3-4 hours of magical exhibits of unbelievable wealth and national heritage which has survived the 1917 Communist Revolution and is now displayed as National treasured as well as The buildings being part of The World Beritageisting.

So we commence our visit to the several Cathedrals where Katherine gives us detailed descriptions.

4th April 2019 Depart Moscow fly to Milan via Vienna on Austrian Airlines and overnight at Hilton, Milan

We woke refreshed following a long sleep after yesterday’s exhausting day at the Kremlin Museums, Armoury and Cathedrals. 

So today is very much a day of travel to get us to Milan. 

Flying Moscow to Vienna before transfer to fly to Milano. 

Wind farm on outskirts of Vienna. 

Our aircraft for flight Vienna to Milano. 

Arrived at Hilton Milano having been picked up by Blaklane.  It hs been a long day of travel.

Yilton has been beautifully refurbished.  We enjoy our night in an Executive floor king room. 

Ken then is out and about on morning of 5th April seeing some of the wonderful sites of Milan Rodney the Blue line bus on hop on hop off.   

Has a great morning. 

The famed Duomo Cathedral of Milan.

The trams near the Hilton and Central Station Milan

5th and 6th April 2019. Milano to Varenna on beautiful Lake Como and visit to Bellagio - multi bene

We departed the Hilton Milan at 2.30 pm for our drive of 75 minutes to the idylic Village of Varenna situated on Lake Como. 

it is a stunning drive with magnificent scenery. 

We reach our boutique hotel named Hotel Olivedo in Varenna by the ferry terminal at 3 40 pm, our luggage is unloaded , we are wcorted inside, shown to room 21 on 3rd floor.  There is a somewhat unique elevator, ( one person and one case per ride, but it does the job.

our view is simply amazing over the lake. 

We quickly unpack, then go for a walk around the edge of the village, have an ice cream , take in the village buildings and many cafe and restaurants. 

Dinner is in house this evening. 

We enjoy a lovely 2 course meal, with Italian wine, then return, close the shutters and turn in for the night.

it has been another interesting day, beautiful scenery, comfortable Hotel in a unique location on beautiful Lake Como. 

 We wake to a smoggy and overcast morning, thoroughly enjoy breakfast the head out to catch the 10.50 ferry to Bellagio.  We have no issues purchasing return tickets and queue to join the ferry following the cars combg off, and prior to cars and buses coming aboard.

The weather remains disappointing and overcast, we are not seeing Lake Como at its beautiful best.

The ferry trip is about 15-20 minutes for the car ferry. We reach Bellagio and take in the beauty of this famed township, walk along its waterfront, then up several steep alley ways, enjoying our morning very much. 

Discussion occurs as to the myriad of eating venues and restaurants. 

Jeanette decides upon pizza at the Restuarant Hotel du Lac, one of the more famous eateries in Bellagio.  We enjoy a superb pizza lunch, with local red wine and a local lager.  

From here we walk back down along the waterfront, slowly ambling from store to store. 

We amble slowly back to the Ferry to catch the 2.35pm.  We have thoroughly enjoyed our 4 plus hours in Bellagio, weather is improving with some sunshine. 

Arrival back in Vareenais at about at 3.10 pm and poor Ken decides upon a “Nanna nap” before wLking along the sea shore, getting an ice-cream and sitting on a seat overlooking the Lake for over an hour.

Time passes quickly and at about 7.15 pm , he decides it is getting cooler. 

We have enjoyed a wonderful day, slow paced, relaxing and wonderful scenery in Bellagio and back here at Vareena.  Our accommodation in Hotel Olivedo is a bit old worldly but is just right.  Our room 21 is on 3rd floor with stunning views.

Having a local beer and watching the ferries from the beer garden out the front of our Hotel. 

We enjoyed a wonderful day in Belaggio - something special to remember ! 

This has been a very special day in enjoying our visit to Bellagio. 

Weather has improved but remains overcast. 

7th and 8th April 2019. Visit to Menaggio on Lake Como on Sunday and then transfer to Malpensa International Airport, Milano for Singapore Airlines flight to Singapore on Monday 8th April, 2019.

