May 18 – after the celebrations

The sun shone and Oslo was truly warm the day after the May 17 national holiday and children’s parade. People were walking downtown and enjoying the sunshine without warm coats.

As I followed the parade route, Karl Johan’s Gate, which is a popular shopping avenue leading to the palace, workers were setting up dozens of large flower boxes and planting blooming purple pansies and purple and pink petunias. The planters were going along the shopping side of the street and for a long block they reclaimed one lane for restaurants to offer outside seating, which is popular here. Restaurants provide lap blankets to keep patrons warm as they enjoy the coffee and food. Dogs lie quietly next to their people at these outside tables. Norwegians enjoy the fresh air and the subtle warmth of the spring sunshine.