It's been some time since my last urban thread, having wrapped up my
Ecuador series nearly two months ago. I posted some other travel threads in the interim over in the General Photography section. Check them out if you haven't already:
Jordan,
Tanzania,
Kenya,
Rawanda
So far I've highlighted Africa, Asia, Australia and South America; now it's Europe's turn to be put on display. And as the continent edges ever closer to financial doomsday, what better time to start a multi-country tour of the old world and all its charm.
Kicking off my Euro Extravaganza tour with Norway. I couldn't decide where to start and the quiet country in the North seemed as good a place as any. I was there in September 2010 at the start of my trip around the world. Looking back at the photos I see a lot of rookie mistakes. I didn't really understand how to take people shots so most of the subject matter is landscape or architecture. I eventually figured out what I was doing but it took a lot of trial and error.
I visited Oslo and a small island community about 100 km outside Oslo on the coast. Oslo was smaller and quieter than I expected. Having been to Stockholm, I expected something similar. However, the historic center was pretty limited. Much of the old docks and industrial fishing areas were undergoing a revitalization. Modern hotels, condos and offices were under construction everywhere. One such building was offering condos at $2,000 / sq-ft. Much of Norway was expensive, maybe even the most expensive country I've visited. Even the small communities outside Oslo weren't much cheaper. Damn the Norse and their healthy economy!
Alright, that's enough intro... on with it.
I make these title slides for my flickr sets, thought I'd start including them.
Out on the coast, no sandy beaches, just smoothed and worn granite from extending and retreating ice sheets.
A giant pig puppet for an upcoming opera.
Inside the new opera house.
Oslo Pano... click for huge version... 7k x 2k (might not work)
Inside Oslo City Hall.
The fairly new Oslo Opera House.
An old viking boat, I think from 800 AD. Not too sure on that date.
The sun literally sets for hours which creates a huge window for sunset shots.
So that's Norway, lot's of harbors and beautiful skies. Next up... probably the Netherlands.
The only downside is that it is so expensive, even compared to Sweden.
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