The snow white journey to Flam and Bergen

Some of the spectacular landscape

As I had to wake up too early in the morning, Peter was so kind to drive me to the station in Mysen so that I can take the train to Oslo (See the first part of my Norway trip). It was a working day and there were so many people in that early hour that were going to work. In 50 minutes I was already at the Oslo S and easily took my ticket to Myrdal, the place where I was supposed to take the tourist Flam train. So, with a coffee and a sandwich I got on the comfortable train. There was a group of maybe 20-30 people, dressed in ski clothes, going for some winter holiday. They were at different ages and all seemed happy and enthusiastic for what they were about to experience.
I spent most of the time looking through the window and enjoying the view. I've been told that the line Oslo-Bergen offers one of the most scenic rail journeys and I guess it's true, at least from what I have seen before. The thermometer in the train was showing the temperature outside -17/-18 degrees but it was sunny and I felt warm inside. Those few hours passed pretty fast and soon I was at Myrdal Station impatient for the next  hour trip - the one I have come for, the wonderful Flam Valley!

The sky above Myrdal

In the train I met two Brazilians on their Europe tour (they have already passed through Bulgaria and I was surprised we were talking about my home place) and we were helping each other with the pictures in the next one hour. The train was moving too slow so that we can revel the landscape and feel it. There were few stops, even they let us go out of the train at Kjosefossen waterfall which was frozen in the all shades of the white - so beautiful! We passed through numerous tunnels, winding along the way and spectacular valleys. I can only imagine how amazing it would be in the summer to see it all green and blue...We arrived at Flam, where my friend was waiting for me and we proceed to Bergen. All the way in the mountain was so beautiful again, we passed through Naeroyfjiord which is an arm of Sognefjord - the biggest one in Norway. On our way was also Vossevangen town, famous with its water but we didn't stop as we were hurrying to catch Bergen at least 2 hours before it gets dark. By the way, in Norway I drank the most delicious water ever. People there don't buy water, they drink it directly from the tap and it is more than tasty.

The touristic train

Kjosefossen waterfall

The tunnels on the way

Naeroyfjord

At the market

In Bergen, we parked in the center of the city and our first stop was the Fish Market. It used to be an open market but an year ago they have made it indoor. They say it is the biggest market in the region as Bergen used to be the most important fish producing and trading center in Norway (and still is one of the significant industries).
There was a huge variety of fish and seafood and all looked so fresh, like just caught from the sea. And of course, it didn't seem cheap at all - the prawns were 15 EUR/ half kg...but this is Norway.

Bryggen 

Just about 200 m away from the    market is the soul of Bergen, the old  warehouses Bryggen (translated from Norwegian - dock) overlooking the harbor. Their characteristic front is emblematic for the city. Once they were the center of the Hanseatic League and now they are turned into ethnographic shops and galleries and are part of the World Heritage of UNESCO.

Behind the facade they are formed like a little village with small streets, wooden buildings and interesting architecture.

Behind the beautiful facade 

Slightly behind the iconic houses begins the Old Town of Bergen. Fabulous small steep streets with white houses are crossing around it. I noticed that most of them are paved just as in my home city - Plovdiv. Interesting paintings on some house walls's diversify the visitors. Even the small table with flowers in front of one house was really charming in the sunny winter afternoon. It was so quite and it was hard to realize that I'm in the middle of the second biggest city of Norway.

It was time to take a look at the city from above. Railroad Floibanen drove us to the top of the nearby hill. We were thinking of climbing on foot but we were afraid not to miss the sun and the day so we took the funicular. It goes through the Old town and has few stops. I have no idea how people live there, it seems so sheer.
Already on the top, a spectacular view of the city oped in front of us - the harbor, fjords and the sea in the distance. For sure it was one of the best city views I've seen, just breathtaking! I didn't feel the cold weather, just feeling the sun and the freedom. Thanks again to my friend for bringing me there!
There is also a souvenir shop on the top and a cafe so that you can stay little longer and warm yourself with a cup of coffee or tea.

