Savoring scandinavia: one nordic moment at a time!

I find joy, happiness, and pleasure in anticipating, experiencing, and reminiscing life events.

Our 2016 sojourn in Iceland has me excited for our upcoming summer vacation plan to tour Scandinavia. Scandinavia is one of the least populated, most scenic, and well connected parts of Europe. Politically, Scandinavia is the collection of five countries: Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Estonia. English is the second language of all peoples, making it convenient for US travelers.

In the middle ages, Danes, who are considered to be the oldest monarchy in all of Europe, ruled parts of Scandinavia we know today. In more modern times (19^th century onwards), Sweden has at various times ruled parts of Scandinavia (Finland and Norway). Interesting Swedish rulers were King Charles XIV John (ruled for a combined 34 years, and 26 years as King of Sweden and Norway) and his son King Oscar I. King Charles XIV John (previously named Jean Bernadotte), was originally from France, rose to be an army martial of France under Napolean the great, and unexpectedly became the monarch of Sweden. He fought Denmark to bring Norway under his rule as well. King Charles XIV died in 1844, and his son King Oscar I, became a more liberal ruler. In his short rule of 13 years, he enacted laws for freedom of the press, and established the legality of women at the age of 25.

Our 14 day Scandinavian trip visits 7 cities across all 5 countries. In addition to taking flights, we will be traveling in boats, ferries, and trains.

I am looking forward to learning, planning, and finally anticipating this trip!