Oslo- 1) Frognerparken/Vigelandsparken

Frognerparken, also known as Vigelandsparken, is a large public park renowned for its impressive collection of sculptures created by the Norwegian artist Gustav Vigeland. This park is part of the larger Frogner Park and covers around 45 hectares, making it one of the largest sculpture parks in the world dedicated to a single artist.

The park contains over 200 bronze, granite, and wrought iron sculptures, Vigeland's work in the park took place between 1924 and 1943, making it a lifetime project. Each sculpture reflects human emotions and experiences, capturing joy, love, anger, and family.

Some of the most iconic sculptures include The Monolith, a towering 14-meter column carved from a single block of granite and featuring 121 intertwined human figures symbolizing the cycle of life. 

Entrance to the park is free.

Oslo Impressions and Experiences

My first experience at Oslo Airport left a surprising impression of the city. Like most passengers, we needed transportation to get from the airport to downtown Oslo, where we were staying. Initially, I thought calling a taxi would be straightforward. However, just before exiting the terminal to the taxi area, I noticed a large screen—similar to those in McDonald's for ordering food—where you can book a taxi. You simply enter your destination address, and it displays a set price and the driver’s information.

After completing the booking, we stepped outside and waited briefly for our driver to arrive. He showed up quickly, and we got into the car. This experience was very different from the traditional taxi line; there was no waiting in line, and the price and driver’s details were clear from the start—much like an Uber ride.

My visit to Oslo was rather short—only two full days. I wish I had stayed longer because it was truly a beautiful city. I enjoyed its stunning landscapes, architectural design, rich history, openness, artistic and colorful streets, delicious food, and the warmth of the people. The wonderful weather (July) made me feel relaxed and peaceful. Unlike the bustling atmospheres I experienced in other cities like Helsinki or Dublin, Oslo felt open and harmoniously in tune with nature. While some areas were crowded, most of the places I visited were spacious, calm, and inviting.  

I couldn’t see all the attractions, but every place I visited left a lasting impression. They were unlike anything I’d seen elsewhere in the world.

Oslo Opera House, with its stunning and unique architectural design, impressed me the most. Walking on the roof was a one-of-a-kind experience.

Frogner Park was breathtakingly beautiful. I took countless photos of the landscape and sculptures, though I could only choose a few to display. The emotions conveyed through the sculptures were so vivid and real, capturing a range of human experiences and feelings.

I explored much of Oslo on foot, and the public transportation was also very convenient. "Ruter" is a mobile app lets you buy your ticket before you get on board. The ticket is valid on the Metro, buses, trams, ferries and trains in Oslo and Akershus. 

Here is a list of main attractions I visited during my visit: The Opera House; Frogner Park; City Hall Square; Oslo City Hall and Munch Museum.

Maryland's Best Fall Foliage - Annapolis Rock via Appalachian Trail

For outdoor lovers, Annapolis Rock trail is a popular hiking destination along the Appalachian Trail in Maryland. Address: 11175 Baltimore National Pike, Myersville, MD 21773.  Parking lot at the trail head is not large and by 9:30am, it was full.  We parked at the next-door Greenbrier State Park which is about 15-minute walk from the trail head. 

This trail is a moderate hike, about 5.1 miles round trip, with some elevation gain (around 700 feet). Along the way, you’ll encounter rocky terrain, dense forests, and an occasional clearing.  At the end of the trail, you arrived at the scenic views which is the main highlight, a view from Annapolis Rock, a rocky outcropping that overlooks the valley and Greenbrier Lake.  It is a great spot to see fall foliage!

Maryland's Best of Fall Foliage -Lake Needwood Park

Now is the perfect time to enjoy the fall foliage in Maryland! My favorite spot to visit is Lake Needwood Park. Over the past week, I’ve gone multiple times and captured some of the most stunning fall colors there. I’m excited to share them with you. Happy Fall!

Lake Needwood Park is a Park located in Montgomery County, Maryland.  Address: 15700 Needwood Lake Cir, Derwood, MD 2085.

Helsinki -6) Suomenlinna, Sea Fortress

I took a ferry from Market Square to visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Suomenlinna. I thought it would offer me a peaceful escape from the bustling city. Little did I know that when I arrived on the island, so did many other tourists.

I explored the island, visiting the church and wandering further, but as the crowds grew, the peace I had hoped for slipped away. Eventually, I decided to head back to the city.

Despite the busy atmosphere, I still enjoyed my visit. It was a scenic and beautiful place.

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Suomenlinna is an 18th-century sea fortress located on a group of islands off the coast of Helsinki, Finland. Built by Sweden starting in 1748, it was originally named Sveaborg (or Viapori in Finnish), intended to defend against Russian expansion during the time when Finland was part of the Swedish Empire. The fortress spans several interconnected islands and serves as a striking example of European military architecture.

Over time, Suomenlinna has been under Swedish, Russian, and Finnish control, each period leaving its mark on the fortifications. After Sweden lost a war with Russia in 1808, Finland came under Russian rule, and Suomenlinna became a Russian naval base until Finland gained independence in 1917.

Helsinki - 5) The Sibelius Monument

The Sibelius Monument, located in Sibelius Park (Sibeliuspuisto) in the Töölö district of Helsinki, is a tribute to the famous Finnish composer Jean Sibelius (1865–1957). It’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Helsinki, attracting visitors for its unique artistic design and its peaceful surroundings.

Created by Finnish sculptor Eila Hiltunen and unveiled in 1967, the monument consists of over 600 hollow steel pipes welded together to form a wave-like pattern. The abstract sculpture is meant to capture the essence of Sibelius' music, evoking the feeling of sound waves and the organic forms found in nature.

Helsinki City Walk-4) Temppeliaukio Church

Temppeliaukio Church, also known as the Rock Church, is one of Helsinki's most remarkable architectural landmarks. Completed in 1969, the church is built directly into a solid granite outcrop, giving it a distinctive and organic appearance. Designed by architects Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen, the structure takes advantage of the natural rock formations, blending the church seamlessly with its surroundings.

The church’s interior is carved from natural rock and features exposed stone walls, creating an atmospheric and acoustically excellent environment. The circular copper dome, which allows natural light to flood the interior, enhances the ethereal ambiance. Skylights line the dome, adding a soft glow to the space.

The Church is a walking distance from my stay.  I arrived right after its opening and immediately there were massive number of tourists.  After visited inside, I walked out to the roof top. It is quite rocky but you can have a good look at the church dome and its stone structures around.

Walking on the roof top