Wednesday, August 30, 2006

SAS delays

I don't know what the problem is -- SAS doesn't fly through Heathrow -- but every SAS flight I've been on lately has been delayed.

This time, my Copenhagen-Chicago flight is 3-1/2 hours delayed (30 August) and I'm sure to miss my connecting flight at O'Hare. On the way over here (14 August), my Chicago-Copenhagen took off late, and I missed my connection to Bergen.

Flying is definitely a game of chance these days.

Thursday, August 24, 2006

Oslo


After a week of almost uninhabited (and almost uninhabitable) wilderness, Oslo is a welcome shock of urban chaos - especially as university students from around the world are gathering for the start of the fall semester.

Besides, the smorgasbord lunch at the Grand Hotel has desserts (like this one) that shouldn't be missed!

Tuesday, August 22, 2006

King Neptune's visit

Last evening in the lounge, King Neptune presented certificates to all of us who'd successfully made the crossing -- of the Arctic Circle. We're now headed to Norway's North Cape, the most northerly (more or less) point on the European continent.

Monday, August 21, 2006

Norwegian Coastal Voyage Day 4


Good weather means smooth sailing here along the western coast of Norway north of the Arctic Circle.

How many ways can one say stupendous scenery? White-tailed eagles soaring overhead, coalfish leaping from the water, mountains plunging into fjords.

Everything idyllic and peaceful until the Norwegian Air Force jets scream overhead. Then one remembers how close it is to Russian territory.

Saturday, August 12, 2006

Cooked a midwestern summer dinner for visitors from India tonight -- corn on the cob, chicken drumsticks, tomatoes and zucchini.

So nice to be able to reciprocate -- at least in part -- for their hosting me in Assam last November!