Brian and Judy in Sicily and Norway

Bergin Wednesday 14 June 2007

Tuesday 13 June 2007, Flam, arrived 7.00am and depart 6.00pm.

We are now at Flam (pronounced "Flom") and there is no internet on ship.  We will have trouble from here on to get the blog up.   Will keep trying where we can.  Some photos are from Amsterdam and others are of the ship and then at our first stop in Norway, the village of Flam. Amsterdam bikes. We are on level 8 about to go through a lock. The main pool on the Koningsdam Exercise while watching the ocean. The running track at level 11 Inside the main auditorium at the bow of the ship. Leaving Amsterdam on the Koningsdam Ship   On the world famous Flam railway passing one of many waterfalls. This is the train taking us from the village of Flam up to the top of the mountain, 2000 feet up in 20 miles. Kjosfossen Waterfall along the Flam railway.  Judy looking picturesque in front of one of the fjords at Flam. The ship berthed at Flam. Front on it is quite overwhelming.    

This morning we are on our way to the airport heading to Amsterdam.  We are very sad to say good bye to Polignano and Puglia in general.  The food, the people, the culture, the scenery and the history in this area are absolutely outstanding.  The apartment is beyond compare for facilities and comfort.   Being only metres from the edge of a vertical cliff with a view over the Adriatic Sea made this apartment extremely special.  Not to mention the cave downstairs under the bedroom.  This can be viewed through a glass panel in the bedroom floor. Flight to Amsterdam was smooth and on time, and the transfer to the hotel was there with a smile. Hotel really good service with smiling friendly people and a typically local meal including their asparagus and fish.  Then a wander around the canals to see the local night life while trying to dodge the bicycles and three wheeled vehicles.   Tomorrow we are off to catch a ship to the Arctic Circle to catch a glimpse of the northern lights ! Judy at

In much of the countryside the fences are constructed of rocks dug from the local limestone. Breakfasts are buffets, with a good range of yoghurt, fruits, bread, ham and cheese.  Unfortunately these also come with large sweet cakes which Europeans seem to prefer.  The coffee is strong and bitter, but tea is fine. Some of the olive trees are hundreds of years old.  As they grow their trunks spiral, always in a clockwise direction. Today we travelled to the city of Lecce for a guided visit through the old town.  This city is often nicknamed "Florence of the South" because of its abundant art and culture.   In the afternoon we visited the town of Ostuni, known as the "white fortress".  It is located high on a hill with a protective view over the precious olive trees between there and the sea. We came across this small beach in Polignano which is popular with the locals.  This is where the annual Red Bull High Diving competitions take place from a narrow ledge some 30 m

Italians speak very loud and very fast, exaggerated by hand movements which seem to be incessant.  Our guide Simona speaks very good English, both vocabulary and pronunciation.  Most of the Italians we have come across know very few English words. There are six million olive trees in this area, plus fig trees, almond trees, cherry trees, and grape vines.  The roads in the towns are mostly cobblestone, whilst country roads are very good and the freeways excellent.  Parking is difficult, even with small vehicles - basic rule is if you can't find a park you just park anywhere.  There does not seem to be a pecking order for pedestrians, motor bikes, cycles, trucks, and cars. Each small village has its own charm and hidden treasures.  The buildings are primarily limestone blocks which glow white in the sun. This town is spectacularly beautiful, and our apartment looking directly over the Adriatic Sea.  There is a cave beneath us with a long steep ladder leading to the cave (not to be co