Trondheim - lectures - rest

Slept much better last night. Both exhausted. Nic did go to local food testing at 2130 (aged lamb) but declined the aquavit - the law does not allow them to give away alcohol. Getting into the 4 course breakfast: vitamin shot; porridge; egg, sausage, meatball; toast & jam. Bit of a scrum, though, think everyone is later today. Trondheim fjord appears out of dawn around 0830 - low hills area, no jagged cliffs. Into Trondheim at 0950. We had already been on deck to wave madly with flags at Polarys, a Hurtigruten going the other way. 

Out quickly to walk into town. We eschewed the excursion which charges £80 for a bus ride and commentary. Whereas Alesund felt very touristy, this feels like a proper working city. 15% of the population are students. We spent time in the enormous cathedral, quite reminiscent of Exeter. 

The shopping pavements were clear but compacted old snow elsewhere; we were glad of our spikes bought yday that slip over our boots. We viewed the Crown Jewels in the Archbishop's Palace - photography not allowed. Very beautiful, and similar structure to ours - crown, sceptre, orb and oil can. No time to see the Museum. At the Gamle Bybro pedestrian bridge we posed and kissed to follow the custom.
We walked carefully back to the ship, arriving 25 minutes before departure. We were being careful. 11,000 steps today.

We watched the departure from a forward lounge, then had a delicious lunch. Nic's vow to keep off the sticky desserts at lunchtime bit the dust after one day- well, a Frenchman sitting next to him came back with a bowl piled high with a bit of everything. National pride was at stake.

No rest for the voyager, we had our daily Gathering with 'always-on' Laura, giving information on the next 2 days. Then it was coastal kitchen mussels. Which we skipped. Then all out on deck to see a lighthouse, which doesn't look like ours.
Half an hour off, then first lecture of tour, about Norway and the Northern Lights. 
We skipped the section on photographic techniques for the NL - the phone will do it. Ano half hour off then dinner with our regular table mates - Liz & Ian, Katherine & Alan. It's a 3 course affair with 3 choices on each and the food is modest proportions and very tasty. The Black Friday deal we booked came with free tea & coffee at any time which is good, except they don't offer decaff tea. Good job we brought our own ... and a kettle ... and powdered milk. A free evening and very low chance of NL says the app, so we're having a brandy (duty free) in the cabin and an early night. 

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