Of Fall and Fjords

Technically it's still summer for those of us living in the northern hemisphere. And yet, if I didn't happen to have a calendar sitting right next to me, I might guess that autumn had already arrived in New York.

The harshness of August's rays have softened and the temperature has happily hovered in the seventies for several days now. Walking down Houston Street on Monday morning, it felt positively Scandinavian outside. In fact, it made me nostalgic for past trips I've taken to Norway in September, most recently in 2007.

Besides the weather, a feature and slide show published in the New York Times a couple of weeks ago got me thinking about my last visit to Oslo. As the author observes in his opening sentence, the Norwegian capital is really expensive. Even so, it continues to be one of my favorite cities in Europe. If I had the money, I would go back immediately. But if I were only given 36 hours to reacquaint myself with Oslo's urban landscape, I'd probably deviate from many of The Gray Lady's sensible recommendations.

First of all, I adore Vigelandsparken and have often enjoyed a leisurely stroll along the waterfront. Actually, central Oslo is quite walkable, or if you prefer, bikable. But if, like me, you prefer history and nightlife to theater and art, I'd suggest one of the five museums on the Bygdøy Peninsula followed by a pint or two at the city's fine brewpub and later, maybe an indie band at Mono or some jazz at Blå on the Akerselva River. Then the next day, take your appetite to the end of Line 1 on the tram, shuffle down the path from the station, and prepare for a satisfying meal of reindeer fillet and apple cake, plus the single best view of the Oslo fjord.

As for the Royal Palace, my advice is to stop by at sunset, after the other tourists have deserted the plaza for one of the crowded bars on Karl Johans Gate. To me, it looks all the more majestic in the fading light of a fall evening.

Introducing Captain Cartography

There was a time when I made my fondness for geography known on a regular basis. And although I don't deal with atlases every day anymore, I still have a soft spot for maps and cartography. So much so, I realized recently, that I needed to channel this interest into a summer project. Naturally, I decided to try writing a comic book.

Being a novice, I started off by reading lots and lots of comics. Of the books I discovered, Action Philosophers, a mini-series by Fred Van Lente and Ryan Dunlavey "that proves that philosophy is not just the province of boring tweed-enveloped college professors," just may be the best. My hope is to do something similar with geography.

So, with a tall stack of borrowed graphic novels, a copy of The DC Comics Guide to Writing Comics, a very rough plot outline, and a concept for a character with uncanny map-reading skills, I set out to write an adventure story that would both entertain and educate. Freelancing gigs, softball games, and a plethora of August birthdays slowed me down somewhat, but there's been some progress, and I plan to flesh out a script once I get thumbnail sketches from the artist who's been working with me. With luck I'll have more news on this front before Labor Day.
Illustration of Captain Cartography © Steve Wands 2007

Shine On

I knew I wouldn't want for good food on my first trip to the Lone Star State. For starters, it simply isn't the kind of place that does small helpings of anything. I was not, however, expecting to find so many suitable beers to wash down my meals with. Dozens is a low estimate.

Of the numerous local styles to choose from, I soon learned that the one oat soda you simply can't miss is Shiner Bock, brewed and bottled in the "Cleanest Little City in Texas." It was for sale nearly everywhere, and somehow, complemented most of what I ate during my brief visit. Especially the barbecue. In fact, my advice for anyone within a tank of gas from Hill Country is to head immediately to Lockhart, order some brisket at either Smitty's or Kreuz Market, and reach for the ram.

Now that I'm back at my editing desk in Brooklyn, I could really use a smooth, medium-bodied, ice-cold Shiner. It would certainly make this eighteenth-century philosophy go down easier. Unfortunately, Spoetzl doesn't currently distribute their dark lager to thirsty Northeasterners.