Yes, the title is correct. It is an international business trip and I have decided to take the train.
Why?
Well, I would say there are two main reasons: firstly, the environmental issue. There is no doubt about the environmental impact of flying and I travel a lot on business every year. Secondly, it is a good option to use the train. The journey has two main stages: Stockholm – Oslo and then Oslo – Bergen. The last leg is done by bus due to construction work on the railway.
In addition to the reasons given below, the ability to work on the move by train is also important.
Departure from Uppsala early in the morning
I woke up quite early, but I was not very tired because I had slept well. I got to the station on time and the commuter train left on time.
It was a beautiful night with the first big snow covering Uppsala.
Breakfast at Stockholm central
I had my breakfast at Stockholm Central Station. The station was absolutely quiet and it was a very pleasant moment.
I checked my train to Oslo: departure time at 06:02 and the train left on time.
Stockholm-Oslo: working time
I chose a seat in a second class carriage with the option of a quiet environment. The internet connection worked perfectly and I was able to attend online meetings and do a lot of work.
I had a good plan to use this 5 hour trip to Oslo and the plan worked!
I realise that all I need for my work is an Internet connection and a computer. With these tools I can work anywhere, anytime.
I arrived in Oslo on time.
Waiting time at Oslo railway station
I had lunch at the station and then did some work. The internet was very good again.
The station building is amazing, very new. Looks like an airport terminal.
I checked my train to Bergen and it left on time.
Oslo-Bergen
The train left on time and the journey is amazing. The view from the seat is spectacular. Norwegian nature is a spectacle.
I have a nice seat and managed to get more work done. I have also had time to prepare for the meeting over the next few days.
It is the first time I am attending a meeting of ICOS, the new community where we are starting to offer instruments.
It is like a dream come true: radon and climate research, my two passions, working together.
Voss – Bergen by bus
The connection with the bus was perfect and very easy. The train arrived in Voss on time.
It is amazing to see the punctuality of the train considering the weather conditions.
Apparently my hotel is only a five minute walk from the bus station in Bergen. I hope to arrive in Bergen not too late and get a good night’s sleep.
There was a lot of work on the road and it took a long time to get to the hotel. But the bus station in Bergen was close to my hotel.
I went to bed late, but I was happy to have made this trip in a more sustainable way than flying.
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