day1march

After a great Norwegian breakfast, the first order of business was for Gunleif to scrape the ice off of his car's windshield.

Before heading out, we get Kate and Gunleif to pause for this photo in their driveway.

Before going on to Stavanger, we stop to visit another family that lives in Klepp, that of Nils Olav Østrem, his wife Ingbjørg & young daughter Amanda. Amanda & Ingbjørg, pictured here, will stay home today; we will meet Nils Olav later.

Gunleif drops us off near the Clarion Hotel where a huge crowd is gathering in preparation for this march. Many trade & political organizations display their traditional parade banners.

The US president was obviously not held in high regard in this crowd & this fellow portraying Bush received many "boos."

Here a young protester on her father's shoulders displays her crayon printed sign that says, "Nei til Krig" or "No to War."

As the crowd starts to move, we look back on many more folks streaming in to the starting area.

Here we look northeast up Haakon VII's gate (St.) & see the head of the march already reaching the area of the famous Stavanger Cathedral.

Nils Olav was able to find us in this big crowd & joins us & Kate for the march.

Keith had met professor & author Nils Olav on previous trips to Norway & treasures the bygdebøker (local farm & family history books) that he has written. [see Day10, Dec. 2001]

Having found parking for the car, Gunleif catches up to take a photo of us taking a picture of him & one of the many great statues placed around the city.

As we reach the Domkirke (or Cathedral) we look back and see the marchers still filling Haakon VII's gate near where the march started.

Here a TV cameraman interviews a marcher.

This huge crowd, estimated to be around 7,000, gathers at Byparken (the city park) near the Cathedral and lake.

Behind us the crowd backs up to the ancient church (completed ca. 1125) & listens to the many speeches, singing & chanting.

Here on the stone gazebo, the Bush character again receives many "boos" & "hisses."

This frequently seen sign makes it clear in English as to what sentiment most Norwegians hold regarding the Bush war plan.

During the speeches we are able to meet up with our Quaker friends, Hans Eirik Aarek (2nd from right) & his wife Lilian (far left). [See our visit with the Quakers on our Dec. 2001 visit.]

Klepp to Stavanger - Anti-War March