Thursday 10 October

Oh the bed is wonderful, big soft European pillows and light individual duvet, the room temperature pleasant, however I still woke up about 3 times with FOMO that I would miss the green lights outside the window. I am trying to not stress about it, what will be will be but it is a challenge to not keep checking the weather and sun readings to prepare for going out somewhere and chasing the Green lady.

We took it easy today and did a bit of town exploring and shopped for some necessities. So far so good with not freezing and our choice of clothes for the whole trip has been bang on. Whilst it only reached about 8 degrees today, it was not overly bitter with only a gentle breeze. I tested my waterproof ski type pants and they were plenty warm enough.

At our accommodation we have breakfast, afternoon tea, and a light dinner included. We are really impressed with the quality. Last night we had a choice of 5 different salads, a very nice vegetable soup, and a mince slightly sweet chilli, or a salmon, pollock and vegetable hot dish with cream and herbs. Focaccia to accompany. Tonight we had a potato and celery soup, salad selection, and two chicken dishes, one in a paprika and capsicum cream sauce and rice.

Breakfast was hot eggs three ways, bacon, breads, and great continental selection with cheese, meats, delicious smoked salmon and herrings. Gherkins, cottage and cream cheese, fresh tomatoes and cucumbers. Jams, juices and unlimited teas and coffees.

The afternoon tea – Fika – also passed my fussy palate with a soft cardamon cake, and another almost sour cream based vanilla with hint of lemon butter cake with a light frosting almost a cross between butter cream and cream cheese. Again, no guilt in enjoying a cake and cup of tea, as we are not eating lunch.

Our hotel room has heated tiles in the bathroom, and timber floors in the bedroom. The bathroom provides a great laundry for Vern to dry the clothes! Everything is so comfortable and pleasant, including a large couch, and a really good writing desk and chair. The tea and coffee selection is good and includes creamer, although we bring up milk from breakfast for our cups of tea.

When we were out we bought a 500ml thermos and will use that for our Aurora chasing and general day tripping to save money. May seem tight, but the the cost of everything here is notoriously high, and the exchange rate not favourable so we are being cautious where we can. It will also be nice to have something warm to drink when we are out in the evening temperatures (if it fines up).

Weather looks worst for today and tomorrow, however the sun did break through the clouds in patches for a few hours in the afternoon. The forecast has changed several times for tomorrow, however it is rain tonight and tomorrow morning with the potential for fine in the evening. Fingers crossed for this to lock in. Saturday is consistently looking positive and fine. I really hope everything aligns.

An after note, we are taking it easy in Tromso, as there is not an awful lot to do here, other than chase the lights. There is an aquarium, the arctic cathedral, a museum, and in winter an ice hotel. However, none of these really inspire us to part with the entry fees, and our research has shown them to be pretty average. There are cruises, including a hot tub one, wildlife, fjord and aurora however they are heavily weather dependant for the best experience.

We contemplated paying for a ‘Norther lights’ excursion, however it would cost us 360nzd each, and we would like to see how the week pans out first and our own attempts.