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July 13, 2007 | 2 Comments

Post to the Host:
Sorry that this University of Minnesota grad ('79) won't be standing on the pier to welcome you to Trondheim, Norway when the MS Veendam ties up to our shores. I'm off on my own cruise, celebrating the completion of chemotherapy with 100% success. But I can vouch for your route and tell you that you have a great trip ahead of you!

I wanted to point out a few local sights and trivia for the interest of you and your 1,200 fellow travelers.

You will be greeted by Leif Eiriksson, whose statue stands on the pier in front of my workplace, the Leif Eirksson Center. As the adjoining plaque states, the statue was given by the families of many Norwegian-Americans descendants on the occasion of Trondheim's 1000 year celebration in 1997. You might also be on the lookout amongst the grandeur of Saint Olavs Cathedral for a likeness of another Minnesota native. During the 1960's while the sculpture of the archangel Michael was being chiseled and hammered, the face of Bob Dylan was chosen as an expression for the sculptor's support of Dylan's opposition to the Vietnam War. Look for it on the top of the tallest tower at the West Front of "Domkirka". (It's also described in the pamphlet sold in the visitors center). Norwegian-Americans have given another wonderful gift to the City and to the Cathedral. Back 80 or more years ago, midwestern congregations collected pennies, nickels, dimes and dollars to create a cross that stands on the alter under the great spire ... a large cross of silver, perhaps over 200 pounds of silver if I remember correctly. Quite stunning.

Be sure to stop at the town square market and pick up a pint of the best strawberries in the world. Just ask my better half, Grethe.

Dan
Trondheim, Norway

We're all looking forward to Trondheim and to Flom and Bergen and the Sognefjord and the sights of Norway — and also the long days as we steam north. As I write this, I'm in a hotel in Copenhagen, waiting for the bus to take us to the ship. Everybody flew in yesterday (except a few of us wise old birds who know enough not to cut these trips too close and to allow a day for queasiness) and the lobby was crowded with wan faces and a few stricken ones — about sixteen of the travelers had the misfortune of getting involved with a particular Major American Airline which sent their luggage off to Dahomey or some place and these folks are now having to purchase clean underwear at Illums department store. But this is in the nature of big trips — you have to deal with small catastrophes. And once they reach Trondheim, they will be all right, I'm sure.

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