Day 11 - Sunday, July 31 - In Oslo - glassblowing

 A bit overcast but comfortable.

We had a little over an hour drive through the countryside to the Hadeland Glassverk. As we got closer to the western coast, it wasn't as mountainous and there were larger farms with fields of grain. Our guide said that as a consequence of the war in Ukraine which supplies much of the wheat in Norway, farmers were being asked to plant wheat instead of other crops this year.

The Hadeland Glassverk has been a glassblowing factory since 1752. Initially it made mostly utilitarian bottles and glassware but in the 1800s decided that it was more profitable to make higher end products like fine crystal glassware, some of which was provided to the royal family. Today it is used by glass artists to make showpiece articles, some of which were on display in the museum along with historic pieces.

The highlight was being able to try glassblowing (with considerable assistance from the staff!) small glasses. There were also shops where one could buy glassware and ornamental pieces.

It was another hour drive back to the ship. The room is supplied with complimentary sparkling white wine which we enjoyed on our balcony overlooking the fortress. The ship departed around 6 and we sailed out the 60 mile-long fjord into the open North Sea.

We went to an interesting lecture by a guest professor on the origins of the English language from the Jutes, Angles and Saxons who traveled to England in the years 400-500. He was quite an engaging speaker, a real contrast to the other professor who spoke about German history which was quite disappointing.

Our glassware (straighter than it appears in the photo)









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