Our first overnight train and Ryanair sucks

When booking an overnight train, it sounded like a great idea at the time. No cost for accommodation and we wake up when we arrive in Oslo. Easy right? It ended up a little more sleep depriving than we thought...

Our train left at 11 pm at which time the sun had just gone down, however it was light until 1 am. Great to see some of the views as we trundled along. The train was fuller than we expected, which was OK, however we couldn't stretch out to sleep. Not the most comfortable way to travel. The sun was also back up at 4 am so not much of the trip was done in darkness. Note to Joanne - it gets cold on overnight trains! Take a blanket next time. Overall, not a horrendous

experience....and the sun was shining by the time we drew into Oslo.

After a much needed coffee to refuel, we walked around the Oslo Harbour trail which takes you around some interesting sights. It was only 8.30 am, however the wharf was packed with people fishing. We continued on around the fortress before reaching the town hall, the Nobel Peace Centre and the Palace. Not a bad way to spend a morning.

It was now that we had to go our separate ways. Jo to Oslo Torp (not in Oslo at all) to London and Crom to Oslo Airport and on to Edinburgh.

After a lovely two hour bus journey, I (Jo) arrived at the check in desk only to find that I was not in fact meant to be at Oslo Torp. My flight is actually from Oslo at the same time and it will not be possible to make her flight... gah and panic! After waiting at the service desk behind a family of six who appeared to have done the same thing she did feel slightly better. There was a lot of Norwegian chat going on before I realise that I can get back to London, half an hour earlier and only 100 pounds lighter on the pocket...

I got through security despite leaving my drink bottle in my bag and pay an extortionate amount of money for a baguette, crisps and drink

and arrive in good time for my flight, only to find that it is delayed 1.5 hours. You really do get what you pay for on Ryanair!

But in the bizarrest of places (the ladies bathroom) I found Holly at Stansted Airport - what a wonderful surprise!! Blair, Holly and I were able to keep ourselves entertained catching up on each other's trips whilst having to wait an hour for our bags to come out!

Now for two hours on three trains and a tube to get to my friend's house so we can drive to Eastbourne - boy that roadie has never tasted so good! Made it for a shower and sleep by around midnight.

Crom's trip was slightly less eventful. After a 25 minute train to the airport, some lunch and a couple of beers watching the Tour de France, had a quick flight to Edinburgh and a train to Dundee. Quiet night in preparation for a Tiger hunt tomorrow.