Why I didnt like Oslo Norway

It was rainy morning when we set off from Haugesund to Oslo. Oslo was once on my bucketlist list and here I am heading to the Norwegian Capital City. We took the ferry from Arsvagen Fergeterminal and crossed the Stavanger Fjords.

It was evening when we reached the Hostel about 10pm , the check in was quick and efficient, one minute I was in my room one bunkbed with en-suite bathroom and found out its only me occupying the whole room that was a bonus I had a proper sleep after a long tiring journey.

The following morning we head off to  Oslo Centrum. We went around to the touristy spots, infamous sculptured park,Royal Palace, and Opera House. When you dont have enough time to spend in Oslo and only have 12-24 hour is more than enough to see the landmarks. Having spent my time in different cities in Norway,  the capital City has disappointed me so bad. Nothing much to see there aside from the tall buildings, and a little bit of a seaview by the Opera House and so many construction areas everywhere from roadworks to building works, place is crowded with tourist.

Norwegian Trolls

The Vigeland Park

The Palace

The Opera House

To masked up the disappointment we decided in the evening we went across the road where theres a nearby bay area 5 minutes walk from our hostel and we had BBQ, not to mention with the stunning view of the marina, a quiet and calm place we had it on our own. What else could you asked for? What a lovely evening spent with friends. This has totally makes up the whole day going around Oslo.

It took me 3 months to start and write this blog about Oslo, I love Norway dont get me wrong, as much as I enjoyed Haugesund, Bergen and Stavanger the stunning views and my great experience was totally different from my time in Oslo my high expectation has disappoint me big time. I admit im not a big city fanatic, I love going to new places full of history, stunning architectural buildings and beautiful view, that Oslo didnt offer.My personal experience might be totally different from yours. I still love Norway and there are still places I wanted to visit, one day I will go back there but for sure never again in Oslo.

On your travels, is there a place you  built a high expectation and has totally disappoint you? If so where? And why? Will you go again and give another chance and explore in different ways?

Being a Typical Tourist in Prague

Its been 4 years when I visited Prague. Reminiscing the time I spent for  my Birthday weekend get away in Prague. It was a surprise gift given to me, its 2 days before my flight was the only time I have discovered where I'am heading. I've heard so much about Prague before, they say its a very romantic place.  I was looking forward to it. I started my internet research to check out what are the things to see and do. I decided to join the walking tour as the usual tourist do. The tour guide was really good went through along the touristy place, we started in the old town to see the Tyn Abbey, the infamous Astronomical Clock, the Gun Powder Tower, Opera House then crossed the Charles Bridge and headed to the Castle. The beautiful architectural buildings has inspired me to explore more of the different countries around Europe.  

Being in a guided tour wont give you enough time to explore the place, unlike when your doing your own exploration at your own pace to new places. If given a chance again to visit Prague I will choose to wander around on my own, getting lost along the old town's cobbled alleyways and discover the quirky side of Prague.

A photo essay of my time in Prague.

Tyn Abbey

Old Town Square

Astronomical Clock

Wenceslas Square

The Charles Bridge

The Gun Powder Tower

An unexpected gift holiday I have truly enjoyed my time there, I wish I could visit Prague again in a travellers perspective, discovering the unbeaten path, and meeting the locals, strolling along the old town on my own pace.

Visiting the Hidden Gem of Stroud England

I have been to Stroud couple of times visiting friends but I didn't think anything special about it. Not until I saw a brochure about Stroud I didn't realised it has interesting place to explore. Stroud is located in South West of England in Gloucestershire County, situated in a beautiful countryside of rolling Cotswolds Hills.

Things to do in Stroud

Visit Museum 

Stratford House or The Museum in the park is full of Stroud local history. The museum entry is free but voluntary donations are welcome. The new part of the building is an art gallery that they feature different artist at a time. When I visited the musuem its the centenary exhibit of Laurie Lee his unseen drawings and paintings, a local man from Stroud an English poet, artist, novelist and screenwriter.

Picnic at Stratford Park

After visiting the museum head off to the park and enjoy the view, theres a small lake and look for a good spot for a picnic, feed the ducks, and theres even a platform for fishing activities.

Walking trails at the Park

Another option to do is go for a wander around the park, there are treks that lead to the woodlands and enjoy the nature. The shades from the tall tress to keep you refreshingly cool on sunny days and listen to the calming tweeting birds on your stroll, and there are locals you'll meet on your treks walking their dogs too.

Pub restaurant

If picnic is not your thing there's a pub just across the road or drive to Nailsworth its a neighbouring small town that lies on the Stroud valleys, only 10 minutes drive and head straight to The Egypt Mill its  an old mill converted into a pub restaurant. It is full of character the old mill is on display inside the pub and the outside view is beautiful, there's a stream outside that completes the scenic view. It has extensive range of delicious menu options and surely you'll enjoy your experience.

If you are in Cotswold area why not visit and discover the quaint town of Stroud.

Disclaimer: This article is my own personal review accordingly to my experience.