Horoscopes 52

Our Horoscopes

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Taurus 21/04 - 20/05 It is worth thinking about taking life at a slightly slower pace, as the advent Cancer June 21 - July 21 of the planet Jupiter, could suggest that you The goal post of your life is wide open and could make need to hold yourself back for just a week or you a winner in more ways than one. It looks like you two, whilst you weigh up the important options could become the person of the moment as your in front of you. you may be professionally head popularity rises and you gain the respect of those who matter. hunted which could be well worth waiting for.

Leo July 22 - August 21 The position of the planet Uranus could add a complication to what should be simple. With perseverance and grit, this should fire you up to making decisions that could have positive life changing results.

Virgo August 22 - September 22 The extrovert side of your personality is showing through, as you could be entering a new professional environment. Your popularity will be enhanced and enable you to hold all the ace cards when it comes to showing your skills of leadership.

Gemini 21/06 - 20/06

Your wonderfully placid attitude and gentle approach to others, could Libra September 21 - October 22 make you the ideal person to put balm on Happy go lucky and full of newfound enthusiasm is the way to describe this troubled waters. There may be those who ongoing part of your life. As you ride the wave of will thank you for your good advice and well euphoria others will try to get a bite of the cherry, l suppose sharing might be thought out and empathetic ideas. an option.

Scorpio

October 23 - November 22 Push forward, you need to be a leader not a follower. Others may look to you to take the lead in sorting out their lives. Relax and don’t be taken for a ride.

Sagittarius

November 23 - December 20 You may feel as if you are opening Pandora’s box. As fate seems well and truly on your side, random opportunities are to be taken seriously. They could be the source of future success.

A SCANDINAVIAN ADVENTURE IN BERGEN.

by Rebecca Underwood, Travel Journalist

Prior to the outbreak of Covid19, I visited Bergen, known as the gateway to the fjords, which nestles between seven mountains and is Norway’s second largest city, located in Hordaland, on the western Norwegian coastline.

This charming World Heritage City instantly captivates visitors with an abundance of natural beauty, a fascinating history and it’s the ideal spot for a Scandinavian adventure.

Founded by King Olav Kyrre in 1070 and only four years after the end of the Viking era, Bergen rapidly developed around its bustling harbour and became a major centre for trading seafarers. Prior to Oslo emerging as Norway’s capital in 1814, Bergen was the Norwegian capital in the 13th century and it prospered greatly due to maintaining exclusive rights to negotiate European trade. The Hanseatic League (the German medieval guild of merchants) dominated Baltic maritime trade along the northern European coastline and in 1360 opened an administrative centre on Bryggen’s wharf. At that time there would have been around 30 timber buildings with each one housing several trading firms over two or three stories. Each property provided living quarters, business premises and storage areas and outside, high above the roofs, tall cranes hovered over every building ensuring that the vessels docked on the waterway could be unloaded and loaded with ease.

For a deeper understanding of Hanseatic life take a stroll along to the Hanseatic Museum which opened in 1872 and is housed in one of Bryggen’s oldest wooden buildings. Furnished in the style of the 18th century, it has retained its original interior and provides an intriguing insight into the life and work of the Hanseatic merchant.

For those seeking the highest level of comfort and service, the ideal place to stay is the Opus XVI, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. Located on the quiet plaza of Vagsallmenningen, the property is owned by the descendants of Edvard Hagerup Grieg, the renowned Norwegian composer and pianist. This grand, historic building dates back to 1876 and once housed Bergen’s largest bank. The spacious main floor features granite walls and soaring marble columns and the many decorative details demand the utmost admiration.

Accommodation options include classic, superior and deluxe rooms and a choice of suites. The double-storey Peer Gynt suite, named after one of Edvard Grieg’s masterpieces, measures 69 square metres and reflects a fusion of contemporary style with classic elements. The living room includes a large dining area with comfortable seating and elegant drapes and the bedroom features a king size bed swathed in luxurious linens and plump pillows. The spacious bathroom offers under-floor heating and an excellent rainfall shower, which, for those of us who take a while to recover from a deep slumber, is just the ticket. Hotel amenities include complimentary WIFI, an in-room tablet for guests to use, and an impressive mini-bar crammed with drinks and snacks. Following a hearty buffet style breakfast and with most attractions within walking distance I set out to explore the city.

In 1979 Bryggen, was recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and today the vast majority of Bergen’s visitors flock to the brightly coloured wooden houses along the waterfront. These days painters, weavers and craftsmen toil away in their workshops enticing passersby to stop and admire and purchase their artistry. There are also a number of quirky boutiques, trendy cafés and busy restaurants dotted along the wharf. Consider stopping off and sampling Fårikål; Norway’s national dish, which is a delicious mutton stew layered with cabbage and served with potatoes or you may prefer the Stekte Pølser, which are fried sausages accompanied with a selection of vegetables. For those who love seafood, head for Enhjørningen, a unique fish restaurant located on Bryggen. Housed in a narrow 18th century building, which has been restored, it offers a wonderful view of the waterfront, excellent service and the menu features some truly mouth watering dishes.

Norway is the world’s second biggest exporter of fish and a visit to Torget fish market, a three minute walk from Opus XVI, is not to be missed. Visitors are encouraged to admire the display and sample the products, which includes fish cakes, salmon, calamari, seafood salads and of course fish and chips. Wander around the harbour and you will spot the Bergenhus fortress, which is one of the best preserved castles in Norway. Be sure to visit the royal hall, known as Haakon’s Hall after King Håkon Håkonson. The hall dates back to 1260 and is Norway’s biggest medieval building now used for official functions and banquets.

Our Travel