May 30~Dublin to Oslo~

Today is my birthday and I can't believe that I am spending it on a vacation in Europe. We are in Dublin this morning but will be flying out to Oslo, Norway in the afternoon.  Driving has been the most stressful part of our trip so far.  It is so different driving on the opposite side of the road especially on roads that were never meant for tour busses and automobiles.  At one point last evening we were on the right side of the road, which is actually the wrong side of the road and headed into three lanes of oncoming traffic in downtown Dublin.  Driving in Dublin was a nightmare.  We stayed at the Buswell Hotel.  Last night we had dinner at the Pig's Ear.  By the name, I assumed it would be another pub, but instead it was a 4 star restaurant.

The Buswell Hotel in Dublin, Ireland

Heading to Oslo on Norwegian Air

 Our flight to Norway was relatively short and we arrived early in the afternoon.  The airport is about 22 miles from Oslo and we decided to hire a taxi instead of trying to navigate the public transit system.  We were picked up by a large 15 passenger van and it was money well spent.  We were staying at the Chateau Apartments located in what appeared to be a university area. The apartment was a 3 bedroom, 2 bath and had a kitchen and living space.  It was clean and served our needs quite nicely for a reasonable price. We were near a square that included a small restaurant, Dognyvill, that served gourmet hamburgers and homemade milkshakes and a market that sold fruit, pastries and ice cream.  When we got back to the apartment Trish had a small carrot cupcake with candles, everyone sang happy birthday and we enjoyed our pastries from the market.  It was a very Happy Birthday indeed. Tomorrow we have to be at the train station for an 8:05 departure for our Norway in a Nutshell Tour.

Lily wanted to sleep in the closet at the apartment

In the morning we caught the Tram to take us to the train station

Oslo's Central Train Station

Luke with a statue in front of the station

Inside the station

We took a train similar to this one

Right on time.