Day 10:  Bergen
One of the optional tours that was a must-do for me was to Edvard Grieg's summer house, Troldhaugen (Trolls Hill) so I left Peter in peace and quiet and joined our select group of 7 Grieg fans to be taken by coach to have what surely must be a highlight of the trip. We left early in the morning and were waiting on site as they were unlocking the gates. It was an extraordinarily magical morning for Bergen at a clear, 17 degrees and not a breath of wind. Our guide has been in her job since 1983 and now wears  several medals awarded by the city for her services to tourism. She is a passionate  admirer of Grieg and delighted in sharing her knowledge in such tranquility. It was the 175th anniversary of Greig's birth earlier this month so there have been many concerts given throughout the city. Just standing there in the environment  which was so inspirational to this great composer was a great honour. The views across the Lake were breath taking. Ibsen asked Grieg to write the music for his play "Peer Gynt " so I learned much more about these two writers whom I have revered for so many decades.

We returned to the city bustle and were joined by many of our tour group for a walking tour of the 11th century UNESCO World Heritage site  led by this same guide. By then of course tourists were out and about but the tourist cruise boats had departed thank goodness so we were able to see the major features of this site without having cutesie wives and children defacing every building and artefact. It is completely beyond me to understand why men insist on standing every family member to be photographed in front of every treasure, thus obliterating them.

The tour ended at one of the historic buildings converted to a restaurant which served yet another scrumptious meal with wine. We have
not been offered a pickled herring yet. Then we were allowed an hour of shopping before we were to board the bus to return to our hotel. Fortunately  Peter had taken our guide' s contact number so he was able to text her and tell her we would not be boarding the bus. We will never be in Bergen again so wanted the afternoon  to explore in the sunshine.