MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13TH – TRAVEL TO BODO, NORWAY:
Was nice to have some “time” to get caught up on some work this morning before departing to the hotel. Lobby call was at 12:45 pm and everyone was on time. Frode drove us to the airport – about a 45 minute drive – and dropped us off. No problem getting everything checked in and we had about 45 minutes before the flight boarded.
At first we went to “C” Gates for our flight and it was pretty “desolate” there. Only one shop to grab something to eat. As soon as we made our purchases, I got a message that our flight would be departing from the “A” gates — where all the good food and stores are located.
We had a little turbulence on the flight to Bodo because it is raining and cold. The hotel is a Radisson which is usually our favorite. But this one is “lacking”. Even the Superior Rooms at small and there is no exercise room! Our last day off and no exercise room is just sad! At least it is located right next to the venue and there are lots of great restaurants nearby.
We walked over to a sushi restaurant for dinner and it was great food. Then it was time to work, work, work! Almost 2 am and I have to get up early and hike down to the laundromat and wash some clothes!
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14TH – PERFORANCE IN BODO – HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY:
Funny how “plans” rarely work out…..
I worked out in my room and then packed up the dirty clothes that needed washing to get me through these last few days. Just as I was walking out of the hotel to the laundromat, I got a text message from Stephanie telling everyone it wasn’t a laundromat. It was a Dry Cleaners! Totally useless to us. The good news is, I called the hotel for tomorrow and they have self-service washers and dryers on the 2nd floor! Most of us washed a few things in the sink and then found various “methods” of drying them. I hung underwear and socks on clothes hangers and hung the around a circular lamp. Other people either put items on the wall radiators or the heated bathroom floors. If mine aren’t dry by the time we depart tomorrow morning, I’ll finish them off with a hair dryer. Necessity is the Mother of Invention!
Had to walk to the Mall to look for a duffle bag and wanted to find out the name of the medicine that Monica gave me at the Oslo show. Don’t know what it is, but it sure is knocking out my cold! Howard also needed a couple of things. It’s a really nice mall and much bigger than it looks.
I found the items for Howard easily and then asked about my “unidentified” medicine. She had it in stock and I asked her the ingredients. She said, it was very simple….just Vitamin D and then she struggled to find the right words in English but sad it is the thing that is left after a cow gives birth. EEEUUUU. After I stopped gagging thinking about what I had been taking, I purchased some more because it obviously helps with a cold.
Finding a plain duffle bag turned out to be a nightmare. Everything I found was leather and expensive. I gave up and decided I would look some more after sound check.
Rune and Anna are our “hosts” today and both of them are awesome. The backline is great, as well. Anna walked with me to the Mall again to look for a bag but once again, we struck out. She suggested I have Rune drive me to a larger mall. He agreed and I found an affordable one at a big Sports Store. Howard, David and I have to take things out of our suitcases and put in this bag to avoid overweight charges tomorrow on the Wideroe Prop plane.
I went by a restaurant that the venue recommended to see if we could get dinner tonight. Only we needed a reservation and they were already full. I decided to call and order dinner, pick it up after the show. Only they close at 8:30 pm so I had to slip out of the show and grab it then go back. I ordered tagliatelle with pesto cream sauce, chicken, bacon, pine nuts and fresh cherry tomatoes. It was definitely the best meal I’ve had on the tour.
Another sold out hall and great night for all. We had a couple of friends come by before the show – Steinar Schroder and his pretty wife – and Stig from the Lofoten Festival after the show. Always nice to see Norwegian friends! Steinar’s wife is Japanese and I wish I had more time to chat with her! I forgot to mention that yesterday in the Oslo Airport, a lady recognized Howard and introduced herself and said she is a friend or Rhonda Vincent. I took photos with them and sent to Rhonda and she confirmed that they know each other and how sweet she is.
Trying to finish up with this road report and get 4 hours (or less) of sleep before getting up at 4:30 am for a 6:30 am lobby call. Hope our flight departs on time! Going to one of my favorite cities in Norway tomorrow – Bergen! Next favorite city is the last stop on our tour – Kristiansand!
Jude