Norway is full of surprises. Everyday we find something strange (to us) yet wonderful. Brown cheese is the best! Skiing to town! And amazing public transport….America has a lot to learn.

On almost every corner we find a sign that reads “parkering forbudt” which means parking is forbidden. Because public transportation is so wonderful, parking is largely unnecessary. Car traffic is minimal. We hop a bus or maybe a tram (both are viable options) to Frogner Park.

Because today, we are parkering ourselves (see what I did there) in Frogner Park. It is a very large urban park and also home to hundreds of statues by the artist, Gustavo Vigeland. Born Adolf Thorsen, he changed his last name to honor the area where he grew up. Vigeland worked as a sculptor at Nidaros cathedral, studied with Rodin in Paris and is considered the most prolific Norwegian sculptor.

He is best known for the 212 pieces installed in Frogner Park. Large naked figures convey humanity in all of its moods. My favorite in his collection are the children, looking sassy and moody. I recognize the expressions. A perennial favorite is the iconic angry baby. I am especially drawn to a sculpture of a small girl looking angrily at an older brother who is looking back with a “what did I do?” expression. Art imitating my life.

At the end of the park we find a lovely cemetery and decided to take a walk through. People are strolling in the park like setting. I stop to photograph the military monuments honoring those who died in World War II. Directly across the lane, we find a small, seemingly unmarked grave with American flags.

Curious, I walk over to see why a grave without a headstone is adorned with Old Glory. Upon closer look, we see that the grave belongs to America’s Top 40 DJ, Casey Kasey.

This seems strange. Via the magic of the internet, we discover that he wanted to be buried in the U.S.. But there was a family fight, and his wife had him buried here in Oslo. It apparently was quite ugly and fraught with the controversy. It is sad. I am saddened that he doesn’t even have a grave marker. This man was an important part of my youth as I tuned in each week for the countdown. We pay our respects.

There is something peaceful about older cemeteries. The birds sing. Graves from WWI and WWII in military rows convey a sense of order and gravitas. Monuments to British soldiers who gave their lives defeating the Nazis are covered in blankets of fresh greenery. The breeze whispers through the trees.

Eventually, we cross back to Frogner park where preschoolers in their yellow safety vests run and play. Mothers pushing large prams stroll leisurely through the park. Dogs and their owners frolic on the lawn. Endless busloads of tourists make a mad dash to take photos of the sculptures. Meanwhile we are parkering on benches and the cafe.

I sip coffee and eat a surprisingly good slice of key lime pie. We people watch and enjoy the bright sun. Walking the street to the tram, we find interesting art installations, coffee shops, and a public library. The buildings in Frogner are a mix of apartments, businesses and small shops. It is a vibrant and welcoming neighborhood. But all good things must come to an end.

Back in our neighborhood, I talk my husband into visiting the park across the street. It is a lovely botanical garden and the greenhouses are open. It is very hot inside compared to the cooler outside weather. But there are lily pads and Venus fly traps. Summer blooms and tropical vibes…. I think I will also be parkering in this park … at least for awhile.

Parkering in the park. We sit down for yet another cup of coffee in a lovely courtyard and catch the lingering sunshine.

Parkering in the park…. I like it……