Arrived in Oslo late afternoon, the central station is a mess outside but a short walk got us to our hotel. The Comfort Hotel which is modern, very convenient and comfortable enoughd Had a complimentary cup of tea and a council of war to decide where to eat. After consulting our guide book we decided on a seafood restaurant called Solsiden. It is rated as the perhaps the best of its type in Oslo and as it was our last night we were happy with the price guideline of £40 to £60. We enjoyed a gentle stroll down to the seafront past the old fortress and along the seafront and found the Solsiden restaurant perfectly situated with panoramic views over the sea, shipping and harbour. The place was packed on a Tuesday evening a good sign and we got the last table. We settled in with two small beers and took in the menu and the surroundings which were chic and modern. I particularly liked the large bar with the brigade of chefs working away behind it which gave a great atmosphere complemented by the 200 + diners, a happening place.

We both chose the same meal and had a bottle of 2006 Chablis, Vielles Vignes, Domaine George to wash it down with which for Norway was reasonably priced at £47.50. The starter of marinaded salmon and sweet roe was extremely good, though not over generous in portion size it certainly left you wanting more which is perhaps a good thing. Our main course of Turbot with potato and German mustard pure and lobster sauce was brilliant. The fish accurately cooked and sauces and flavours that perfectly complemented the fish. The potato and german mustard pure was something that I shall get my guys to try and repeat when I get home. Simply lip smacking and a contrast to the crunchy lightly cooked vegetables. The desserts were light, imaginative not too sweet and a perfect end. The service was friendly and efficient with the staff very highly trained. A nice touch which we could learn from was an explanation of each dish to the table as they put it down in a choice of languages!

Had time now to look out at the stunning views across the sea with sun starting to set on the horizon, various boats plying their trade around the harbour and to enjoy a coffee. Also to observe the restaurant in full swing. Their signitature dish was a fruits de mers served for two or more people in raised elegant bowls that dominated the tables stuffed with crabs, lobsters, oysters etc. Not cheap at £65 per person but this was not stopping at least 70 people having it! I had to succumb to a fit of professional jealousy with my mind looking at the 200 people and whirring like a calculator especially as everyone was drinking liberally even at Norway’s renowned drink prices.

All good things come to an end, time to pay the bill and stroll back to the hotel on a perfect summers evenings As expected the bill was about £140 for the 2 of us however there was a sting in the tail. At the bottom of the bill was a thing called MOMS at an extra 345 krone. On asking we were told that this was the 25% tax. There was no mention of this on the menu or wine list and everyone else in Norway had as in this country included the tax in the quoted price. We did pay it, but it left a nasty taste which was a shame as the meal was truly memorable as was everything else.

Our stroll back to the hotel was enlivened by all manner of prostitutes which apparently Oslo has a reputation for. Fathers macular degeneration prevented him seeing the sights, but eventually a large well endowed Romanian gypsy lady accosted him and would not take no for an answer. Father informed her that he was 75, would not be much use to her, had never resorted to her kind and was not going to start now! Sadly I think that much of this would have been lost in the translation though she did go away.

However, all this changed in the 20th Century when Norway fixed its mark as one of the richest countries in the world after declaring themselves as a self-governing nation, which resulted in a enormous economic growth. The primary factor that has helped development for the general economy of Norway is the tourist destination of the Norwegian Fjords. The Fjords in Norway, located on the western coast of the country, are one of the most spectacular places of interest you will ever see and experience in your lifetime. With their wild, beautiful and unscathed appearance featuring breath taking mountains, lakes and waterfalls the fjords are a place that you should take a trip to if you are heading to Norway.

Most tourists that visit Norway either set up camp or book into hotels that overlook the fjords giving panoramic and scenic views of nature at its best. Some will go to see the most well-known fjord being that of the Geirangerfjord, or the Sognefjord that spans 204km of striking landscapes. If that’s not enough you can book yourself on a boat trip along the many lakes and rivers that pass through the fjords. There are so many different types of activities that can be carried out when visiting Norway. Kayaking in the lakes and rivers, walking on the glaciers and cycling along the hidden peaceful roads are just a few ideasof the things that you can do.

