Today we check in with Sue, our Norwegian Experience winner to see how her first couple of days in Norway have gone. Thanks to Borton Overseas, she spent Monday and Tuesday of this week visiting the beautiful cities of Oslo and Balestrand. Let’s see what all she’s done so far.

SofN: Hi, Sue! I know you spent your first day in Norway on a private, guided tour of Oslo. What did you see and do?

SB: Oslo tour was great! We went to the Holmenkollen ski jump. It was a amazing to see. Then onto Vigeland Park. Seeing the two circles of life–one of granite and one of bronze. The Viking Ship Museum is a must see in Oslo. Interesting artifacts. We got to walk on the roof of the Opera House and enjoy sights of the city from a higher point of view. The Akerhus Fortress had a cannon salute for the Prince’s 42 birthday! City Hall had many beautiful story telling paintings that filled entire walls.

SofN: That all sounds amazing! What was your favorite part of the tour?

SB: The Viking Museum was definitely our favorite. Our guide shared lots of information about the artifacts.

SofN: Were you able to find some time to enjoy all the shopping options that Oslo had to offer?

SB: Absolutely! We did some shopping for loved ones back home and then had a vaffle with strawberries from a street vendor.

SofN: So, after spending Monday in Oslo, I believe you went to Balestrand on Tuesday, right? Did you take the Flåm Railway for part of the trip?

SB: We did! The Flåm Railway was really fun. Lots of beautiful waterfalls and a special dance from a Huldra! It was also fun to see snow in July when we reached the top of the mountain!

SofN: So, once you arrived in Balestrand, did you have fun on your guided tour there?

SB: Unfortunately our Balestrand tour guide was ill, but we made the best of it and ventured out on our own. We found a few art galleries and walked around the pretty fjord city.

SofN: I believe Borton Overseas made reservations for you at the Kviknes hotel in Balestrand, right?

SB: Yes! The Historic Kviknes Hotel is beautiful. We had a room with a view of the fjord and the food was wonderful. The buffets were really good with my favorites being the flat bread and rice pudding. My husband loved the desserts! I would definitely stay again when traveling in the area.

SofN: Wonderful! Ok, before we go, what has been your favorite part of the trip so far?

SB: Our favorite part so far is seeing the fjords and the mountains. Pictures cannot begin to show the majesty and the beauty that you can see firsthand.

Thanks again for this once in a lifetime chance to visit the land of our ancestors!

Be sure to check back for more about Norwegian Experience trip! Also, be sure to visit our travel partners website at www.bortonoverseas.com–and remember they offer a 5% discount to all Sons of Norway members.