Flam and the Briksdal Glacier.

 The Flam railway was everything it should be and more, even though the famed waterfall was mostly still frozen over it was just lovely being in the old vehicle and going up through the mountains to where the snow still had a thick covering over the land.  

The actual town of Flam is very small as are all these Fjord towns, though the numbers must swell considerably when the tourists are in town.  However, it is still more convenient a stopping off point than Olden which felt cold and distant when we arrived so I was really glad that I had booked a formal tour on this final day, which was a coach trip up to Briksdal and then the "Troll Car" - a rather terrifying twisty route up and back which deposited one nearish to the glacier followed by quite a steep walk if you wanted to get closer, which I did.  All of us on table 80 found it absolutely mesmerising and loved being out in the snow and in nature despite the presence of so many others. Once back down the mountain tea and cake awaited us so what more could one want.  

Standing stone near Flam. 

Back on board, there was food, dancing, more shows and so on. I absolutely loved being in the spa and watching the ship sail majestically up the fjords, I was also very impressed with the staff and wished I had had the inspiration to go to see to either put on shows or be a chamber maid and travel at the same time. However, there were aspects that did feel a little uncomfortable for example I would not have got work as a chamber maid as I am not Filipino and whilst a number of the musicians around the ship were they did not feature in the shows, which were all British, so whilst the ship was very international, some of the roles did not seem as mixed as they could be.   I have checked my finances and I am not sure I can justify splashing out again, but in many ways it is a very nice and comfortable way to travel so I can see why so many older people go for it, but how on earth some do several trips a year heaven knows.  Anyway I am glad I know what a little cruise on a little ship feels like.