Trondheim

We decided to take one of optional excursions to explore Trondheim. This exploration made use of an old-school wooden boat allowing a small group to travel the canals that extend throughout the city. The boat is uncovered and the trip goes rain (snow) or shine. It was raining, but that is not unusual for Norway. We were told to bring rain gear and they provided large ponchos. We decided this made for a more authentic experience.

Every experience we have had in Norwegian villages and cities has revealed well maintained and attractive homes and buildings. There must be areas that do not appear as affluent and well cared for, but somehow we never encounter these settings. I know little of architecture, but there is clearly more color and buildings look more modern. This is somewhat ironic given the long history of these locations. We have yet to see much of what we would describe as manufacturing. Trondheim is regarded as a technology center and several of the locations we have visited could be described as university towns. You hear guides describing an awareness that fishing and oil are the basis for the modern economy and they realize that the country must find other opportunities. 

One thing we have learned about several of the villages we have explored is that most have burned several times. This was due to the close spacing of the wooden structures, the use of wood preservatives such as pitch and turpentine, and the lack of open areas between buildings.