Today, people are widely opting for a tour to Norway, as its unusual fjords are getting good attention. The country is replete with unusual enchantments, which wonderfully complements its unique identity. The north European paradise is a captivation for tourists from all across the world. If you too are planning a trip to this gorgeous getaway, get your ticket booked today itself. It is not a difficult task and numerous online travel guides are there to assist you in your endeavor. You can also get an online reservation in Norway hotels using online reservation system offered by travel guides.

Other popular kind of folk music is hymns, work songs, trialling vocals skillingsviser. Like the nearby countries of Sweden and Denmark, Norway too has a Nordic dance music tradition. The most distinctive instrument in Norwegian folk music is hardingfele. Bygdedans including halling, pols, springleik, rull, gangar and springar are the traditional dances of Norway. They were performed on important events such as weddings, funerals etc and were called the Courting Dances. Few dances were also brought from Europe like the fandango, reinlender, waltz polka and mazurka. Norwegian harp, bukkehorn, harpeleik, lur are a few other traditional instruments.

A movement throughout Europe, National Romanticism, affected classical musicians as well as the classical musicology. Bull was the first to present folk tunes to the public in urban areas. The urban audiences were slow in responding and understanding the traditional music. With the booming economy after the French Revolution, many foreign musicians settled in Norway and hence, contributed a lot to Norwegian music. Many female musicians were widely accepted and were paid well. Music post World War II addressed social and political concerns.

Many technological developments with a variety of electronic effects and peculiar instruments took place post World War II. By the end of the 20th century, Norwegian classical music had become very diverse, incorporating elements from throughout the country’s documented musical history, as well as modern jazz, pop and rock.

One of the most fascinating places to visit in Norway is Bergen. It is a small town, the income of which is much dependent on tourism. Perhaps the reason could be attributed to the fact that the city acts like a portal for the glamorous fjords that comprise Norway. Moreover, there are several amateur bands that tirelessly play all over the community. Hence, while you’re waiting for your charter to arrive, you can sit down and listen to these individuals play their own music.

Sailing in Norway is like heaven. But where do you go? A good suggestion will be in the Norwegian South Coast region. By nature, the weather along this area is sometimes unpredictable. However, you can have many sheltered places along your charter. If you’re sailing alone, you can anchor your boat on any of the mountains near the fjords. Nevertheless, for safety purposes, ensure that you have the right safety equipment with you. Moreover, you must also be prepared for the strong gusts of winds.

Do you love to commune with nature on a vacation? You can always bring your backpack on the North West Coast region. There are many hiking and biking trails that you can find near the fjords. A good example is the one you can discover in Midsund District. The narrowness of Rorsethornet’s edges can give you the kind of thrill in your holiday. You can also pass by the fjords until you reach the mountain peaks Midoya Island. On the way, don’t forget to pick the spring flowers that decorate the entire mountains. Nevertheless, make sure that you bring along a trail map with you. It’s better to have something to look at when you can’t find your way home.

Certainly, there is more to sailing in Norway. You can also enjoy their music, beautiful mountain peaks, and the challenges provided by the fjords and the seas that envelop the entire region. If you acre to go to Norway, you must know that the Norwegians love sports, being champions at ski fond, ski jumping and other winter sports. You also must know that they are most likely to employ bicycles than cars, and you will see loads of people on bikes, so you can rent one too during your stay.

The Council of State consists of a Prime Minister and other ministers, formally appointed by the King. Parliamentarism has evolved since 1884 and entails that the cabinet must not have the parliament against it, and that the appointment by the King is a formality when there is a clear majority in Parliament for a party or a coalition of parties. But after elections resulting in no clear majority to any party or coalition, the leader of the party most likely to be able to form a government is appointed Prime Minister by the King. Norway has often been ruled by minority governments. The King has government meetings every Friday at the Royal Palace, but the government decisions are decided in advance in government conferences, headed by the Prime Minister, every Tuesday and Thursday. The King opens the Parliament every October, he receives ambassadors to the Norwegian court, and he is the symbolic Supreme Commander of the Norwegian Defence Force and the Head of the Church of Norway.

