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Day 28, 10 July 2014, Flam to Bergen through the fjords on the 5 hour & 15 minute "Express" Boat. Truly Fjordland. Had a fresh bread roll from the camp shop with cheese, jam and coffee this morning - tres cheap, tres European. Headed down to the waterfront and timed it perfectly - saw a massive cruise ship nosing its way into Flam port - all very scenic. Visited the Railway Museum which was quirky - I think the funniest thing I learned about the railway was yet another example of Norway's nigh-on teetotal approach to alcohol. The first stationmaster at Myrdal, when the Flamsbana line opened in the '40s was a very strict enforcer of the alcohol system. Wine and beer was sold at Myrdal station, but only to travellers. So locals who wanted a tipple had to buy a train ticket to the first station. So then they were travellers and could drink. The man was known for having no problems with drunkenness at the station. His staff probably called him the Fun-Police as well. Aside from fjord tours and jetboating, the options in Flam are somewhat limited - so a good excuse to sit in the shade of a tree and chill out until it was time to board MS Njord to Bergen. Massive, comfortable, catamaran that had us zooming through Sognefjord in no time. While we were waiting to cruise out of Flam, saw a funny thing on the wharf. A bloke was packing his pull-apart/fold down bike into a bag that looked about the size of a spare car tire. And he really made it look like a two person job. Possibly three. Every time he almost had it secured, something poked out, fell out or rolled away. Fifteen minutes of sheer entertainment for me - I bet it looked a hell of a lot easier in the shop when the salesman flogged him the bike! Anyway, stand-up routine over he finally made it on board, and we were off. Refer to photos - what can I say - scenery, scenery, scenery. All the way to Bergen - lots of photos - but hey, over 5 hours on a boat with a book & camera for company, photos are to be expected. Cruised into Bergen just before 9 pm with a front-row view of the historic Bryggen area and made it to the hotel for a belated 10 pm dinner. I'm getting so Europeanised, I deserve a passport I reckon. Bergen exploration is gazetted for the morning.
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