Springtime in Oslo

I’m back from my trip to the US and the UAE for a couple of weeks and I still have my new camera. I’ve been snapping a few shots here and there that I believe are representative for the springtime feelings in my home town Oslo. The following quote is taken from the Wikipedia description of Oslo and is a good introduction to my first picture from Oslo Central Station.

“The city was once referred to as Tigerstaden (the City of Tigers) by the author Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson around 1870, due to his perception of the city as a cold and dangerous place. This name has over the years achieved an almost official status, to the extent that the 1000-year anniversary was celebrated by a row of tiger sculptures around city hall. “

Oslo "Tigerstaden" (City of Tigers)

A sure sign of spring in Oslo is the emergence of marching bands. This day (Saturday 9th of May) I came across the band “Kampen Janitsjar” playing outside Oslo Central Station. Behind the band you can see a huge reproduction of a picture by pop-art artist Pushwagner. He used to hang around with the homeless in Oslo and would occasionally spend the night at a friends house or with someone he met. Sometimes he would leave one of his paintings as collateral or payment for lodging. Today those pictures are worth their weight in gold or perhaps more than that. This is at least the story I’ve been told about him. The little girl in front of the band is just a little girl standing in front of the band …

Kampen janitsjar playing at Oslo Central Station

The rigging of outdoor stages is another sure sign that summer is around the corner. The picture is taken on “Youngstorget” and the building in the background is the old Oslo police station “Møllergata 19” that also served as HQ for the Gestapo during World War 2.

Youngstorget music stage

There are lots of green areas in Oslo. The next few shots are taken in an area close to where i live by “Akerselva” a river hat cuts through the city.

Akerselva, taken in Nydalen

Duck swimming in Akerselva

Windflowers by Akerselva

One of Oslo’s land marks is the City Hall housing the political leadership of the city. The building was finished in the 1950’s after standing only partially finished during World War 2.  This is also where the Nobel Peace Prize is presented to the winner in December every year.

Oslo City Hall

Oslo City Hall, clock tower

For me though, the best thing about spring is that we can start practicing Taiji outside! Every morning from 07:30, Monday to Friday we practice on the roof of the fantastic new opera house in Oslo. I haven’t taken any good pictures there so far this year but here’s one from last year taken with my old camera.

Morning Taiji at Oslo Opera House

Every second Saturday of the month the entire year, we practice outside the Nobel Peace Center. This is something we keep going regardless of weather or whether the ground is covered by snow or ice. It’s a way of bringing sharing our practice with the community and to demonstrate the “peace in action” philosophy represented in the practice of Taiji. It is however a great thing when the snow is gone and the ice is gone from the fjord.

Taiji practice outside the Nobel Peace Center

That’s it for now. Take care 🙂