Tromsø, 29.07.2017

The sleep deprivation of the last 48 hours was clearly noticeable in our bones. Four hours south of the North Cape, we set up our overnight quarters at a fjord in the middle of some fishermen. Despite dense fog, these fishermen were just preparing for their midnight excursion out onto the water when we arrived, as we learned that this is the optimal time due to the tides. The main catch is cod, but also sea bass, trout, and similar delicacies. Our neighbors, a German retired couple, are having a proper fishing vacation there. About 10 euros per night (depending on how good your negotiation skills are) must be paid to the landowner, by the way the first non-English speaking Norwegian we have encountered so far, for the pitch including toilet, shower, and Wi-Fi, fish is self-caught. - I think you can't have a cheaper vacation. Although it was bitterly cold at night, we slept like logs. The journey through the spectacular landscape of Norway continued. Unfortunately, the persistent dense fog often obstructed the view, and admittedly, you do see the same thing for several hundred kilometers. Mountains, rivers, fjords, meadows, an occasional sheep. For a change, we conjured up delicious hot dogs for lunch, so we reached our next destination strengthened: the city of Tromsø, also known as the Paris of the North. From our pretty campsite with the very creative name "Tromsø Camping", where the two most handsome guys in the whole city were placed at the reception - only the best for the guests - we walked to the cable car valley station, a gondola that leads to a mountain with a great view of the city. However, we spontaneously decided not to fall into this total tourist trap costing a total of 40 euros, and instead paid a visit to the city center. So that our leg and butt muscles don't feel neglected, we resisted the temptation to take the bus. The city is located on an island and can only be reached by ferry or bridge. And, how shall I put it, I don't think we are used to this strenuous sport of "walking" anymore. In any case, we had to have a picnic in the middle of the bridge and refuel. Unbelievably, we finally reached the other end of the bridge. It was worth it. Tromsø is a harbor city (the Hurtigruten make a stop here) with a familiar character. Judging by the residents and the architecture, it does not seem to be the wealthiest city in Norway, where it also snows in summer. Or was it heavy pollen? After the shock of encountering a real moose on foot - well, okay, it was stuffed, but still - we treated ourselves to a hot chocolate and a cappuccino at the harbor and then retreated. Together with a vacationer from Thailand and his four souvenirs, who were happily alternating giving him a smile and cooking him a fine meal, we prepared a delicious dinner. There were fried eggs, potatoes with tzatziki, and beetroot salad. No, dear Christina, Leon didn't try any of it. But - jackpot - from today on, he can peel his own potatoes.