From the Floibanen

The day started to get down and we still had to drive few more hours to Karmoy island. On our way out of the city we stopped for the last time to see Fantoft Stave Church. The Stave Churches are characteristic wooden churches of the Vikings. In Norway there are about 25 of them reserved and in northern Europe 5-6. This one dates from 12th century but after a huge fire it was completely devastated and rebuilt in 1992. I hoped to see it from inside too but in the winter season it is closed for visitors...as I always say - next time.

Late in the evening we arrived at my friend's place tired but full of emotions during the day. A wonderful island trip was planned for the next day....

Here you can see more pictures from Bergen and Oslo and Flam Valley.

A short trip to Athens

Before my visit to Athens I didn’t know what to expect but I knew it will be wonderful experience. And it was, now, when I hear Athens I see wide boulevards, clothing shops and of course – the Acropolis.

View from the Acropolis

Monastiraki market, photo by Cosmicadventure

After whole night traveling I arrived at my mom’s house and we spent all they enjoying the time together. The next day I was ready to walk around the huge city. And of course the first stop was the Acropolis. I was surprised not only of the ancient ruins but also of the city view too. It is better go there early in the morning when the sun is not so strong. On the hill where is the Pantheon temple are situated also the temple of Athens and the theater of Dionysus. In the past there used to be a statue of Pallas Athena, the goddess of wisdom, civilization, warfare, strength, strategy, female arts, crafts, justice and skill, which is named after the city today. The walk in the ancient history was great but I was pleased to move in another epoch - Monastiraki market in the foot of the Acropolis. It is a must see place for visit although it is very crowded, especially on Sunday when it’s full of tourists and the locals are also out for shopping. Maybe is better to go around again in the morning during the week when the crowd is still sleeping. Anyway we had a great time around the variety of shops – from local crafts through books and souvenirs till all type of clothes. Prices are different but you can always bargain to reach the price you’d ready to pay.

The Parliament at Syntagma Square, by Cosmicadventure

From the ancient times through the Ages we finally found ourselves at Syntagma square - the main and most central square in Athens (Btw it is named after the constitution of Greece). It is the most modern center of the capital and even the zero point of Greece. The square is popular for meetings of the Athenians and guests of the city. It is ideal place for taking a rest with a cup of coffee which was actually what we did after so much walking. Recently, most of the famous Greek protests take place ar the square. There is situated also the building of the Parliament, built in 19 century to be a Palace. Guard’s changing is something I saw the day before and it impressed me a lot especially because of the guard’s costumes and the tassels of the shoes. Another famous square in Athens we passed by was Omonia. It is located in the shopping are of the capital with a huge number of stores and cafes. Omonia is mainly famous as the square of immigrants. Lots of people from Eastern Europe are looking for their luck and work in Athens and Omonia is a great point to meet each other, chat on their own language, buy newspapers on their language or send gifts to their families as there are some transport companies located at the square.

A favourite boulevard, by Cosmicadventure

A park in Kifissia

On the next day we spend almost a whole day in Kifissia - is one of the richest neighbourhoods in Athens. There are wonderful houses built in a modern style, beautiful parks and gardens. The main square in the area was crowded the whole day mainly with young people spending their free time by meeting friends and having beers. Kifissia is the right place for shopping luxury and expensive clothes. Is not that such shops are missing in the capital center but this is where rich people go. Just be careful what time you’re planning to go shopping anywhere in Greece  - all the shops have very special working hours: from 9 to 19 with 3 hours break , they don’t work on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons at all and of course Sunday is day off. The first day of my stay (Sunday), one of my shoes was broken and we passed through a shop where the owner was arranging the shoes. I kindly asked to buy shoes and he refused me. I had to show him my problem, beg him and finally he agreed to sell me a pair of shoes. It really amazed me but I guess people just have principals.

the amazing octopus

The last evening we went out to say goodbye to my mom and she took me to a nice restaurant where I tried for the first time grilled octopus and I loved it. Of course we ended with a glass of ouzo as it wouldn’t have been a typical dinner without it. I left again with the pleasant sense that I’ll be back (although my mom is not living there anymore). Actually I visited it again but it was a business trip and I didn’t have much time to walk around.

