It's so lovely here today in Fredrickstad. I arrived Sunday evening to rain as I stepped off the plane, sunshine left behind in the UK.
I'm sitting here on the balcony with a breeze blowing and to be honest it's colder than I thought but I am in the shade.
I can hear the water just gently crashing the boats that are moored here, maybe 40 metres from me, and the sun just glistening. It's so peaceful; I almost don't want to go home on Friday.
I walked Monday while my other half was at work. I don't know about you but when I go to a new place I like to walk so that I can get my bearings and see what's around me. Let me tell you, this is a small town and after walking for circa an hour I had passed one supermarket, two bus stops and not a large amount of vehicles. The road just seemed to go on forever, every turn was just another long and empty road.
Yesterday I followed directions given and walked to town, maybe a 45 minute walk and when I finally spied civilisation I smiled a thankful smile to myself.I walked over the bridge and along the waterfront to a lovely fine dining restaurant, Michael Moore 13. The decor is very swanky with dark wood and cream leather chairs, beautiful tableware and very friendly aim to please staff. I had the duck breast (which I could have eaten again to be honest) and vanilla ice cream in a strawberry soup with fresh raspberries and a drizzle of honey. I'm salivating just thinking about it.
I found a shopping precinct and bought a Norwegian sim as my phone hasn't had any service since I arrived, but you know what; I have really enjoyed being phone free, only bought one because my other half can't get hold of me and vice versa. Oh and just so you know, sim cards are not free here as in the UK. I had to pay 200 krona (circa £20) and you get a fiver of credit included. Rip off.
I walked for a few hours at the back of town, through streets of timber houses ending at a church. I was actually trying to find the old town but don't think I ventured far enough. I was pretty knackered actually and knew my walk home was going to be a long one and I couldn't call a cab because;
A: I didn't have a phone,
B: I have no idea of the address that I'm at and,
C: My Norwegian is non existent( I do intend to rectify this but, so hard to comprehend)
Anyway, I'm definitely going to find the old town tomorrow before I head home on Friday and I am definitely having lunch at Michael Moore13.
