If I asked you how much three whiskies would cost you in a pub in Oslo, what would you your guess be? Needless to say the bank manager back home required a call to ensure I was able to afford the libations that this particular establishment was providing.

Our first night in Oslo gave Dave and I a chance to enjoy the comfort of a bed and electricity after 4 days in the woods around Løten, about an hour by train north of Oslo. We’d booked onto a 4 day bushcrafting course ran by Odd and Isabel from Norwegian Bushcraft, where we would learn a tonne of new skills and hopefully brush up on a few more.

After a long journey we arrived at the train station to be met by Odd and it became quickly clear he was a softly spoken and funny man whose English was better than mine. On arrival at the camp we set our tents up and explored a little.

We would be joined by three other people on the course. A woman called Christina and a couple, Sam and Kaaynat, all of whom proved to be great company and as keen to learn as we were.

Over the next few days we would build a pretty special bond as a group, the instructors and the instructees, which made the whole experience a total joy, even on the days the rain hit our tents sideways and penetrated our skin through our clothing. Here are some of the highlights.

By lunchtime on the last day, it was time to pack away our gear, tidy up camp and head back to the train station. It was incredibly sad to say goodbye to our bushcrafting companions and it’s my sincere hope I see them all again at some point.

Dave and I arrived back in Oslo and reached our hotel, where we proceeded to lie on the bed and watch YouTube as we drifted off to sleep after a hugely busy few days in the woods.

What followed then was two days of city breaking for me and Dave and getting the chance to catch up with Clare, an old friend who lives in Trondheim. I’d first come over to see Clare 15 years ago and it was lovely to be back in her adopted homeland. Here’s the highlights.

Oslo is a beautiful city. Once again Norway spoiled me, showing me its best side, seemingly without trying. No wonder Clare loves it here. I’ll definitely be back.

And the answer to my initial question?

£40. Were you close? 😀