We both slept well, showered dressed and thoroughly enjoyed a very good breakfast.  We plan to visit Menagguo on the lake later this morning, but we also contemplated visiting Lugano by Train, but decided that the relaxing day with a pleasant dinner was just what was needed, instead of rushing around.

Review of the Ferry timetable suggested departure of 11.10am.  The sun is trying to break through the clouds, there is no wind, sun is making the snow on the nearby mountains sparkle.

Another day in paradise. 

Along the foreshore at beautiful Vareena, some 5 minutes from our hotel. 

The snow is sparkling on the nearby mountains. 

The sun is breaking through.

The map of ferry and train operations around Lake Como. 

Well having purchased a hop on hop off ferry ticket we travelled to Menaggio, but the weather has turned decidedly cooler with showers.  We walked through this pretty town, enjoyed apple cake and cappuccino before catching the 12.00 ferry back to Vareena.  Time to change with warmer clothes and shoes before we go back to Bellagio on the 1.05 ferry where we have a wait for connecting ferry to Belaggio and then across to Villa Collotta from where we had a sandwich / Bellini for lunch.

This was an uneventful but enjoyable afternoon as we caught the car ferry to Belaggio then walked to another ferry pontoon (#1) to catch the next ferry from Belaggio to Villa Callotta. It all worked smoothly and even the weather has improved with a few sun showers .  We enjoyed the rolls for lunch at 2.15 pm then went to the entrance of this beautiful grand villa and botanic gardens which are now museum pieces. 

Jeanette chose to walk the easier route through the amazing gardens with a multitude of mature camellias, Rhodas, azeales and a multitude of others plants, some flowering, others n bud. Just an exceptional array of plants in beautifully maintained and manicured gardens all overlooking Lake Como.

We followed this with a walk through the mansion and exhibited the wonderfully restored villa or mansion in all of its finery.  Truly a pleasant and enjoyable 2-3 hours with over 2 hours inside the Villa grounds. 

From here we walked to the commune of Tremizzo for a drink and returned in time to catch the 4.36pm ferry to Belaggio and we stayed on board and traveled to Vareena, walked off the ferry 30 metres to our hotel.  We have enjoyed a fantastic day with our circle ferry pass visiting several small communities, remaining dry despite the continuous threat throughout the day of rain (80% chance of rain). 

it is almost 6,20pm as I write the update.  We are dining tonight at a local restaurant. We will depart here at 6.45pm and walk 300-400 metres.  There are many restaurants about within that distance of Hotel Olivedo. 

We have thoroughly enjoyed our 3 days stopover at Lake Como, relaxing, interesting and just a wonderful environment.  Our accommodation has been just what was indicated on TripAdvisor.  Great hosts, comfortable facilities, excellent location , terrific breakfast and an excellent choice.

Following a brilliant afternoon at Villa Carlotta we returned to Vareena, changed and collected warmer coats and went to dinner. 

We selected the restaurant Il Molo overlooking the lake.  We did sit outside it was cold.

  Meal was excellent , view just superb.  Enjoyed local Cab Sav 2015, quite superb.

We are returning to Hotel Olivedo, Vareena following our last evening meal in Italy.

Tomorrow we are picked up at 9.30am, driven to Malpensa Internatuonal Arpiry, Milano and we fly with Singapore Airlines to Singapore where we have a 2 day stopover .

Vareena, Lake Como has been a perfect stopover. 

We have woken early, packed and taken photos of Lake Como in all its beauty. 

This is a spectacular way to depart this beautiful part of the world, how fortunate we are to be able to do such.

We are now traveling to Milan and the airport at Malpensa for our flight to Singapore ,  This has been a wonderful break . 

9th April 2019 Conrad Centennial Singapore

We enjoyed a quick trip from Lake Como to Malpensa and were quickly through Inmigration and Customs using Fastpass access.

We boarded at 12 35pm directly to Suites and Business .  It is an almost new A350 and we are seated in 16 A and D. 

Deparyure is right on 13.00pm, with a delicious meal served for lunch.  We toast ourselves with French Champagne.  This has been an exceptional holiday. 

