Oslo Seafood Festival and Around Town

We're still in Oslo and really felt the need to get out a bit this weekend for a bit of distraction. There was a seafood festival going on by the docks in Oslo so thought we would head down and check it out. I've experienced many things on public transportation, but this must top them all. Every school and town have their own brass bands (these were from Bestum - my nan's area), they love it, you often see them practising or in parades. But one thing you don't often see is them practising on the tram into town.

It started off with about 5 members, then with every stop more got on and joined in the playing. Everyone loved it and even the driver stopped announcing the stops as everyone was listening and joining in the band, it really makes me miss living here. Check out the couple dancing at the back in the video!

Ok so back to the seafood festival. I love seafood, I could eat it every day and there is something special about seafood in Norway. We quite often have nights with bags full of king prawns, lemon, mayo and bread - and a huge bowl for all the shells - nom! You come in to a big white tent and it is filled with seafood, rows of salmon being cooked, mussels in net bags, stacks of king crab legs and pots of king prawns with a wedge of lemon and sachet of mayo. For the adventurous there was even whale burgers, which actually a lot of people eat here (even the man opposite me when we sat down), you could even get your sushi made right in front of you - could have stayed all day, no problem.
Sorry a lot of photos!

But we thought we'd have a little walk around Aker Brygge where it was all happening, it's where a lot of the rich and famous live, a lot of people even have their boats moored up. I always love the buzz this place has got, there's always something going on and you get some really nice photos too.

After a bit of walking we headed for a quick dinner at a Mongolian restaurant, Mr Hong I've heard a lot about - a family favourite. There was even a little pond running through with goldfish, bridges and Buddahs! It was nice just spending the day in town it always brings the unexpected!

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Happy 17th May - Norway's National Day

So yesterday was the 17th May, a big day for us vikings, Norway's constitution day - so we celebrate!! The last time we were there for the big day was 2009 and I so wish we could have gone this year. I love being in Oslo for it, there is a massive procession for all of the schools and their brass bands (oh yes I was in one!) and they all march up the streets to the palace where the royal family stand on the balcony and wave. Everyone's in their national costumes, stuffing their faces with ice cream, hot dogs and generally having a good time. 

Here are some pictures from when we were there last, it was the day after Norway won Eurovision so it was extra special!

The above two pictures are of my mum and my nan and and then my nan and me (I was blonde!). As you can see I do have my own national costume, usually each county has their own, and they're extremely expensive but you get one for life. My mum is amazing at dressmaking and made all of our when we were younger (you can see me in blue above), and actually see hers and my nan's in these pictures too. Mine was made last minute when I asked if I could have one for the trip. It may not be completely official or belong to a county but I love that we designed and made it together, I now want an embroidered one too :D! 

Normally we always take the day off and do something fun if we can't be there in person. The last two years we've gone to Thorpe Park but there's a lot going on at the moment so it didn't feel right to go again. So instead we thought we'd have the day a bit more relaxed. I surprised my mum with a big Norwegian breakfast complete with egg, bacon, Jarlesberg, smoked salmon and danish salami. They always start the 17th with a big breakfast so I thought this would be a nice surprise and she loved it.

We then spent the day looking around shops, stopping for cake and icecream, finishing off the day with a Norwegian salmon dinner followed by our favourite film Elling, again in Norwegian. After which I made some cake pops, 

I couldn't resist making something on a special day like that. I thought I would some of the bits in my last Baking Buys post and went for the red, white and blue theme, quite royal and patriotic. You will also see these popping up in my guest post on Philosophy and Cupcakes but slightly adapted to turn them into Jubilee Cake Pops, perfect for any street party!

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Halvorsens Conditori, Oslo - The Best Place In Oslo

It's been a busy week with coming to Norway, Christmas, visiting my nan everyday. But one morning when we weren't able to go visiting we thought we'd go to our favourite place while we had the time.

Halvorsens Conditori, it's my nan's and mum's tradition that I was let in on a couple of years ago, a sandwich will easily set you back £9.00 but they are worth it, and everything does actually cost more here so when you live here it isn't so horrific. They also have the best coffee in town so my mum was happy.

While coffee doesn't interest me at all, you all know cake does! It's standard to have a sandwich, a pot of coffee and a slice of amazing cake. It all costs what you would spend on a regular dinner out, not exactly a Boot's meal deal, but as we only get to do it once or twice a year it's so justifiable.

The cake choice is pretty big, Norwegians love their slices of cake and I have to say for me they are the best in the world, nothing has beaten it yet. The place itself is gorgeous. Huge windows, chandeliers the lot it really does feel special.

I also love that you can buy larger cakes their for most occasions. You get your standard Blødtkake (below, the ones on top shelf) which is basically a national cake. But not for me as it's covered in marzipan which they are crazy for here but I hate it, so while I wouldn't buy a slice if there's some at a party I'll happily just peel that layer off and eat the three/four layers of cake and cream.

You could also buy Kransekaker which is an almond cake made up of rings they famously have on their national day and at any celebration. At this time of year they're usually decorated in mini Norwegian flags and small crackers.

I love the cakes at the top, the dress cakes. Although instead of using Barbie doll tops like most these are made like Victorian ladies, I actually love them I wish I had a reason to need to buy one! They're so pretty I must have looked like a crazy lady taking pictures constantly.

As we were leaving I noticed the window display which puts any gingerbread house I have ever made to shame and makes me want to camp out there until they teach me their ways. One day, I WILL make something like this!

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