Traveling around Scandinavia for the last 3 weeks has really been educational. Ive found there is are so many contrasts.
Denmark... Ive become a real local by starting my first beer at 8:30am on the boat. They are very open minded about issues like drinking beer walking down the street, yet will stand on the crosswalk waiting for green - even if no cars are coming.
Sweden/Norway/Denmark - all of Scandinavia has a lot of churches (many historic), some of which have been converted to public use exhibit halls. While they go get baptized and confirmed, they chose a civil marriage ceremony at the city hall (if any at all).
Norway: Steep vertical cliffs that meet mirror like fjords (some as deep below water as they are high above). Bright blue skys against dark grey granite mountains half covered with bright white snow. Dark clouds looming over distant peaks, while quaint fjord side fishing villages filled with red and yellow house bask in rays of bright sunlight peaking through skys that open up between brief showers, further accentuated by rainbows; surely a pot of gold is right behind that farmhouse on the hill. Outdoor activity is a national pastime, and is heavily integrated into the lifestyle. Survival training is learned at an early age, which could come in handy in summer or winter; they spend great lengths of time out in national parks all summer when the days are long. Snow sport outings to us would look more like an expedition, as the skiers eagerly hike 3-5 hours up the slopes to pristine snow covered ranges that offer long runs. These kids also learn English as early as first grade, then later on get a choice to continue these classes in American or British vernacular. No wonder they seem to speak better English than we do!
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