Following lunch we both have our beds turned down, we try to sleep, with Ken sleeping for 6 hours and Jeanette dozes.  Ken then watches several films including a Star is Born, Vice and A Matter of Sex.  All enjoyable movies. 

We arrived in Singapore at 7.01am after a flight of 12 hours.  We disembarked quickly, were through Immigration quite quickly and walked through Customs and were met by our Blacklane driver . 

Luggage stowed quickly, then a pleasant drive into central Singapore in 35 minutes .  We were greeted as Royalty at Conrad Centennial and checked into 2910 with Executive Lounge upgrade inside 10 minutes. 

We decided at 8.15am to shower and then sleep.  We have a lovely room overlooking the Marina Bay Area .  Ken sleeps for 6 hours, Jeanette for less.  After this we relax, tidy the room and will have a light meal this evening in the Executive Lounge on level 31. 

These are our last photos from Varenna, Lake Como. 

The following photos are from Singapore and Conrad Centennial  Hotel  .  Just a wonderful hotel.

We had dinner tonight in Conrad Executive Lounge and it was terrific drinking sav blanc, salads, soups and a variety of desserts.  We met a lady from North  Carolina and New York.  Very enjoyable in every way.

We had ntwnded to visit Marina Bay and watch the light show, but it was at. 

Herw watching as I final of MTV vs Brighton  Hove FC. 

It is pouring rain outside  , Ken in his pj’s.

Our Conrad bear and our chocolates.

It had been a long hard day but Conrad just excellent. 

The Fountain of Wealth Suntech City Singapore  

The new indoor sports stadium. 

The lobby and shop

The lobby at Conrad Centennial  

Last night Ken went to watch the light and sound show at Marina Bay. 

Check in and processing through self service area at Terminal 3 at Changi International Airport Singapore. 

Walking to the KrisFlyer lounges. 

2nd April 2019 Moscow, The Kremlin, St.Basil’s Cathedral, Red Square, the Moscow Underground then back to our hotel by 17.00pm

We awoke having slept very well, enjoyed a wonderful breakfast overlooking the Kremlin from the 2nd floor dining room here at the National Hotel Moscow. 

our guide arrived at 10.00am , introduced herself as Katherine, called our driver and we proceeded to the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour.  An important Cathedral built to celebrate the Russian defeat of Kazan.

The reception and checkin area at the National Hotel, Moscow.   It is a beautiful old style heritage building in a prime location.  Our room is beautifully furnished and presented.

The Kremlin. 

Lady of Kazan cathedral designed to celebrate the Russian army defeat of the Kazan army. 

Looking back to the Kremlin. 

The Stalin high rise, one of 7 built during his time of rule , was meant to drag the energy from the sky.  This became the first technology park for all kinds of scientists.

But these 7 buildings were also built to challenge the sky scrapers of the USA. 

Our hotel, the National, a Luxury Hotel of the World brand. Great central location, beautifully decorated 5 star hotel. 

Moscow University buildings. 

We visited Eliseevsky Food store which is a food store selling all types of food in an amazing building with Chandeliers , ornate decorations and friendly servers dressed in period costumes. 

Entrance to Kremlin via Red Square

As we walk through the gateway to Red Square, very exciting and full of real history.  Our guide Katherine explained n full detail. 

GUM Shopping Arcade

GUM shopping mall is a stylish upmarket shopping centre on Red Square.  Very modern and filled with all of the global high end stores. 

Lunch at Bosco’s, terrific atmosphere in GUM shopping centre. 

St. Basil’s Cathedral, just like a postcard.  We visited the 9 churches within. 

Not the best photo of Jeanette outside St Basil’s. 

maiden St Basil’s Cathedral n one of the 9 churches.

Inside St. Basil’s Cathedral with exquisite art work and  paintnd

We really enjoyed our time here. 

Stock Exchange of Moscow, new building. 

The amazing Moscow underground. Marble, mosaics, statues, etc  was established in 1935.  We rode 3  trains through the underground to see different stations.

looking from our hotel across to Red Square and St. Basil’s Cathedral on Red Square.

we have enjoyed an amazing day, walking and seeing so much history. Moscow is really a very interesting city.

