Our day started with our chauffeurs, Ottar and Tutti, picking us up at our hotel to drive to the Royal Palace to take in the festivities for the Constitution Day Parade. Tutti has been my cousin Ottar’s mate for the last 35 years. When we found my long-lost family in Oslo, we never expected to learn so much about my family history. One of the most surprising tidbits we learned was that Tutti is the hairdresser to Queen Sonja and has been for the last 54 years. This has allowed her to travel the world as the Queen takes her whenever she travels. We also were given a gift as Tutti got us tickets into the area surrounding the Palace and the royal garden. Its well-manicured lawns, statues, and water areas were splendid. We drove through the well-guarded entrance where Tutti showed her pass, and one of the guards ran up to greet her and wave us in. 

We parked in a special area and walked up to the Palace where the parade had begun. Tutti pushed me in front of people to make sure I could see. We only stayed briefly as there were other places to go. Reportedly, over 1000,000 people were standing ten deep on the streets to watch the parade pass. We were fortunate to see it up close. Walking with Tutti was a slow experience as she seemed to know everyone, and people ran to her for hugs and visits. She told us later that in 54 years of working for the Queen, she has watched generations of kids grow up, so she has had the opportunity to know many people. She has a personality that draws people to her, and she drew me to her as well. 

When Ottar’s mother came to Canada to visit back in the 70s, she brought my mother a bunad – the national dress of Norway – as a gift. My mother had it for years, and I got it when my mom passed away. I brought it back to Norway and gifted it to Tutti, and she proudly wore it to the festivities. She and I shed some tears when I commented on how beautiful she looked in it. She thanked me many times for bringing it to her and noted how much she cherishes it. My mom would be thrilled!

While walking the grounds some more, we passed a statue of Queen Sonja. It depicts her sitting on a rock with a knapsack beside her. Tuttie told us the Queen loves to walk and has carried that same knapsack on her walks as long as she has known her. It is tattered and worn and has been repaired many times, and although many people have gifted her with new ones, she still treasures that one and will not change.   Oh, and Tutti quickly pointed out that the hairstyle on the statue was the one she gave her! 

We decided to drive to the Holmenkollen ski jump overlooking Oslo. First, we stopped for a drink, and some apple cake, a traditional sweet, light cake enjoyed especially for Constitution Day. We sat outside at a picnic table overlooking the city on yet another perfect, cloudless day. When we got to the ski jump, we took the cable elevator up to the peak of the jump—amazing views and an experience I will never forget. The pictures say it all.

Supper was served at Ottar and Tutti’s beautiful condo along the ocean waterfront. Sitting on their balcony, exchanging family history and sipping on bubbly champagne before dinner was relaxing and peaceful – something we hadn’t had since coming to Norway. Tutti made us a lovely meal of salmon, baby potatoes and a salad, followed by a delicious cake with strawberries and blueberries and, of course, more wine before we headed home on the bus.  

Our day did not end there. We got in the car and headed to Frogner and Vigeland Parks. We walked around, looking at the many sculptures and being entertained by all the people celebrating their heritage. They are very proud people. We got desperately lost once we left there. One-way streets, construction, people everywhere, and the darkness got us! I’m still unsure how we got home because even the GPS seemed confused.

I was in bed 10 minutes after getting home as I was exhausted, while Jason stayed up until his normal 1 AM. What will tomorrow bring?