May 17th is the Norwegian national holiday celebrating the signing of their constitution. We were lucky enough to have Jean's Uncle Johnny and his friend Mitchell visit us for 3 days before hand and join in the celebration with us.
After showing them around town we took them to the Holmenkollen Ski jump, unfortunately the summit was closed but we we all road the ski jump simulator. On May 17th we got up early to have a large breakfast (in keeping with Norwegian tradition) before heading downtown to see the parade. We watch the parade at a few places, enjoying the crowd atmosphere and costumes as much as the parade. Before heading to the main viewing area in front of the palace. We found seats on bleachers directly in front of the palace and kept moving closer and closer as people left until eventually we had the seats front and center with a great view of the Royal Family! The parade was filled with children and bands from all the local school and everyone (including the crowd) was wearing the traditional Bunad clothing or dressed up in suits and dresses.
Eventually we left the parade and walked towards the Cathedral, it was closed so we stopped for ice cream and went to an outdoor festival with beer and music. We had a good time there along with our friend Christine and her visiting friend who we met during the parade. After a few round we said goodbye to Christine and went to our dinner reservation on Aker Brygge. It was a great dinner and a perfect way to close the day.
Click here for more photos.
After showing them around town we took them to the Holmenkollen Ski jump, unfortunately the summit was closed but we we all road the ski jump simulator. On May 17th we got up early to have a large breakfast (in keeping with Norwegian tradition) before heading downtown to see the parade. We watch the parade at a few places, enjoying the crowd atmosphere and costumes as much as the parade. Before heading to the main viewing area in front of the palace. We found seats on bleachers directly in front of the palace and kept moving closer and closer as people left until eventually we had the seats front and center with a great view of the Royal Family! The parade was filled with children and bands from all the local school and everyone (including the crowd) was wearing the traditional Bunad clothing or dressed up in suits and dresses.
Eventually we left the parade and walked towards the Cathedral, it was closed so we stopped for ice cream and went to an outdoor festival with beer and music. We had a good time there along with our friend Christine and her visiting friend who we met during the parade. After a few round we said goodbye to Christine and went to our dinner reservation on Aker Brygge. It was a great dinner and a perfect way to close the day.
Click here for more photos.