Tomorrow to The Armoury and famed Kremlin Cathedras. 

25th March, 2019. Visit to Santa’s Office then sleeping overnight in Glass Igloo, but Northern Lights a no show- again!

The morning came quickly following a good night’s sleep.  We walked over to the main hotel for breakfast having placed our large cases outside our door.

We departed at 10.00am in a big yellow modern bus, we are all spread out and very comfortable and today we have 3 hours drive South. 

The scenery of frozen lakes, snow everywhere, and mostly clear blue skies continues to amaze us all. 

After 90 minutes we have a toilet break at a Service Station complexing, because there are more toilets here than the supermarket, where we stop to purchase lunch and drinks.

Inger, our guide, suggests we purchase a bottle of bubbly for tonight as it is a celebratory night in the Glass Igloo and we celebrated our 46th Wedding Anniversary. 

We eat lunch on the road, before we arrive at Santa’s Office for photos.  All exciting as we visit, sit with him, have photos and videos taken, which we will download when we arrive home in Melbourne.  There are all sorts of Santa gifts for purchase. 

Jeanette and Ken also see the reindeer and have booked for tomorrow evening. 

We thoroughly enjoy the visit to Robenien and we return in 2 days time. 

our big Yellow bus

We are at Santa’s Office in Rovaniemi Lapland.

Raindeer At Santa’s Office.

We have just arrived in our Glass Igloo -wonderful.

we again cross the Arctic Circle as we begin to head South to Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland

The Arctic snowHotel and Glass Igloos At Lehtoshontie 27, 97220 Sinetta, Rovaniemi, Lapland Finland. 

Yet another amazing experience. 

We have found the Glass Igloos a fascinating challenge having slept from early evening until daylight at 5.00am.  There are no blinds or curtains just a glass roof to watch the stars and if lucky, theNorthetn Lights.  Whilst we had a very brief glimpse 2 nights ago, nothing last night. 

There Re is also an ice hotel and ice bar.  We visited each took photos of both the bar and the hotel rooms.  There is a separte spa area , walked to the frozen lake, watched children toboggan. 

There are many snowmobiles. 

A super bottle of French red wine

Inside the ice bar! 

The Chapple inside the ice hotel. 

The exit from the icehotel

. 

The Glass Igloo at sunset.

Jeanette on her way to breakfast. 

We walk by the Ice Hotel from our Glass Igloo (#2). 

A perfect morning looking out through our Glass Igloo.  A unique experience. 

23rd and 24th Lapland From Kirkenes to Saariselka and Arctic Huskie sleding

We awoke on 23rd March to overcast and wet conditions, packed our small case then following breakfast prepared to exit the ship following arrival at Kirkenes n the North of Norway.  We had enjoyed the ship and it’s various port visits and Nordic lifestyle. 

upon exiting the ship, we had to collect our two large cases, it was slippery, Ken had a fall, but fortunately onto soft snow.  He was helped up and nothing but a bruised right shoulder.  We walked the 200 metres out of the port terminal area to our awaiting bus which proceeded to the Russian Border for pictures even, about 30 minutes from the drive out of the port area. 

At the Russian border we had a 10 minute photo stop.  It was wet and miserable, but worth the stop. 

Then n to the Sammi Museum and Theatre and Cultural library and Exhbition Centre inLapland where we to photos and walked through the interactive video and other presentations.

We enjoyed our 90 minutes here, well worth the tme.  Our guide had briefed us on the challenged history of the Sammi people. 

We went out after dinner walking 1.2 km to an bservation platform to view the Northern Lights and the famed Aurora Borealis, but despite it being a clear evening we only saw a slight green area in the sky over the 2 hours we were positioned.  So disappointed but we did see something of the lights. 

Then on the return walk, Jeanette swayed off the path and fell into 3 feet of soft snow, only to recover and to have a snowbplough force is off the road. An interesting and challenging walk over the 2.5km to get to and from the viewing platform.

Back at Santa Hotels in our very comfortable room 667 by 10.50 pm. Tme for bed as we have an early rise for the Arctic Huskey dog sled ride. 

We awoke to a clear morning very excited as to our excursion to the Arctic Huskey dog sled ride an excursion through Lapland Safari’s.