Shopping in Istanbul

Fresh watermalon near Topkapi Palace

The first thing we think about when hearing "Istanbul" and "shopping" is Kapali Carsi or Grand Bazaar.This is a huge covered market,one of the biggest in the World and definitely very old - it has started get bigger and famous since the beginning of XV century.The market has more than 50 streets and more than 5000 shops. Some of the main selling goods is jewelry. Turkish are masters when talking about gold. Also the concept of the evil eye,called nazar is widespread, and people carry many amulets to protect themselves from bad words and eyes.It is very popular and you can buy it form everywhere as part of a jewelry,keychain or whatever gadget.Another popular item at the market is ceramic.The art of Turkish tile and ceramic-making developed over the centuries incorporating many different techniques and styles.Popular decorations of dishes,bowls,vases,etc are mostly the traditional flower and plant design,favorite colours are blue and white as well as purple and red.
Carpet weaving is one of the most ancient crafts in Turkey even the Turks were among the earliest carpet weavers. Their carpets come in distinct styles from different regions of the country. They have a big variaty of materials,construction and patterns.
Of course goods like clothes,leather,shoes,etc could be also found around the whole market.They also vary from traditional to modern styles.
The main entrance of the market is situated at Cemberlitas square,one station distance far from Sultanahmet.

In front of the main entrance of Kapalicarsi

Inside Grand Bazaar

At the open area of Kapalicarsi

An inportant thing everybody should know when shopping in Turkey especially on such markets is bargain.You'd almost never see stickers with prices on the items.The aim of the sellers is to ask for the price and then the show begins.They'll ask you what price you need then they'll give you lower one and so on and so on.So finally you'd meet somewhere and you just have to buy it because otherwise they'd be really offended.Just don't offer a price unless you're ready to buy the item at that price.So my advice is if you don't like the item that much and you don't have intention to buy it,just don't bargain.Say thanks after the first price you receive and go away.We bought 2 beautiful cups for tea.He offered 16 TL,we offered 8 and finally we paid 11 but I believe that it was expensives. Prices at Kapali Carsi are high but it deffinitely deserve to go around and take a look.

Local people buy shirts(maybe bargain)

I loved a lot the Egyptian market or also known as the Spice market.The market is situated just opposite the Galata Bridge at Eminonu.Its names come from the Ottoman times when different spices have come from Egypt. It's smaller than Grand Bazaar but it's not less interesting. You can see again clothes ,ceramics and souvenirs.By the way there is a favorite shop of mine where I love buying different colourful bracelets for only 1 TL each!
But the market is really famous with the food.Of course you can see different types of spices and also great variaty of tea.But what I really love there is the lokum(the popular Turkish delight) and also nuts and dry fruits.Sellers stay in front of their stands and offerenig you to try the delights,it's almost impossible not to do it but it worth it.

mmm..those lovely sweets

In front of the Egyptian market

and some nuts

When talking about clothes Istiklal Avenue(Indipendance Avenue) is your place.It starts from Galata Tower and leads to Taksim square.You'll find boutiques with expensive clothes of ones of the most famous designers but also there are shops with very reasonable prices suitable for every pocket.The street is also full with music shops and book stores although if it is about books I recommend mostly the bookshop in Sultanahmet area.

Istiklal Avenue

You could strike on street traders everywhere.Most of the times they'll try to make you buy their goods at any price.Especially perfumes,it's even funny. They start persuading you that this is original "Chanel" for example and he will give it to you only for 10EUR.After bargain you can take it for 3-5 EUR.And of course you know it's not original.But they are afraid of The Police and it's possible to escape in the middle of the sale if they see a policeman.

The Kumkapi Fish Market market is known for its fresh and seasonal fish that is mostly caught or cultured in Turkey although you can find also Norwegian salmon for example.Most of the stalls sell at similar fares but each saleman always offer something in addition - garfish, baby lobster or a pile of crabs.The market is located along the Marmara coast,near Sultanahmet. 

I guess there are so many more places for shopping in Istanbul and I'd love to take a walk along other markets,shopping streets,Malls.I read that now(16.03-26.04) there is a shopping festival in the city and I'm sure that would be really enjoyable event.