Random Scandanavian Facts and Observations

Now that our time in Scandanavia has come to a close, we thought we'd share some of our experiences, observations and learnings over the past number of weeks...

Where we stayed: We were very lucky to have many gracious hosts on this first leg of our journey. It was fun to stay with friends who were local and also to save a bit on our budget. We also really enjoyed our nights of camping in our little two-man tent.

• Hostels: 3 nights
  
• Friend's Places: 14 nights
  
• Camped: 6 nights
  
• Hostels once the Cherniss family arrived: 11 nights
  
• Train: 1 night

What we ate: Globalization of food was very apparent in Scandanavia and choices of ethnic cuisine from around the world were the most common. In fact, we didn't come across much "traditional" food, though this might also have been because we couldn't afford to eat much at the nicer places and opted often to go to the market or eat in with friends. Once the Cherniss family arrived, we did eat out a bit more and had our fill of pizza in Sweden - we almost thought we were in Italy by the number of pizza joints!

Typical cuisine we had in...

• Iceland: PB&J, Ramen noodles, pasta with sauce, bread, eggs - we did most of our own shopping because it was so expensive
  
• Norway: PB&J, salami/cheese/bread, fish and chips, home cooked meals including stir fry, indian chicken, scrambled eggs and pasta
  
• Sweden: museli, salami/cheese/bread, home cooked meals at friend's places including Swedish sausages, tacos, BBQ, pasta; when eating out we had mostly pizza and kebabs because these were everywhere in Sweden!
  
• Finland: sandwiches, salads, and other ethnic foods...and 2 really nice dinners out with Eric's family and with Timo's family

Answer to Questions We've Been Asking: As many of you know, we set out on our adventure with the intention to ask those we encounter about the world, the future, their beliefs, etc. to get a more global sense of what people around the world are thinking and feeling on similar topics. There are several topics we've been focusing on and would like to share some of the common themes we heard in Scandanavia.

Thoughts on the Future:

• China is certainly in the minds of many as the growing super power...there is some optimism about this, and some anxiety about how this will play out on the global stage in the coming years
  
• The environment is certainly at the top of people's minds...and everyone we spoke to seems to be concerned about global warming and the need to work together collectively to address this issue and the growing strain on resources
  
• Technology is also seen as a major force that will continue to change and shape our world...in how we work, live, interact...also in what will happen on the world stage as it relates to business, governments/politics, and the environment
  
• Most of the people we spoke to in Scandanavia feel pretty safe when it comes to war or terrorism coming to their countries. However, there was some concern about terrorism and war in the world, and as one would expect, a very strong hope that we can learn to work collaboratively to avoid this and strive for peace
  
• On a more personal level, many people we spoke with want the same things many of us strive for...a good life that allows one to enjoy simple pleasures, financial stability, comfort and safety, and a growing desire to travel

Thoughts about the USA:

• In general, people who have been to the US or who have met many Americans traveling abroad have a positive impression of the American people as friendly, welcoming and open and don't necessarily associate the "people" with the "government"
  
• People who have not been to the US or met many Americans are more likely to associate Americans with typical stereotypes (e.g., loud, demanding, "cowboy" attitude) or with the current government and world politics
  
• All we spoke with were not supportive of how the US has handled Iraq and do not view the current government very positively
  
• There is also a lot of American influence from Hollywood - music, movies, TV. For example, many of the TV programs are American and in English. We also went to see "Die Hard" and "Harry Potter" in Sweden and Finland and the theaters were packed - it felt like we were at home in a local movie theater with our friends.
  

Thoughts on Religion/God:

• In Norway, Sweden and Finland there is a state Luthern church that people are automatically enrolled in at birth (in Finland there is also a Greek Orthodox church). People have to pay taxes to this state church, unless they choose to opt out.
  
• Most people are not particularly religious, but will go to church on special occassions (e.g., weddings, funerals, Christmas, Easter)...of course, there are some people who are still quite devout, but majority we spoke with felt the society was more secular and reglion was more a matter of tradition as oppossed to strong belief
  
• There were some we spoke with who said while they are not "religious" per se, they do have spiritual beliefs and think there is some sort of God or higher power and broader spiritual meaning to life.
  
• And there were some who felt that God is not a reality, but created to give comfort and purpose.
  

Other Random Stuff We Noticed or Learned:

• Norway is not part of the EU, but Sweden and Finland are. Finland is the only country that has the Euro.
  
• Trampolines in Scandanavia (especially Norway and Sweden) are like swimming pools in California...one in three houses seem to have one.
  
• It seemed the most popular color to paint your house in Sweden (outside of the major cities) is dark red.
  
• We didn't seen any Starbucks in Scandanavia...we did see a few McDonald's, but most the fast food was local chains
  
• Bikes are a popular mode of transport and there are numerous bike lanes in all the major cities.
  
• Almost everyone speaks English, so there was not much of a language barrier.
  
• It seemed like a lot of people wear their wedding rings on their right hands, especially in Norway.
  
• There is not nearly as much social pressure or financial tax benefit to get married as in the States...it's very common for couples to move in together for a number of years, and even have a couple children before they get around to getting married.
  

Of course there are many more observations we noted over the course of the 5 weeks, but this should give a good initial impression of our stay. There is much more we could say, but time is running low at this internet cafe, so you'll have to stay tuned...entries on Russia to come soon.

Be sure to check out our photos from Scandanavia by clicking on the photo link on the right!