Travelling Fletchers

Our time in Stavanger has been pretty awesome. A balance of being active and resting in equal measure. No dramas to report and everything went as if planned with precision – unless ice cream was involved. In truth, the plan was not to plan.

The journey back to Oslo was the reverse of Thursday’s trip to Stavanger. Seven and a half hours on the train, the same views rolling past the window. No less beautiful the second time.

I can’t give any direct tips on eating out in Norway. Food is expensive and we haven’t really done it, other than a small café stop for a pastry. Drinks felt comparable to home – a coffee around £2.50 to £3. Food, however, is much pricier by comparison.

When buying food there are a few important points to keep in mind. Shops are closed on Sundays, so plan in advance. Larger stores such as Kiwi or 7–23 offer better prices, though you’ll still be paying around £10 for a block of cheese. If you like fish or lamb, you’re in for a treat – these are the main dishes and favourite meats here. Chicken is available but not in the same quantities as at home. Vegetables look pricey, but they’re deceptively large. Peppers and cucumbers are much bigger than we’re used to and stretch further than you’d think.

And one final tip in advance – before shopping, check your accommodation has a tin opener. Good job we only bought one tin.