Anya wanted to spend some more time exploring Stavanger yesterday. She likes the city with the mix of historical, quaint, Euro style, and shopping. She packed a lunch, and we headed in to town on the bus. (Remember, she is free on my bus pass on evenings and weekends!)
It was a beautiful day, with just a bit of chilly wind while we had our lunch at Valbergtårn.
This watchtower, built from 1853-55, is beautiful…
has a beautiful view of the harbor.
We explored the city and checked out several shops. We found the chocolate and candy store! We left with some candy but no chocolate!(I’m trying to limit its availability!) Though I did see a 4.5 kg (9.92 pounds) bar of Toblerone! (My favorite!)
Part of our exploration was learning where there are public toilets in Stavanger. Most stores, even multi-floored stores, don’t have restrooms. The malls aren’t as well supplied–or signed–as we are used to. We did check out the public toilet at the waterfront for 5 kroner ($.61), which was cheaper then when Anya really needed to go by the bus stand for 10 kroner.
We found some nice Norwegian sweaters at the thrift store, but we don’t have space to add stuff. There are some nice ones for about $25-37. We saw some great outdoor gear at the sporting goods stores. The high prices are a deterrent. However, if there is something that we really want, we’ll buy it during our last 30 days, as then we can submit receipts for reimbursement of the 25% sales tax. I have to figure this out though. I now have a Norwegian bank debit card with my fellowship stipend (just accessible yesterday). But the tax reimbursement has to go on a credit card in order to be reimbursed. Perhaps they won’t reimburse my Norwegian bank debit card?!? I’ll have to ask the tax office at the airport the next time I’m there, which will be next Friday to pick up my niece who will be visiting.
It was nice to finally have my debit card, as Norway is not cashless, but most transactions are done with debit cards. Even the offering at church allows for making a gift with a debit card! Instead of putting cash in the basket (checks aren’t used here), they go to the back with a card reader to make an offering! In Africa, there is a processional offering to the front with cash, but also often giving eggs, bags of farm goods, or even a chicken may be presented at the auction after church. Here, the processional offering is to the back with plastic!
With blessings,
Beth