1814_syttende mai

The big day has arrived. The Norwegian Constitution Day, syttende mai, meaning May seventeenth. This national holiday celebrates the day, in 1814, that Norway was declared an independent nation. At that time Norway was under Swedish rule. I feel so lucky to have celebrated this day in Oslo. I think I will forever remember this day with the following feelings and images: happiness, flags, the color red, bunads, warmth.

We started the day with a classy brunch at Åsengata. Guests arrived around 10am. We had wonderful food, champagne, wine. The girls looked wonderful in their bunads. At 2:30pm we headed to the sunny courtyard before walking to Trikkestallen. Later we headed to downtown Oslo on the tram. Karl Johans gate was packed with people, marching bands and everywhere Norwegian flags. At 4pm we headed up to the fortress- the weather was absolutely perfect: nearly 70degrees F, blue skies and a slight breeze. We sat, looking over the fjord and Aker Byrgge, sharing a few beers. Onto a rooftop bar at the design-y First Hotel Grims Grenka by Kristin Jarmund Arkitekter. We all enjoy the scene and lay around drinking our (expensive) beers. It was such a wonderful day!