The Parade

I got a map with my ticket, so when I got into the city, I felt comfortable leaving the train station. I decided to walk up what appeared to be a main street in search of the Royal Palace. I soon found my way blocked by a crowd. I had somehow stumbled upon a parade!

I watched the parade for a while without having any idea what it was for. Finally I turned to the people near me and said, “Excuse me, do any of you speak English? I want to know what the parade is about” This is why I hate being in a country where I don’t speak even a few words of the native language. I feel like such a stupid American tourist. Luckily, a nice woman took pity on me and tried to explain the parade. Her English was pretty good, but I still didn’t completely understand, probably because I don’t understand Norwegian politics. It sounded like the parade was because the government was moving from one building to another, I think for the winter. It does this twice a year, and each time there is a parade.

The Royal Palace

The Parliament