Back Home – our Reflections

How to summarize such a wonderful experience! While we expected that Sweden, Denmark, and Norway would be beautiful – as they truly were – there were other less apparent outcomes, understandings, and memories that have stayed with us. As novice European travelers, we gained a lot of confidence in our ability to get out there and make our way in unfamiliar places. It was humbling, coming from the relatively "young" west coast of the U.S., to be introduced to over 1000 years of Scandinavian history and development. We were struck by the commonality of issues that we all face as democratic countries – including climate, energy resources, immigration, transit, social justice, prosperity, and equal opportunity. At the same time, the tour helped to reinforce the importance of keeping a world view and learning from one another.

These are some of the take-aways from our Best of Scandinavia in 14 Days Rick Steves' tour:

Getting around was easy with great public transportation and apps on our free data phones.

We couldn't have picked better travel companions!

All our meals were great! Breakfast buffets were hearty and delicious!

The tour was a lot of fun!

Sustainable Energy Scandinavian Style

Global experts visit to study energy solutions and resource management.

Credit cards were good almost everywhere!

Scandinavians are happy people!

1000 Years of Artistic Creativity

Acknowledgements

Our guide, Ylva, was a terrific and passionate educator. In just a short time, she taught us so much about the history, culture, social and political policies, and achievements of Scandinavians.

The pre-tour documents, information on the Rick Steves' website, and our copy of the Rick Steves Scandinavia guidebook were invaluable. I read the guidebook from cover to cover before the tour, tore out pages to guide us on our free-time explorations, and consulted it heavily to fill in the details in this scrapbook.

Thanks, also to the wonderful companions who joined us on the tour. There were no grouches! We enjoyed learning some things about their lives and experiences. Email communications have continued post-tour, and we have already hooked up with our California buddies, Rich and Barbie. Fellow traveler, Ron Owens, shared my love for photography and provided the tour group photo on this page, as well as the "all-we-could-eat ice cream" photo on the Orientation to Copenhagen page.

This was our first Rick Steves' European tour but not our last. It was the trip of a lifetime...until next time!