MY journey is almost complete. The next leg took me across the North Sea by air to Bergen, Norway – the gateway to the fjords. I stayed at a hotel on the colourful Bryggen wharf and spent the day exploring the many alleys and passageways before taking a cruise trip down the narrow Nærøyfjord, an arm of the mighty Sognefjord, gliding past cascading waterfalls, abandoned farmsteads, and sheer cliffs rising from emerald waters.
An evening in Bergen is an option but be pound wise as it is expensive. A standard 0.5 litre (just over a pint) of draught lager will cost between 100 and 140 NOK. In 2026, 140NOK converts to £10.20p. For any little old wine drinkers expect to pay £16 for a mid range bottle of plonk.
While I was there, I enjoyed a fish and chip supper – plus a bottle of wine – for just over £32 and recent research suggests the price is about the same in a budget bar/restaurant. Food prices have hit a high of 6% and generally the cost of living remains very high.
Moving swiftly on to Newcastle Airport and the new phrase on all sports fans’ lips – “Football Tourist”.
The Authorities at Newcastle Airport are helping Sunderland fans in their excursions in the Europa League with direct flights to most countries. The much anticipated trip to AC Milan is available via Ryanair who fly to Milan Bergamo airport, with the same company offering direct flights to Brussels Charleroi for the match against Anderlect, but the trip to Poland to play Lech Pozan may be as challenging for fans as the game itself. The flight to Wroclaw in Poland is available and then the journey needs to be completed by road and/or rail.
For those readers who enjoy a holiday in the sun, as well as being a Football Tourist, flights to Malaga this season will give you the chance to see the recently promoted Malaga CF team face Barcelona on 9th October and on 13th December and Real Madrid on 17th January 2027 at Malaga’s La Rosaleda stadium.
But join me next week as I make the final trip on my Around the World in 80 Years journey to the Costa del Sol – 17 days of wall to wall sunshine, excellent food and copious amounts of liquid refreshments!
Author: John
Author of Around The World In 80 Years