Oslo

Got the opportunity to travel to Oslo a couple weeks ago. I've always wanted to visit the formerly most expensive city in the world (I think Japan's been retaining the crown the past several years). I got the chance to come out to for about a week for some work training since we have an office in downtown Oslo. I rode the train in to town from the airport. Good thing I did because one of my colleagues cabbed it in for like 900 kroners or around $150 USD.

Stayed at the Grand Oslo Hotel which is smack dab in the center of town:

The Square

In my spare time after work, I explored the city a bit. Dropped by this impressive Opera House:

View Outside

Inside

The National Theater:

A beautiful fountain next to the National Theater:

Roundabout in the center of the city:

Back in my days in Shanghai, we had these 2 Norwegian guys Mikkel and Thomas on our bball team Da Ba Zhe (20% off, common bargaining term). Mikkel lives right in downtown Oslo as well so was able to meet up with him for a couple nights. He showed me around a couple of notable sites around the city.

Sculpture Park - beautiful park with tons of folks jogging

Holmenkollbakken Ski Jump

Side

Downhill

Got the opportunity to grub on Rudolph burgers (reindeer):

Walking out the East side of town, the "hipster" area:

Did you know Scandinavians love pizza?! (and they're good at making it too!) We hit up this awesome pizza joint, wood fire oven pizza and everything, very good:

Finishing the night off with some more brews at a micro-brewery:

In general, I was really impressed with Oslo. I thought it was a very charming, sophisticated city. The beautiful architecture, the cleanliness, layout of the city, and transportation system were all very impressive. The weather was probably around 50F when I went so it was a little chilly but a refreshing chilly. I definitely want to make it back some day and check out the slopes. But first on the list for slopes is the Alps ;-)

-BLT out