Oslo, Norway
20 September 2008

Berlin wasn't so impressive a city as I expected, but of course, it's history is amazing, even its recent history. Our audience was appreciative there, and we had yet another good show.

The real highlight of the tour thus far was Munich. I wish I had taken my camera with me when I walked into the oldest section of the city, where the architecture is spectacular and literally fantastic. Funny thing about Germany, though- every dressing room we've been in has a bowl of chocolate bars, and in Deutchland, the chocolate has been Mars, Snickers, Hersheys... Might as well have the schnitzel at McDonald's.

Stuttgart offered little in comparison to Munich, but was a friendly city with a good Starbucks (speaking of Mars and McDonalds) with some beautiful architecture. The audience was amazingly responsive; it's probably the first time in my life to have seen that many blue haired people crowding the front of the stage!

Departing Stuttgart at midnight, we climbed on our double-decker tour bus, and some of us cozied up to the wide screen and watched a few episodes of "Dexter", a series about a serial killer with a conscience. Then, up to our bunks on upper deck for a good sleep.

We went by Ferry from Germany to Denmark, and then from Denmark, we ferried across to Sweden, eventually arriving in Goteborg, the city of my mother's origin, at 6:30pm. Bryan and I ventured into the night and found an Irish pub, a Guinness, and a Steak and Guinness pie. We stayed across from Central Station at the Radisson SAS, a great hotel. Unfortunately, our time was limited, and we left for Oslo this morning at 11:00.

By the time we got within a half hour of Oslo, we had watched the entire second season of "Dexter". Now what?

Arriving in Oslo at 3:00 pm, Bryan and Colin and I set out to find Henrik Ibsen's home, finding the museum closed upon arrival. We walked by the royal palace and a few impressive churches, and throngs of Saturday walkers.

Eventually, I met up with Chris, grabbed a trolley, and found the bohemian side of town, which offered a lovely neighborhood pub, a pear cider- I've got to have another one of those before I get out of Scandinavia, and a simple meal. The money is funny here, but I think 240 crowns was a fair price for my drink, crabcakes, and oxenburger.

After 4 hours of exploration, we returned to our wonderful hotel in Oslo harbor, and were invited up to Emmylou's suite for treats, the best of which was the spectacular view of the harbor. This is a beautiful place, and we are all blessed to be here. Tomorrow we play Oslo, and depart for Stockholm, one of my favorite cities.