Following breakfast we walked from the hotel to the Lapland Sagari Store where we were fitted with gear for our morning. 

Then after our ride of almost 90 minutes we had a hot berry drink and a lecture from the Huskey trainer. 

It was in a hut with a burning fire. 

Following the lecture lunch of beautiful soup and rolls with further berry drinks, followed by us asking questions.  He has 119 dogs, two kennels, one here and the other near the border with Russia, he has permission to use the border trails.

Following lunch and a walk around the kennel area, we were bussed back to the Hotel all believing we had enjoyed a once in a lifetime experience. 

Then a rest followed by early dinner and decision as to whether to go out again this evening. 

The view from our balcony looking up the hill to the ski lifts. 

Wonderful memories of Lapland, Finland

From the restaurant of our hotel looking out over the feet of snow. 

Dinner tonight is buffet, we are all excited and up beat following a wonderful day.

Inger, our guide is delighted but still frustrated following what was expected in perfect conditions as to possibly seeing the Northern Lights. 

Tomorrow morning we drive 3 hours to the Sinetta from our enjoyable stop here in Saariselka. 

We will arrive in Santa’s Village near Rovaniemi at approximately 12.30 for a 2 hour visit.  We will then arrive at Sinetta Arctic Snowhoyel and Igloos.  Another special experience.

21st and 22nd March 2019. Above the Arctic Circle to Tromso and then to North Cape. Weather is cold and extremely windy!

A pretty good night with several port visits. 

Following dinner, which was very enjoyable, we were advised that we would pass the sister ship.  We met the Southbound Hurtigruten MS Finnmarken at 8.45 pm with horns blaring. 

At 9.00 pm we arrive at Stamsund. N68.070 E013.50. We spend 1 hour here there is a brewery excursuon and Naval Museum.  These are open to the ship and some 150 people make the effort.  It is dry but cold

At 23.00 pm we sail though the beautiful narrow strait of Raftsundet.  They served real Norwegian Fish cakes. But it is bitterly cold with overcast skies and this was the very first opportunity to see tha Northern Lights, but whilst the predictions for forthcoming night’s are said to be good, not so this evening.

We travelled all morning stopping at 3 smaller ports to drop off and pick up people and cargo the key stop was Tromso the Northern most city, with 78,000 residents a modern city centre, two cathedrals as well as the cable car to a mountain top, then with simply amazing views over the city and port area. 

our group departed the ship soon after arrival and 15 of our group travelled with Inger to walk to the bus stop to go to the cable car.  We paid our 66 Kroner for two retired seniors and enjoyed the ride to the Cable Car, where we purchased tickets for2 return at a cost of 210 Kroner per person. 

The ride up was challenging with another group commanding the best viewing spots, but the view from the top was simply amazing. 

We spent 45 minutes at the top then came down and Jeanette and Ken walked the supposedly short trip to the Polar Cathedral.  An interesting new building. 

By this time it was approaching 4.00pm and a snow storm was approaching, we thought it was a heavy rain shower, but the locals said snow. 

We board a bus#20 back to the Centrum (city Centre) as it began to snow lightly. 

Some 10 minutes later we were walking to the ship as the heavier snow arrived.  We were very fortunate and it snowed heavily throughout dinner. 

We had made the most of Tromso thanks to our guide.  The cable car was fantastic, we missed worst of the weather,but noNorthetn Lights tonight as heavy cloud banks, rain and snow.

Tomorrow to North Cape and our plastic full day on the ship. 

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It is a cold and windy morning.  We have just received notification that our excursion to the top of the world at North Cape has been cancelled. 

The bus company has advised that all of the roads are closed for the day, nothing that can be done, just have to respect the beauty and extremes of nature at work. 

So we will leave the ship, go for a walk.  Nothing else to be done. 

18th and 19th Bergen and MS Trollefjord - Hurtigruten

We met Inger last night and this morning we put our luggage out for pick up at midday, then we were briefed to ensure that we had checked our luggage on to the bus. 

Then we did a tour of Bergen including Bruggen then our Australian guide took us to Eduardo Greig’s home and museum, then to see a Church of which not 30 still exist n Norway.

