traveltales: OSLO'S SHIP MUSEUMS

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

OSLO'S SHIP MUSEUMS

THE KON TIKI MUSEUM

RA II

In Oslo, Norway, the Kon Tiki Museum is just down the road from the Viking Museum. Thor Heyerdahl, 1914-2002, sailed the balsa Kon Tiki, with six men, 4000 miles from Peru to Polynesia in 1947 to prove South Americans could sail to Polynesia. The Kon Tiki used a small oar as Heyerdahl wanted to sail the currents, not steer the craft. Unfortunately after 101 days Kon Tiki hung up on a coral reef in Tahiti.

In 1970 he sailed the Ra II, made of papyrus reed with seven men across the Atlantic. In 1969 Ra I’s reeds became saturated after six or seven weeks during that voyage. Both original crafts are on display in the museum. The reed boat, although as sturdy as, looked nothing like the attractive reed boat of Peru’s Eros people. This raft was strictly utilitarian.

The museum is small but well done. It was exciting to see the actual craft I’d heard about in my youth as well as the Ra. All I can say is that it took a lot of courage to set out to sea in either craft, as they didn’t look all that sturdy to me.

THE VIKING MUSEUM

Viking Museum is located on the Bygdey (sounds like big day) Peninsula. In 1913, a Swedish professor suggested a special building be constructed to house the Viking ships which were in storage at a University of Oslo facility. The Oseberg, excavated in 1904, was moved in 1926 and the two other ships, discovered in in 1932. Three 9^th century ships are surrounded by artifacts from days of plunder. The ships were excavated from Oslofjorden. Made of oak, the ships were buried in blue clay which preserved them well. The boats were used as tombs for the nobility. Things needed for their journey including jewelry, furniture, and food were buried with the bodies.1867 and 1880, were moved

The Oseberg, buried in 834 and found by accident in 1904, sports an elaborate dragon and serpent carvings. It took 30 people, 15 on each side, to row the 71-foot long, 15-foot wide boat. Considering their age, the boats were in incredible condition. The main boat had 90% of its original lumber! The mast was 49-foot high and carried a 120-square-meter sail. With its shallow draft it skimmed the water.

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Travel Tips

Wet feet, who has rubbers these day? To dry wet shoes put crumpled newspaper inside the shoe and it will wick out all the moisture. If you expect your travels to take you where your feet are likely to be walking in puddles or streams, pack a section of newspaper in the bottom of your suitcase.
In many places in the world the tip is included in the restaurant bill---good to know!
In Europe bathrooms are referred to as WC or toilet. Any other term is not understood.
When hiking, stop to tighten shoe/boot laces before starting down hill.
When traveling by plane be sure to wear all cotton clothing, which today is no problem. In case of fire, man-made fibers melt, cotton burns instead, leaving a clean burn vs one with all kinds of junk melted into it.
Didn't expect a sunburn and have no Rx for it? Dab the area with a cool wet tea bag. the tannin in the tea will reduce inflamation.
I bet you travel with a small bottle of hand sanitizer either in your purse or pocket. Did you know that when you spill something in your lap or wear part of your lunch that a few dabs of hand sanitizer on the spot will make it disappear like magic!
Speaking of shoes, I do not recommend removing them on a long flight. Untie and loosen them. I have actually seen people not be able to get their shoes back on because their feet have swollen during a long flight. Oach!
As painful as it may be limit yourself to two pairs of shoes. You are not traveling to make a fashion statement. Wear your heavest pair which should be a good pair of walking shoes. Pack a lighter pair or sandals.
Make a copy of all your documents and credit cards before leaving home and carry seperately. Also before leaving home leave a copy of your itinerary including hotels and their phone numbers and dates of stay with a family member.
It's always tempting to take a sleeping pill on a long overseas flight, BUT I never do because in the unlikely event of problems I want to have all my senses about me!
Afraid of bedbugs these days? Carry a small squirt bottle of lavender along with your other liquids. Spray your pillow and around your bed and mattress. This will give you a good visual and also repel the little devils.
I carry a couple of aspirin in my pocket and once the plane is in the air I swallow one. I feel this is especially important on long overseas flights to avoid leg problems.
If you do need to do laundry when traveling wring it as dry as possible by hand, then lay the article flat on a bath towel and roll tightly. Unroll and hang. It should be dry by morning.
I carry a small empty water bottle when traveling. I place it in the tray along with my plastic bag of liquids. Once through security I fill it from the water fountain. I always have water to take a pill or a drink when I'm thirsty.
Beware that European bath tubs are very deep and water is often scalding hot. Be careful especially if you have hip or knee problems.
If you're going to be gone more than a few days water your indoor plants well then cover with a large plastic bag tucking the edges well under the pot. If you use a laundry bag simply knot the area where the hanger protrudes. When you return your plants will be healthy and well.
In the largest print possible print your last name and hotel on a sheet of paper and place it on the top of your clothes before closing your suitcase. If your bag gets way laid hopefully it will make it to your hotel.
If you are the owner of the common black bag personalize it by adding various cut outs from colored duct tape. It will be easier to identify than if it carries a bit of ribbon.