unseemlygamer

I don't usually use my camera in the rain - excuse any drops you see.

Now we're going up close to the rocks.

Day 7 - Stavanger

Today is our last port of call - Stavanger. While a handful of passengers went on the excursion to go up to Pulpit Rock, I took the Lysefjord cruise that would show it to you from below.

The ferry line used for this excursion is Rødne Fjord Cruise. It's cheaper to book through this ferry line, but a guaranteed return to the ship is worth the higher cruise line price.

Weather was less than ideal today. It was pouring when our excursion headed out to the ferry. I stayed inside and didn't start taking pictures until the rain slowed down. Not to mention I wasn't wearing my raincoat.

I can't imagine what it would've been like for those hiking today. On a clear and sunny day, this would probably be much better, but at least there were times when it wasn't raining so badly, and I liked everything we saw. For the record, I took too many pictures to really post them all here. 

I must say, this was an interesting experience. It's not an exact copy of the movie that I'm used to. While it's definitely in the style of it, I got a taste of something new that I would only see in these Broadway productions. There was no feeling of confusion here. 

Has anyone else seen a certain movie before attending a play that the movie was based on? Oftentimes it's the other way around.

We also got to hang around with some cast members after the show. I can recall having a picture taken of us.

Wrapping up the day, would I come to Skjolden again? I'm a little disappointed to have gone there instead of Flåm, but Skjolden was for sure a somewhat hidden gem.

Tomorrow is the last port of call, Stavanger, where I will be on the Lysefjord cruise. Thanks everyone for reading along so far!

Hopelessly Devoted to You, as you can see. Also written for the film. Sandy is American here, just like the original play. Regardless, she does a fantastic job with this song. 

Beauty School Dropout.

Sandy. 

And finally, You're the One That I Want.

We Go Together also comes earlier on, rather than at the very end.

What was this one? 

Tonight was one of two performances of Grease, which Harmony also has. 2018 is the 40th anniversary of the movie, specifically. That release, as far as I've heard, restores everything from the original 1978 release. The 20th anniversary ought to be inferior. 

Being used to the movie, this was my first time really seeing the play.

I booked the Insider's View, which includes VIP seating, an autographed cast photo, etc. Before the show, you get a choice between two drinks: the Pink Lady and the Thunderbird, I think. One's alcoholic, the other is not. Being that I don't drink, I got the latter.

I don't think "Grease" was in the original play, but adaptations such as this one use certain songs written for the movie.

Summer Nights.

Those Magic Changes is heard earlier on in the play.

One of my favorite numbers - Greased Lightning.

I must say, no two fjords look alike! What could be behind this village - mere mountains, or another fjord?

OK, why did I just say mere? 

Just look at how blue the water is!

Dinner time! I believe the waiter recommended the prime rib tonight, which was what I had. No pink (medium-well), as you can see.

I liked this dish, though I ran into a passenger who didn't. What do you think of the prime rib on Royal?

And then of course I went back outside.

1 minute ago, emdia43 said:

Can I ask, how did you manage to book a room alone if you were only 20? 

Well, you only have to be 18 to sail alone from Europe. I paid for at least part of this cruise.

4pm - sailing out of the Sognefjord!

I just realized this, but it looks like we were passing Nes again.

Before I forget, this one was taken on my phone. To be honest, that captures better quality images than my normal camera (I've been using the same Handycam for 2 years). Even so, can that do this fjord justice?

... 

...

I didn't think so.

There's the ship. 

The fjord ends within 20 meters, or 65 feet.

Aside from the wasps around this particular area, what can you say? It's so peaceful here in Skjolden.

People were throwing rocks in the water, and I had a little fun with that too. I heard one person dared to try swimming in it. I wouldn't have done that, but I gave the water a touch, and even in the summer, the Sognefjord is very cold.

Around 2:30pm, I made my way back to the ship.

An indoor pool, seen from upstairs. According to Skjolden's website, guests staying at the Skjolden hotel have free access to this pool. Otherwise, you can buy a ticket. 30 degrees C (86 F) in the air. In the pool it's 28C (82F).  

I couldn't remember what this was at first. It appears to be a souvenir shop with locally produced handicraft and gifts. 

Further down the fjord. There were kids playing over there. 

By the end of the cruise, I had this much to take home. A week later I tried it all on my YouTube channel.

You might come across this tourist centre.

Some things that are in there include a rock wall.

A café. You can get baked goods, lunch or dinner, and a lot of people were getting ice cream here. 

I wandered around Skjolden for the last few hours.

Elvheim. What is this place?

Skjolden Hotel. 

I got more Norwegian candy from this Coop supermarket. To my surprise, this place, like some other shops I've been to around here, accepted US$, pounds, Euros, etc. Is that typical of souvenir shops around Europe?

For now, enjoy these pictures of the drive back to Skjolden. See you there!

This church has Celtic, Viking and Romanesque influences.

Before it was time to go, I spent some time taking in the serene surroundings.

Heading back to Skjolden on another narrow road. But the day isn't over yet for me.

There aren't a lot of windows. Without this one, it would be dark in here, especially during long winter nights.

Some writing. 

The Urnes Stave Church may be in a smaller area of Norway, but it's a world heritage site.

To get to the church, we had to take a ferry. When we stopped, I took a photo of the Walaker Hotell, the oldest family-run hotel in Norway.

Now for the most exciting part - the ferry ride.

Usually it doesn't look the best when trees cover up a picture I'm taking, but at the right time, it can make for majestic views.

Especially here. I think those are clouds coming off on the right.

Quick photo stop in the village of Nes.

What could be all the way over there?

Now we were driving by Hafslo.