Then we came back to the cruise terminal area where we then boarded MS Trollfjord.  We are in cabin 615.  It is spartan but comfortable.  Two small beds with duvet.

We have dinner in the dining room and it is Freestyle dining tonight and a bit of a bun fight.  Soup is a fish style and delicious. Main course is fish or lamb hock, with vegetables.  Desserts are a good range.

We have a briefing later on, then into bed by 10.45pm, but it is a rough night, with a deep roll.  We sleep ok.

 Morning eventually comes after a long and bumpy ride.  We rise, shower and dress then enjoy a breakfast, without the problems of gaining a seat n the dining room.

Following breakfast Inger, our guide has scheduled a meeting to discuss excursions and whether we should book, because in several ports she will act as tour guide and do walking tours.  She thinks many tours are overly expensive and our funds can be better used in Lapland.

We then have about 90 minutes before we arrive in the town of Ausland.  It is known for its quaint art nouveau buildings and art work on many buildings. Our tour guide walks us around the city, there are 2-3 heavy snow showers.  Our stay is limited to 2 hours to allow us to comfortably board well prior to our scheduled 3.00pm departure.

This calls for nnovation and we find a beautiful bakery where we enjoy cappuccino and a circle bun.  Just superb, then a walk around several narrow lanes before returning at 2.40pm. The ship departs at 3.00 pm, with the next port scheduled at 6.00pm, when we are scheduled for our group dinner. 

The view from the Troll Lounge with its panoramic windows.  Snow and Ice on the western faces of the cliffs, mountains and fjords.  But on the east side or port side where the land is sheltered as we sail through, it is green. 

This afternoon has brought spectacular scenery, breathtaking contrasts especially familiar in this Nordic region, but our guide says it doesn’t compare to the beauty above the arctic circle in particular Lapland.

15th Voss to Bergen by Train.

This morning the weather has turned nasty with a cold change and heavy snow.

We packed following breakfast and will check out of Fleischer’s Hotel at 12.00 and our train is at 13.46pm travelling Voss to Bergen the second largest city within Norway with a population of 275,000 approximately.

As the morning has progressed the weather has deteriorated with heavy snow now falling.

We pack and depart the famed Fleischer’s Hotel here in Voss to enable us to catch the 1.48 train from Voss to Bergen.  The train is running 10 minutes late due to snow on the line. 

Our Carriage is 6 with seats 11 and 12 and the train is heavily booked.  Our trip takes about 1 hour15 minutes to Bergen through some extremely beautiful scenery of lakes, mountains and everything in between. 

It is enjoyable trip and we see further stunning scenery and very rough hard Country. 

We arrive at Bergen a delightful city of about 275,000 people.

The Station is covered and it is raining steadily. 

We try to get a cab but the driver of the Herdi Gruiten bus sees us ushers us across the road, to the bus, loads our luggage and then collects the fee and drops us off T our hotel the Clarion Admiralty in a terrific location. 

We are quickly checked in for our 2 nights.  We find it very comfortable, small compact rooms.

It is a very comfortable Hotel, we decide to eat in house this evening, frightfully expensive, but an enjoyable meal of steak, vegetables, glass of wine .

We have enjoyed our trip from Voss to Bergen and getting settled and discussing our plans for tomorrow.  We are n bed asleep well before 10.30pm. 

13th and 14th Norway in a Nutshell Spectaular Cruise on Sognefjord Fjord

A leisurely breakfast was followed by return to our hotel room to complete our packing, then checkout and to wait our entry to the Ferry.  This was a surprise as outwardly it looked like any normal ferry, but once on board we find a large comfortable boat, with the very latest in cutout, very comfortable seating and extreme quietness.  We find out that we are on the latest electrical powered battery operated ferry.  Very impressive.  We spend the next 2 plus hours out in the largest Fjord.

On the fjord cruise between Flam and Gudvangen we sail past the beautiful village of Undredal with Scandinavia’s smallest stave church, and the mountain farm Stegen, which is situated 300 steep metres above sea level before our boat enters the narrow Naeroyfjorg.  This arm of the Sognefjord is one of the narrowest and perhaps the most dramatic fjord in Europe.

