Stone age Oslo

No matter how long one lives in a city, one always find something interesting to discover about it. After hearing about the rock carvings in an Oslo suburb, we set out to find it. From the city center, we took the tram to Ekeberg. Just a few steps from the tram stop, we found the rock carvings that showed figures of animals and humans. It is believed that they have been carved on the rock by dwellers of the place around 6000 BC! By the proportion and number, one can tell that the world then was less about human and more about the herd.

It is believed that Ekeberg was the place early people of Oslo settled in the stone age era. Later, settlers moved to the plains and further inland where the city stands now. The old site of the city then called Christiana (now Gamlebyen..meaning old city) is visible from the Ekeberg hill including the ruins of the Mariakirken (Maria Church) where old Christian Viking kings worship.

Walking along the heritage path, believed to be a path taken by the early settlers, gives one a feeling of how it must be for those who chose the place to be their home. At the other end of the path, one finds a camping place where modern people (and tourists) can choose to live a more simple life like the early settlers did.

Lovely summer in Oslo

What i like about the summer is that it makes going to the beach a real treat! Oslo turns into such a beautiful city in the summer that we just can't have enough of it, especially the beaches. Huk, at Bygdøy is a favorite but they tend to be crowded on a sunny day.

The other alternatives to city dwellers like us would be to go to the islands (on a nice day, the ferries tend to be crowded so be prepared to disregard the timetable..and the not-so-smiling crew). One of my favorite is Gressholmen, fondly called rabbit island because of its inhabitants.

So one day, off we went to Gressholmen and chose a spot to soak up the sun and have a grillfest. Choosing a spot as close to the water as possible, we set down our engangsgrill (disposable barbecue set), and wait for the marinated steak to turn yummy. Once done, the steak goes very well with potetsalat (ready made potato salad).

Since it is early in the summer, going into the water is out. So it is just about enjoying the sun, the view of sailing boats on the fjord and picking berries. Gressholmen is a protected area so the only thing you are allowed to pick are berries. Nothing delights me more than spotting a red tiny markjordbær (wild strawberry) hiding behind the leaves. Though much smaller than the usual strawberry, it tastes so sweet. Other berries such as bringebær (raspberries), blåbær (blueberries) and even kirsebær (cherries) can also be found here. These berries make very good toppings for vanilla ice cream if they don't get eaten along the way.

Being in the island takes one away from bustle of the city for a while and is lovely way to enjoy the summer sun.