Happy Halloween everyone. Not sure it is something you really wish on someone…

Halloween is seemingly a US holiday but is gaining popularity around the world. The appeal to retailers obviously is something they can market in October before the big holiday push and for those that participate, you get to dress up in costumes.

The picture is not really related but I took in the GlasMagasinet and thought it represented Norway pretty well and reminded me of when I lived in Minnesota. Yes, they have the Vikings and Brett Favre and a lot of Scandinavians. Ya, you betcha!

The Nationaltheatret stasjon seemed like the largest transit stop in Oslo. It is underneath the Nationaltheatret which is the largest theater.

The facade at this entrance is very modern with a lot of stainless steel and granite. There is also another entrance to the station across the street.

Outside the OSL2011 Holmenkollen office is a statue of Haakon VII.

Haakon VII was the King of Norway during WWII which included the resistance to and occupation by the Nazis.

The OSL2011 building is an open floor plan and modern design but the natural wood which is common and abundant throughout the Scandinavian region softens up what could easily be a very cold exterior.

The building houses the Forsiden Ski-VM 2011 AS for the FIS Nordic Ski World Championships. Just in case you were wondering.

While walking around I came across this store display featuring Sock Monkey and pals in what appears to be a impromptu tea party.

Pals include the Delingos’ Bigbos the Wolf and Chikos the Chicken.

I was hoping that Mr. X or even Molos the Lobster were invited but they were nowhere to be seen.

The gulls know what’s up. They like their piers I think for a few reasons.

One, they don’t have to share.

Two, they can poo anywhere and not really have to worry about stepping in it.

The posts for this pier in particular look like just the right size to accommodate that sort of lifestyle.

While in Europe I have been watching a lot of CNN International along with BBC Worldnews and Euronews.

CNN has been running a feature this month on Korea ranging including food, fashion, economy, sports, autos and online gaming.

Favorite parts so far have been the street food and online gaming segments.

The Akershus Fortress is a historical castle overlooking Oslo Bay. Built in the 13th century, it saw many battles since then but can claim it has never been overtaken.

The fortress was handed over to the Nazi’s during WWII and besides housing the royal mausoleum, it has served as a prison and has had it’s share of executions.

The canons were added in the late 16th century and stand guard along with several purported ghosts.

If you want to take a pretty cool tour of the oslofjord, take it on an authentic sail boat.

If you aren’t up for that, you can take a modern tour boat or just walk around the port or head up to Akershus Fortress.

Just another picture I took while heading to my gate. Thought it was interesting that they had these windows that reminded me a lot of what I was going to be looking at for the next nine hours.

If you look through, you can see part of LHR. Neat.

On my way back to “the states”, I had a transfer at London Heathrow. My first time passing through I was pleased that I caught a glimpse of the Egg (Gherkin) albeit from the air.

Be aware that any transfers at LHR could be very confusing with it’s combination of buses and maze-like passage ways. Make sure to give yourself enough time.

I did find it interesting they were selling raffle tickets for a Ferrari and Masserati in the lobby.