Sunday, May 8, 2011

Vikings & I don't mean the football team!

Yesterday we got a deeper glimpse into Viking history.  This included a visit to the building site for the Oseberg Viking Ship replica, the Oseberg burial mound where the ship was excavated from in 1904, as well as a museum.

We had an excellent guide - a professional archaeologist - who was able to provide a lot of information and details that we never would have been able to get with an ordinary tour guide.  When I say that the Rotary clubs have put together an impressive schedule I think that is actually an understatement.

The replica of the Oseberg ship is nothing short of impressive.  The work is being done by some professionals but mostly volunteers.  They are working to instill a better appreciation for Norwegian [and particularly Viking] history.  I was shocked to hear that the preservation efforts for Viking history is very underfunded and does not receive the level of support that I would have anticipated.


Early last week we had the opportunity to visit the Viking ship museum in Oslo as you may remember.  It was so neat to be able to piece all of the pieces together as far as why, where, how, and when these burials occurred.  Prior to today, the details were all a bit fuzzy/vague to me.  We then had lunch at the museum as well as a few more lessons in Viking history.
[Oseberg burial mound]

The weather was beautiful.  I think it was the first day that we had sun & heat - maybe even got a tan!  Dinner outside, pleasant conversation with our host mother Bente, and a Skype-versation with my family for Mother's Day completed the day quite nicely.  Looking forward to our visit to the local hospital today!

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