Baltic Heatwave as ship turns North! Go figure!

We had planned on the sun and heat in Spain and France but instead are experiencing Mediterranean weather in the Baltic.

We sailed from Southampton on a beautiful bluebird warm summer like day. This entire region is now experiencing unexpected warm weather rather unheard of in Late May and early June.

Our first stop was Oslo, Norway. After the ship enters the straight its a two hour journey through the Fjords to reach the capitol of Norway. It ranks up there with sailing into Venice or seeing the black hills of Montenegro with the sun setting on them. Just incredible. Small homes and villages dot the shoreline. It all looks so idyllic in the summer sun but reality of long, cold winters with minimal daylight hours reminds you of the true hardiness of people who call this part of the world home. Reading my book, eating this breakfast as we sail in was a perfect way to spend the morning

Oslo is rich in history and Viking lore and also the home of the famous KonTiki raft. The numerous Maritime museums gave us a rich understanding and respect for these hearty and super healthy people who live their lives on the sea. Our guide pointed out that Norwegians eat dinner around 4 pm so that they can go out and run, bike and exercise after.

We are heading toward the longest day of year, summer solstice and the sun is still attempting to set at midnight.

Copenhagen !

One of our all time favorite cities, Copenhagen was also enjoying the best weather ever on record. 90 degrees and we set out on foot to retrace our 2014 trip steps to the little mermaid, then to the city center where boats, bikes and people jostle together. It was crowded for a Tuesday and we soon learned it was a national holiday so every Dane was out enjoying the incredible weather. We sat in one of many waterside bars, drank ice cold beer and watched the parade go by! Picture perfect day.

we just love Copenhagen, home of Tivoli gardens and Hans Christian Anderson. The irony was not lost on me when i noticed a family of swans swimming around the famous little mermaid statue. The baby ‘ ugly ducklings’ were all grey but so , so sweet.