We have succumbed to the tyranny of the Norwegian Krone and given up on our plans to drive from here down through Finland. It was going to cost us in excess of $3,000 AUD (20,000 NOK) to hire a car one way between Kirkenes and Helsinki over 5 days. Instead,we will nowfly to Helsinki (ironically, via Olso) and then collect a car there for 6 days for the princely sum of $461 with full insurance - what a difference. Even with the $800 for the two fares added, it still comes in at less than half the cost!
We arrive in Hesinki about 5:30 pm tomorrow and will drive to Turku (1.5 hours) spend some time looking at their 13th century castle and cathedral before driving 3.5 hours to Jyväskylä to visit Riikka and Runo before heading back across the Arctic Circle into Lapland and the permanent home of Santa Claus on Thursday. Back then to Jyväskylä and off to Helsinki with the family for a day or two. Later plans are yet to be made, but we don't think we will get to Tallinn, our time is starting to run short!
Quieter day today. When we were at North Cape a couple of days ago, I stumbled on some loose rock and did a little jig to stay upright. Last night the ankle was starting to swell and stiffen a bit, so we decided that a quieter day today would be smart.
This morning Donna walked across to the local Joker supermarket and came back with the makings for a couple of simple meals. We are so full from the big meals of the last couple of days, it is nice to just have some snacky stuff. Choc chip croissants and cinnamon scrolls for breakfast, two juices, two sparkling water with apple, two UHT Mocha drinks, two cokes, a pack of 8 biscuits, a pack of rye crackers and cheese slices and a couple of chocolate bars. What do you think that set her back?
477 NOK or $79.50 AUD. Its a wonder anyone can afford to live here!!
We are definitely learning that Kirkenes exists for the fishing industry and perhaps to service the needs of the visiting Hurtigruten ships. One arrives here daily and then leaves for the southbound journey. Passengers come off here and also embark here.
There are two 'international' style hotels - Scandic and Thon and both appear to accommodate guests from / for the ships. The taxi company does a roaring trade to the airport and the bus company does daily tours for Hurtigruten excursions.
Our room is stiflingly hot. It appears that the heater that heats the water for the entire building runs straight through our room. Donna turned it down as far as she could get it, but her temp app on her phone was still registering 32 degrees in the room. Thankfully this afternoon, we got access to a fan and that has cooled it significantly - will make sleeping tonight a little easier.
Around 2 pm we headed out for a walk.Donna still wore her jacket, but I was pleased to just go out in a summer top into the crisp air at around 10 degrees. Cool and crisp with a light breeze, but not cold.
Found the memorial to the Russians who liberated the town from the Germans in 1944. The incoming soldiers were welcomed as heroes, never mind that they had bombed the town to oblivion with only 13 original homes left standing, nor that they then burned the ruins. Most of the townsfolk sheltered in a bomb shelter tunnel Andersgrotto - with 10 babies born there. We found the tunnel, but had missed the 12:30 pm guided tour.
I came back to the hotel while Donna continued down the hill to the waterfront where she saw one of the trawlers unloading some of their catch. A seabird of indeterminate make was waiting for the next trawler, still coming in to arrive.
Tomorrow will be a travel day - we will leave here about 8:30 am to get to the airport before the next shipload is disgorged on to land - we know that about half of them fly back to Helsinki once the ship docks. Night all. More tomorrow.
1 comment:
Safe travels. ❤
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