Ah ha

Is it the drink? The realisation that we're well and truly coming to the end of our journey.

It's a time for revaluation. My evening dinner table companions - I have had so much fun - these are people I could happily live next to. Middle class English - brought up in the 50's and we had so much to connect with. The chimney sweep,  the milkman, frozen cream at the top of the milk bottle on the door step. Blue tits pecking at the cream. The coal man, the gas lamp lighter.

Memories, like us, slipping over history's horizon. The Norwegian fiords echoing for the last time to our laughter. Lovely gentle people talking about their pets and the friendly handy man. Yes, they still exist!

Dr John, our resident astronomer who has enlivened our afternoons with erudition and pure enthusiasm. Initially I didn't take to him - I thought he was loud and full of himself. Loud he was but as the trip wore on that assessment proved woeful. At the end I looked forward to his talks eager to absorb his knowledge, his love for the subject. Frankly he shames an old cynic like me - always with the smart quip, the timely put down. We desperately need more Dr Johns.

Eve who patiently explained Norwegian habits, took us around many nondescript towns and made them interesting. Thank you.

As for Norway - it amazes. They have built so many bridges and tunnels to connect  a nation of islands. An obstacle and challenge they have turned into a triumph.

I'm yearning for London E17, but will miss especially our lectures and 6 o'clock dinners and  the lovely company. Thank you Hertigruten.