Ice cold in Tromso

Well - an hour's drive south of Tromso at the newly created Ice Domes. More stunning scenery as the sun set

Built on the model of the ice hotels this is the first year of the ice domes.  Fascinating visit - all at -5oC inside,  we saw how they were created through a presentation projected onto a snow screen - see extra. The ice figure is of Robert Scott  - Scott of the Antarctic - to complement another statue (out of sight on the left) of Amundsen.

We had vodka liqueur served in an ice shot glass.  Then when we exited we saw another display of the Northern Lights.  There is a strong solar wind today and the aurora was spectacular.  One extra is of it starting.  The other is (without tripod) taken by the roadside where the bus stopped for a few minutes.  The lights were dancing - like a blowing curtain.

if that was not enough the day started with a fascinating visit to the Polar Museum.  very informative and sobering - hearing about the exploits of Amundsen and others.  Also a depiction of the hunting which went on from the early 19th century.  Slightly unusual hearing about all the details of slaughter, skinning, fur trading etc - then going into the shop to see fluffy toys of seals and polar bears!

Rounded off the day with a late night concert at the Arctic Cathedral.  some beautiful singing and music from 3 performers.  One of the traditional Sami songs could have come from the Scottish songbook - or vice versa of course.