The old tram

This is not a common sight in Oslo. It's the first and only time I've seen one of these really old trams. You may remember the photos of one of the more modern trams (called "trikk" in Norwegian) that we've showed you earlier. These are a common sight in the center of Oslo, but this old one was probably only used for a short time. It would be really cool to be able to ride it!

I don't know how old this tram is, but I'll try to find out.

Edit: I've already got help from a friend, who sent me this link (only Norwegian). It says that this is a veteran tram called "70". It was built in Hamburg, Germany, and was delivered in 1913. It was in use until 1968, and was restored for the 100th anniversary of running electrical trams in 1994.

The tram can be rented for parties, making of movies, weddings etc. There is room for 52 passengers in the first motor car and 52 passengers in the towed vehicle.

What a great idea for a special party!

Photos by: Lothiane

Schweigaards gate - blue and white

I love the colour of this building!

(It was raining, hence the raindrop on the lense on the first photo.)


Photos by: Lothiane

Schweigaards gate - the Man U flag

Across the street of the little art gallery, I saw this Man U flag waving from a window...

Photo: Lothiane

Schweigaards gate 88

This is Schweigaards gate (street) number 88, where you'll find a small art gallery. It can be rented by artists who would like to display their art.

I was there to take a look at the exhibition "X" by Maria Gjerpe.

You may remember her photo "Lovely winter day" from January this year.

Photo by: Lothiane

Ullern kirke

Ullern church, in Oslo, built in 1903. It has room for 800 people. I was just there, attending a beautiful wedding.

Photos by: Lothiane

Freiauret

The first electric billboard in Oslo, first lit the day before Christmas Eve in 1909. Hated by some, loved by others. The clock came later (1925). When it's dark, the billboard will light up, as you can see in this YouTube video. It's a landmark here, you can see it from far away. In the evenings I can see this from my balcony, and I live about 8 kilometers away.

Freia is a Norwegian chocolate factory. If you ever visit, you should have a taste of it!

Soon to graduate from high school

I met these two happy girls on Karl Johan, and they let me take their photo. You may wonder about their clothes, but this is typical clothing for graduating students this time of year. They're called "Russ", and they usually dress in red or blue costumes (depending on what kind of high school they're attending).

Time for flowers

This man is planting flowers along the main street of Oslo; Karl Johan.

Spring is here, turn on the water!

In the background behind the trees, you can (barely) see the Parliament building. This photo is from the little park called "Spikersuppa" where this fountain is waiting to be filled with water. It should happen soon, we've had such wonderful weather the past few weeks.

Photo by: Lothiane

New Holmenkollen ski jump

Happy Easter to everyone!

The weather here in Oslo has been lovely all Easter, and according to yr.no's weather forecast, we'll continue to have sunny and warm weather in the coming days.

Today's photo is of the new Holmenkollen ski jump. You can see what the old ski jump looked like here.

Photo taken by: Lothiane's son

Golden

Yesterday's golden view of Oslo.

Photo by: Lothiane

Blue

The photo was taken near the castle (Akershus festning). Walking down these stairs would take you in the direction of the city hall, and the shopping area "Aker brygge".

Photo by: Lothiane

Akerselva

The Akerselva river runs through Oslo from Maridalsvannet and exits in the Oslo fjord by the new opera house. The river is 8-9 kilometers long, and along it runs a nice walkway system for those who enjoy hiking.

I've thought of walking by the river for a long time, and the other day I got the chance to walk along the river for a little while. It's really nice, and obviously lots of people enjoy this area.


Photos by: Lothiane

Bankplassen

This used to be the main office for "Norges Bank" (central bank of Norway), situated at Bankplassen opposite of Engebret Cafe, from yesterday's post.

The building is from 1906 and was the main office until Norges Bank moved into new premises in a larger building nearby in 1986. From 1990 the building has been the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Photo by: Lothiane

Engebret Cafe

This is the oldest restaurant in Oslo (that is still serving). It's from 1857 and used to be the meeting place for actors and actresses from the Christiania Theater back in the old days.

Engebret is situated on "Bankplassen" (the bank square) and is definitely worth a look inside. Unfortunately, the prices are so high that I can't afford to eat there, but I did enjoy something cold to drink.



Photos by: Lothiane

For football lovers

I haven't watched even one minute of the World Cup, but lots of people love to follow every minute of it. When the weather is nice, like now, it's probably very nice to sit outside in the sun and watch the matches on a huge screen. This is from the castle, Akershus festning, in Oslo center.



Photos by: Lothiane

Red moon

I took this from my balcony only a few minutes ago. Lovely evening, although a bit cold. But the moon is nice!

New piece of art outside the opera house

The piece is called 'Hun ligger' (She Lies) by Monica Bonvicini.

The sculpture is 12 meter tall and weighs 335 tons (the sculpture alone is 35 tons, then the pontoon/float weighs 300 tons).

- She Lies is meant to be a monument about change, longing and hope. A monument about construction: its beauty and its implicit visions, the beauty of the un-done as a permanent state of change . (Monica Bonvicini)

According to the artist, she has "translated" the painting 'Das Eismeer' (1823-24) by Caspar David Friedrich.

The sculpture will be properly unveiled by the Norwegian Queen Sonja, on Tuesday May 11th 2010.




Photos by: Lothiane

Happy New Year!

We wish you all the best in 2010! :)

New Holmenkollen

Do you remember what it looked like after they tore down the old Holmenkollen ski jump? They have been working on the site for a long time now, and just recently I could see this new construction. Still a long way to go, but at least more visible progression now. :-)

About Holmenkollen ski jump.