Visit to Kristiansand , Norway 31 August 2022

Well after the drama of our luggage and the transfer by taxi to the Port and then boarding, we enjoyed a superb first evening with Dinner in the Grand Dining room. We sat with a couple from USA and had a relaxing meal, then a walk around the ship . We stopped at the Theatrte, listened to part of the welcome aboard show with the Cruise director, an Australian from Tasmania and some singing and dancing. But we were a little tired. Ken was still sore from yesterday’s fall.

We slept very well in the heavenly bed and woke to another perfect day and we has berthed in the Port of Kristiansand a busy fishing port.

We had decided to have a relatively quiet day, walk through the town , see The Old Town - Posebyen, take in the charming timber clad houses all neatly restored and maintained. The north-eastern part of Posebeyn is home to one of the largest collections of Northern Europe’s old low rise timber homes.

After leaving the ship we crossed several narrow bridges into the township and enjoyed a visit to a traditional fish market … The Fiskebrygga fish market is one of Kristiansands most idyllic spots with a wide selection of of marine delicasies including shell fish and oysters which are cooked in a variety of styles.. They are doing a great trade with the passengers from our ship and another ferry also enjoying it all.We sampled salmon and several other fish and enjoyed sitting in the sunshine in the quay area and watching the many small vessels pass by.

From here we walked into the centre of township and and saw Kristiansand Cathedral a beautiful Non gothic cathedral built in 1884. simply a n impressive building taking prode of place in the Centre of the square.

From here Jeanette decides to sit and relax and her knee is playing up.

Ken walks for about a mile to the other end of the township through the many beautiful wooden homes, which have been painstakingly and lovingly restored. We pass the Kilden Performing Arts Centre, which is a striking new bulding of stunning architectural design , We spend quite some time in the open parkland of Odderoya Museum Harbour and Parklands . We pass the CannonMuseum, at Movik World War 11 fortress, just outside the city centre. Here stands the world’s second largest cannon installed on land. We then walk a short distance and go to Baneheia, a recreational area with open seating , walking trails and great views overlooking the town.

We explore the beautiful Ravnedalen Park, with great view over the town, park and Harbour and is ideal on such a perfect day.

There are also a variety of Museums and WW11 displays.

We have had an enjoyable morning and early afternoon , but decide to return to the ship for lunch.

We have a pleasnat 20 miunte walk back to the ship, where we decide to eat in Waves outdoor restaurant and enjoy such.

Agood start.

We relax in the afternoon with all aboard at 3.15pm for a 4.oo pm departure.

The locals do put on a musical sailaway, which is enjoyable.