2007 at Holmenkollen

Whilst this posting is out of sync with the other postings I think it is worth including.

As you know, we like to travel to celebrate occasions and this was certainly special as it celebrated Pauline's 60th birthday. When planning what to do or where to go, Pauline asked if it was possible to make a trip to see World Cup Ski Jumping somewhere in Europe. On checking the weekend 17 to 18th March I discovered that the World Cup ski jumpers would be at Holmenkollen, just outside Oslo in Norway. It was easy to organise because the venue was just outside a city with an airport.

Therefore I went onto the Internet and booked two return flights from Manchester to Oslo which went via Heathrow. Next I found a suitable hotel and the deal was on. On Saturday 17th March 2007 we left Manchester Airport on the Heathrow Shuttle where we changed terminals to fly on to Oslo. The flying was great, as always, but Heathrow Airport was an experience we did not care for. The staff there are the rudest, bad mannered and disinterested people I have come across in terms of customer care. But that was not allowed to spoil the weekend.

We arrived at Oslo's airport to find it a very attractive place indeed with very pleasant and welcoming staff. As we left the main concourse we quickly found the terminus for the Flytoget which is the express rail service to Oslo. (Flytoget is pronounced "Flee to get") At Oslo central Station we took a taxi to the hotel and noticed how expensive the fare was. This was typical of Norway - but we already had a clue suggesting prices were expensive there. The Flytoget runs like silk and silently too. It is even quieter and more comfortable than the RER in Paris.

That evening we needed to eat so chose a restaurant from our guide book and took a tram there. Oslo trams are modern and very comfortable. You buy your ticket at a local shop before boarding the tram. The restaurant proved to be fully booked so we tried one across the square and they had a table. Being lovers of fish and seafood we ordered Turbot and accompanied it with a bottle of house wine. Both were excellent. We had an excellent meal served by very friendly staff who made us feel welcome. When it came to paying the bill I waited for a shock and got one. This meal for two people cost £165.00! We put it down to experience.

After breakfast the following day we made our way to central Station to catch the T Bane train to Holmenkollen. This is the Oslo equivalent of the London Underground. The train slowly climbed the hills above the city until we reached the station at Holmenkollen. From there we followed the crowds up to the ski stadium. We could see the high tower marking the start of the inrun way above our heads as we climbed the hill. Norwegian soldiers were on hand to keep order and help people find their way. But this was unlike soccer in the UK. There was no trouble and the crowds were very well behaved. The liveliest nationality were the Poles who had come to support their amazing ski jumper, Adam Malysz (pronounced Mowish). They were the largest contingent of all.

The biggest shock was that we would be sitting on cold concrete as there were no seats at all. The only spectators with seats assembled in the Royal Box with King Harald, a keen supporter of skiing. Over lunchtime in the hospitality tent we met a group of young people from Australia, Poland and Greece. We had a wonderful time chatting to them. At the end of lunch we emerged to find the opening ceremony had just begun. Way above us, but below the inrun, assembled a brass band. Each country represented in the competition had its flag carried at speed down the outrun by a skier. We walked round to our booked are for spectators and settled down to watch the event.

the earlier ski jumpers were lesser known names in the sport but eventually we began to see the stars jumping. Each time a Polish skier came down the Polish contingent cheered like mad. It was now time for the final jumper in Round One to go. It was the great Adam Malysz! The poles went wild as he hurtled down the inrun. Suddenly, on leaving the inrun he was blown by a strong rogue wind and had to fight to save himself. Instead of coming in first he came in 50th! Then, to add insult to injury, the competition was halted and became a single round event.

Other competitions were cancelled as the winds at the take off point increased and swirled around. It was time to leave. The crowds slowly left the stadium for the train station and eventually we boarded a train to Oslo. Everyone on board was in a good mood and the Poles were calling out the name of their hero. There was no violence and no drunkenness. This was very unlike the scene after a match in the UK.

That evening, on the advice of the hotel receptionist, we had a pizza at a local bar and thoroughly enjoyed our food once more. Early next morning we rose and walked down to Central Station to get the Flytoget to Oslo Airport. We had breakfast at the airport and then boarded our aircraft for Heathrow. Once more we endured the Heathrow experience and took the Shuttle back to Manchester. From Manchester Airport we drove to Rochdale for a family celebration at our son's house to mark this special day when Pauline actually attained the age of 60 years.

The next day we drove home to Anglesey and settled down into a sedate life once more. It had been what we wanted - a special experience!

Since our visit to Holmenkollen there has been only one further World Cup Ski Jumping competition there. After the 2008 event contractors moved in to demolish the ski jump and build a better one. It is due to be ready for the 2010 season.