All Our Bags Are Packed!: May 2026

Monday, May 25, 2026

Europe Blog # 14: Stavenger, Norway

Getting ready to explore a small town

Historical homes: Brown was the original color. When homeowners could afford the cost, the homes were painted white.

The town has a cute, historical harbor

Like years ago, cargo ships are docked in front of today's homes and businesses.

Small cobblestone streets with steep pathways going up and down was worth the trek.

Cute mailboxes

Pretty flowers contrast the gloomy day

Look carefully on the right: Interesting things to see

Contrasting architecture

These girls happened to be walking by - willing to pose

This was a special town to explore

More manholes

Home owners go out of their way to make a pretty garden. There is an underlying reason. Norway has a lot of rain and almost total darkness for three months out of the year. Flowers and gardens help cheer people up.

Stepping into history

Cute home decoration

Our guide commented she had visitors opening up the doors of people's homes thinking this area was actually a museum!

Plenty of cobblestones to navigate. Slippery when walking downhill

Outdoor seating comes with heavy-duty blankets--even during summertime.

Metal plates help the blind navigate through the city

The city was built in 900 AD; the church around 1120 AD

Plenty of local color

This was an unexpected treat. Halfway through the tour we were met with needed umbrellas and local made (the best) pure apple juice.

As a tourist attraction, the town has a wonderful museum dedicated to the petroleum industry.

Oil is typically found in porous rock. The large equipment is an old-tech device used to repair underground cables, pipes and other items.

These displays indicate what is found by depth and temperature as well as the different thicknesses of oil products.

These "live" minute by minute readings indicate price of oil/barrel

Some of the many types of drill bits

Every conceivable type of oil-related ships and offshore platforms are displayed

These cement platforms are towed in the ocean to a designated location.

Many accidents and lost lives have occurred. There are environmental issues. But, the industry provides jobs and the money generated per capita is enormous. Also, even though hydrogen fuel, solar and wind industries continue to move forward as fast as possible, drilling is also moving at a fast clip!

Scuba divers used to go to deep depths to repair something. Now, robots are doing the job.

By the way: Jerry has worked with all of the companies supporting the petroleum industry: surveying, drilling, pipelines, processing, controls, onshore as well as offshore.

Colorful seaport area

Nobel peace prize recipients can put their feet into cement -- much like actors at the Grauman's Chinese Theater in Hollywood.

Trolls are everywhere

1825 replica of a ship bringing the first Norwegians to the United States.

Sunday, May 24, 2026

Europe Blog # 13: Oslo

We visited three museums today:

Norwegian Thor Heyerdahl led a 1947 expedition from Peru to Polynesia - He wanted to prove the possibility of people living years in ago in South America could populate the South Pacific.

Heyerdahl and friends hand-built this balsa wood raft. They traveled about 6000 miles.

They used a small transmitter to stay in touch with the mainland. Carried coconuts, potatoes, fruits and vegetables along with containers filled with water

At times the seas were rough

Initially, there was a question if they would run out of food. There was more fish than they could eat; some of which "jumped" onto the boat

They were very fortunate. A large whale shark swam underneath and could have capsized the boat

This underwater basket was used for "bathroom" purposes and washing.

The crew "took" and/or was "gifted" these items. Easter Island and the Chilean government is negotiating with the museum to get some of these items back. Note: Heyerdahl received an Oscar for the Kon- Tiki movie. (Jerry read "Kon Tiki" when he was a teenager).

RA II

Heyerdahl wanted to prove ancient civilizations could have crossed the Atlantic in papyrus reed boats. This crew sailed about 4000 miles from Morocco to Barbados in 1970.

Museum # 2: Fram (Name of ship) A Norwegian expedition:

During the later 1800's and into the early 1900's, there was a race to be the first to reach the North Pole as well as the South Pole. Financial rewards as well as notoriety was the goal. Explorers died trying to reach the poles.

For the Fram and its crew, they were the first to reach the South Pole.

This is the real ship - not a replica. The small "windmill" was used to generate electricity for lightbulbs.

This was quite an amazing experience to walk the ship and explore the below decks.

Sailing into unchartered territory, dealing with underwater ice and getting stuck was a real threat.

Each crew member had his own cabin

Jerry had to walk carefully and try not to hit his head.

Every conceivable needed items was considered and put on board for a "just in case" situation. Carpenter tools, medical kits, extra food and sails, etc. were stowed for this long and treacherous voyage.

Continual tracking was critical!

Except for a lookout, everyone ate together and were entertained by someone playing the piano.

Many layers of clothing were worn to keep worm. Skis were used to search for fresh food.

Of course, the ship's captain was the most important member of the crew!

This was the "go to" drink on board!

Ultimately the ship was blocked by large ice flows/icebergs.

Dog sleds were used to transport the crew to the final destination.

About 135 dogs were used to pull sleds. The dog breed used was carnivorous. The dogs were used for their own food and there were three dogs remaining by the end of the expedition.

Engine room

The race to first reach the South Pole was won by the Fram expedition. Another group ended in failure. The leader died as did others by not adequately planning.