The Norwegian parliament, Stortinget, currently has 169 members. The members are elected from the nineteen counties for four-year terms according to a system of proportional representation. In addition, 19 seats, the socalled ”levelling seats” are allocated on a nationwide basis to make the representation in parliament correspond better with the popular vote. There is a 4% election threshold to gain levelling seats. When voting on legislation, the Storting ” until the 2009 election ” divides itself into two chambers, the Odelsting and the Lagting. Laws are in most cases proposed by the government through a Member of the Council of State, or in some cases by a member of the Odelsting in case of repeated disagreement in the joint Storting. Nowadays, however, the Lagting rarely disagrees, effectively rubber-stamping the Odelsting’s decisions. A constitutional amendment of February 20, 2007 will repeal the division after the 2009 general election.

Impeachment cases are very rare and may be brought against Members of the Council of State, of the Supreme Court, or of the Storting for criminal offenses which they may have committed in their official capacity. Prior to an amendment to the Norwegian Constitution on February 20, 2007 indictments were raised by the Odelsting and judged by the Lagting and the Supreme Court justices as part of the High Court of the Realm. In the new system impeachment cases will be heard by the five highest ranking Supreme Court justices and six lay members in one of the Supreme Court courtrooms. Storting representatives may not perform as lay judges. Indictments will be raised by the Storting in a plenary session.

The Storting otherwise functions as a unicameral parliament and after the 2009 general election the division into Odelsting and Lagting for passing legislation will be abolished. Legislation will then have to go through two – three in case of dissent – readings before being passed and sent to the King for assent. The judiciary consists of the Supreme Court, courts of appeal, city and district courts, and conciliation councils. Judges attached to regular courts are appointed by the King in council. In order to form a government, more than half the membership of the Council of State is required to belong to the Church of Norway. Currently, this means at least ten out of nineteen members. After the negotiations of looser ties between the church and the state, it was decided that this requirement will be abolished in the near future.

There are now a number of improvements being made to the freight transport infrastructure, notably to the railway network by the state owned operator, NSB, which has invested in improving rolling stock and line speeds. The 4000 kilometre railroad system connects Oslo with Bergen and Stavanger as well as other larger towns and Sweden and full use is made of these by the freight company. A high speed rail connection also connects the international airport at Gardemoen, north of Oslo. The railway is concentrated in the south of Norway, whilst most of the north is dependent on freight transport by road, air or boat. The mountainous terrain is one reason why air transport is very important to the freight company in Norway. The air transport infrastructure is highly developed with no less than 58 airports in the country, nearly half of which are state owned. The road network of some 57,000 miles is concentrated round the more populated areas, especially around Oslo.

But it is in the quality and breadth of its shipping and boat transport that Norway really stands out. Norway is heavily dependent on shipping and in fact it is one of the foremost shipping countries globally, with Norwegian merchant shipping companies owning 10 of the world’s total fleet. The fleet of offshore service ships is the second largest in the world, due to the size of Norway’s oil and gas industry. Norwegian shipping companies also control 25 of the passenger cruise boats in the world and 20 of chemical tankers and gas carriers worldwide. Shipping is the lynchpin of the freight forwarding system in Norway. There are many ice free harbours along the coast. The north and west coasts between the Russian border and Bergen make up a vital international freight route from the Atlantic into the Arctic Ocean.

It is a little known fact that Norway is the world’s biggest exporter of oil after Saudi Arabia and Russia. This position has helped consolidate the country’s expertise, with many a specialist shipping company. However, shipping is also vital on a smaller scale within Norway, with local ferry services a crucial means of transport throughout the country, even in the urban areas of Oslo and Bergen. Norway has developed its transport infrastructure and freight services in ways that not only overcome the challenges created by its interior geography, but has also embraced the opportunities presented by its natural harbours and waterways. Shipping and freight services has been identified as an industry to be further developed and strengthened in future, as a key part of the Norwegian economy. Norway is truly a blueprint for the successful development of shipping companies worldwide.