The whole fjord area is a conservation area and is included in UNESCO World heritage listing. 

The journey continues through the mountainous Naerodalen Valley before arriving at the spectacular Stalheimskleiva Road which twists and turns Dow the steep 13 hairpin turns offering wonderful views over several large frozen waterfalls. But our bus only took some of this road because of winter snow and we journeyed down most of the new road, still picturesque.

We arrived at Voss Central Station bus terminal walked 100 metres to the back door of Fleischer famous hotel. 

It is a stunning old railway hotel. 

We are staying two nights at the famed Fleischer Hotel here in Vos. 

The hotel is a stunning older building and was clearly the stopover point for many wealthy people from Kings, Queens, senior politicians, military leaders visiting Norway after arrival at Berlin making the initial journey to Vos before tackling the mountains and fjords on the way to Oslo and broader European cities.

We said goodbye to Australian friends from the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, who are cruising from Bergen on Viking Sky. 

Jeanette and Ken went for a long walk to the lake, took photos, threw some snowballs, came back for late lunch, Ken enjoyed an afternoon nap.

The beautiful old building which houses the famed Fleischers Hotel. 

The famed “thunderbox” still retains a priority position amongst historical items. 

The Hotel has been beautifully restored and modernised.  Our room has beautiful views over Voss lake. 

Dinner tonight at7.00pm.

Tomorrow morning is again leisurely before we check out and catch the Bergen train at approximately 1.46 pm.

12th March Oslo to Flam Norway

Neither of us thought we were tired but we slept well and 6.00am came about very quickly.  We showered and dressed and were downstairs by 7.00am for an enjoyable breakfast.

We checked out from the Comfort Hotel after 2 great days and a lovely meal at Olivia last night. 

Our weather to date has been perfect with clear blue skies, but it is forecast to change with a strong change arriving mid morning and there is a sharp wind. As we leave the hotel it is 1 degree Celsius.  But we are told to expect a whole set of wintry weather.

We arrive early for the 8.25am train from Oslo to Bergen but our station is Myrdal arriving at 12.58 and then we are to take the Flam Railway from Myrdal to Flam. 

This is a very comfortable intercity express train. We are in carriage 7 seats 11 and 12 and the first hour is relaxed and quite pleasant with the sun trying to shine through the clouds, but by 9.45 am we start to run into a very strong storm which only gets stronger with blizzard conditions and a heavy snow storm.

Suffice to say it is spectacularly beautiful, we get a range of amazing photos, but it threatens our afternoon on the world famous Flam Railway. It is getting heavier as we approach Myrdal where we are required to change trains.

We left the warm shell of our train to drag our cases 76 metres through snow and a snow storm and boarded the Flam Railway in atrocious conditions. 

The train travels slowly over the 45 miles and 28 hairpin bends.. We stopped on 2 occasions to alight the train for spectacular photo opportunities not sabotaged by the inclement weather.

It has been a wonderful Train trip from Oslo, but we are naturally disappointed that the snow storm has shielded us from the majestic beauty of the Flam Valley.

We reach Flam, the snow storm has diminished, we stop at the Information centre get directions to our hotel. We walk with our luggage through the sludge and snow, check n and we are delighted.  The hotel is just lovely, functional, comfortable etc. 

Jeanette unpacks our gear for tomorrow, we then go to Flam Bakery for a coffee, biscuit and muffin. We then go for a pleasant walk around the end of the Fyjord but the snow recommences. 

Dinner tonight is at the Pub restaurant next door. 

It has been a day of stunning scenery which has been enhanced by the snow storm and blizzards. 

The meal at the Flam pub brewery is very special. The building is a unique timber structure with the brewery out back of the bar area.  There is a sunken area with a roaring fire then upstairs is a stylish restaurant.  We enjoy a main course of burger followed by delicious desserts.

We then depart the pub brewery in a heavy snow shower, walk 75 metres through the sludge. 

We have enjoyed a very special day. Disappointed that the beauriful Flam  Valley was hidden in the snow storm, but exhilarated by the wonderful scenery.