Tromso 2015: 3rd Day by Fernando Lema

The selfie with the reindeer had an impact here, so yesterday I received a new friend message via facebook: Fred Endre Larsen wondered if I wanted to get a selfie with a polar bear, I  quickly answered OK.

Today I met Fred and he explained me that he is working in the Arctic Polar Institute in Tromso and that they have a polar bear, so we combine to make a visit to the place this afternoon.

As we walked to the institute, Fred told me that the convention center where the European Bridge Championships are being played was the former brewery «Mack», one of the most popular here in Norway, when the company decided to modernize they used the structure to make a Convention center.

 He also told me that here in Tromso is the arctic university and that he had come here, very young to study and decided to stay, in college there was a bridge club and there was where he learned to play.

The visit was really interesting, the institute is independent, and measures the water and ice pollution in the Arctic and report it to the government. I was abble to take some very interesting photographs, especially the map of Antarctica. Thank you Fred for your kindness.

Remember yesterday I complained about the cold and Max Bavin said: Do not complain, it could be worse, it could be raining. Well today has rained intermittently throughout the day and the temperature is lower now, although the locals walk in short sleeves; logical! it’s summer for them.

Today also finalized the Mixed Bridge Teams European Championship qualifying stage and the top 16 teams advanced to the next stage, to see all results: click Here.