The centre of this town is quite literally the port wharf. Where there used to be bustling fishing and cargo boats, now bob small ferries and yachts. The cobbles from yesteryear either replaced, or pressure-washed of all history, face the water. And the tall and impressive warehouse buildings now gentrified, painted neatly with glass fronted bars and restaurants.
All these changes following the development of the town allow us to enjoy modern comforts surrounded by authentically rose tinted charm. But I’m not complaining, I’m observing how some parts of society place higher value on lower quality, but authentic things, over glitzy shiney new things. You must have seen those incredibly uncomfortable trestle benches and tables outside the beerhouse? The one with plaster falling off the walls and pallets stacked up as a bar? They are always full of trendy people drinking ⅓ of a pint from frosted beers instead of going down the Whetherspoons for a full pint and table that doesn’t give you tetanus. People seem to value a pub thrown together on a shoestring, as uncomfortable as it is, because it’s real. Not just another entry on an accountants ledger.
Far from calling myself trendy, but I also fall into this camp. I prefer to buy slightly more expensive cups of the same liquid from a place steeped in history, than in a shiny hotel lobby. I just find it nice to sit out in the sun, with a cool breeze and enjoy a coffee looking at the world go by, looking up at the buildings and the seized up dock machinery.
Although, there isnt much world to watch. This weekend is Norways constitution celebrations and so most shops are shut and everyone seems to have evaporated. There is hardly a soul in sight. Maybe this is for the best as Aimi doesn’t enjoy cities so much.
We headed out of the town a short way to Haraldshaugen. No, I didn’t just snack on my head on the keyboard. It’s a Monument from the 1800’s commemorating the unification of Norway. From there we walked a few km down the coast to some sculptures of horses standing in the sea, with oil pumps for heads. It was to illustrate the shift from natural power to fossil fuel power. But it just made me want to combine the two concepts properly and ride my motorcycle.
It was a decent walk with a beautiful view and by the time we got back I was peckish. But Aimi forced me to fly my drone before dinner. This wasn’t as smooth sailing as our ferry crossing earlier today. Nothing went wrong and I’ve still got it all and in one piece, but it was sketchy and not a good cinematographical flight. Part of it was just how long it took to find satalites. After waiting SO LONG it finally did allow me to arm and take off but the wind was just too much. I brought it back down ok but it’s sketchy flying above water and I didn’t fancy another go.
I scarpered quick, returning to the hotel to dump my stuff and collect aimi to head out to dinner. We went back down to the wharf and picked a busy looking Italian where we ate and got mild sunburn.
