Adventures for Anyone

Thursday, December 8, 2022

Jen's List is Back! Washington D. C. !

Jen brought us back to the United States and straight to the capitol. Washington D.C. is an iconic place with an amazing history and places to discover that most people don't even know about. We are bombarded with the White House, the Capitol Building, the Supreme Court, and the Memorials. I love them all, and the mall as well. I love the museums (of which there are many) and so much more. So, while I wish to mention all that stuff, there's some other things that I would like to discuss that you might not be aware of.

Let's discuss that whole downtown/mall area.

On one end sits the Capitol Building. We all know that's where congress meets. There are a dozen different tours you can take of the building. There are some hefty security checks as of late for obvious reasons. What you don't know about the Capitol Building? You cannot take a good picture of it, unless you are quite far away. There's a place called The Post Office Mall. Obviously, this used to be the postal hub in D.C. There's great food, shops, gift shops and architecture inside. It's worth a visit. But, there's an elevator and that tiny little elevator is your first step to going up the tower. From that tower, you get the best view in town. Not to poo poo the Washington Monument, but the windows in the monument are tiny and it's hard to get a good picture.

Second, it's known as the Castle. It's the red brick castle like building that was the original Smithsonian. If you love museums, you must visit the granddaddy of all D.C. museums while in town. Unless you have an over abundance of time, you will not be able to visit all of the 19 Smithsonian museums plus the zoo. Plan ahead and pick the few you really want to see. I love the Air and Space Museum, but get off the mall with that. The best of the Air and Space Museum is located outside of town in Virginia. You can schedule a tour if you don't wish to drive or don't have a car with you. Other favorites of mine are the Native American Museum and the American Museum.

As we go around the mall, you should always visit the National Archives, All of the memorials and monuments; Washington, Lincoln, Vietnam, WWI, WWII, FDR, Korean War, MLK, and more. Be aware; we are told when we go Googling, that the Jefferson Memorial is a mall attraction. No. It's not on the mall. It is close by but you should take transportation, because it's a dangerous walk. If you visit in the spring, the Jefferson Memorial area is where you see the best of the cherry trees in bloom.

Other things that you find right at the mall. The botanical gardens with old style greenhouses and gardens. It's beautiful and worth a visit. The Library of Congress. You can only see parts of the library visible from the balcony/rotunda area unless you submit a request to use the library. Said request must have a research purpose and you will have to submit to a background check. It is a beautiful building and worth checking out. The Supreme Court Building. I'm not sure if you still need a reservation, so check ahead. Also, like Congress, check the dates. They're not always in session. Union Station. Mixed feelings when it comes to this one. It's a beautiful building, and I've gone by train and loved it. I love the shops, the food; it's great. On the other hand, the train station brings a murky problem to a head. There are a lot of homeless people there.

Other things about the mall area. Everything is free except tours. Washington D.C. is in part designed to show off the best of our country, and providing free entry to buildings and museums is one of the ways that we promote our way of life and our government style. We Americans are very proud of our country. Also, during the warmer months, there are events on the mall. There are carnivals, festivals, and even Monday night movies. It gives a home town feel to a symbolic area. It's great fun, and I recommend attending such events.

Now that we've discussed most of the obvious, let's get down to the interesting stuff that you don't always know about. Of course, if you wish to do something outside of town, you can visit Mount Vernon, the National Cemetery in Arlington, VA, or the Air and Space Museum I mentioned which has a space shuttle in it. But, there are some interesting things beyond that.

Take a ride on the Potomac River. There are several cruises you can catch along Washington's world famous waterfront! Along the waterfront are some of the best views in the city, plus dining, shopping, entertainment, and those cruises. If you walk along the river, you'll see crewers rowing in morning practices, paddleboarders, kayakers and all sorts of outdoor enthusiasts. You'll get great views of the iconic bridges in the city and so much more. On a nice day, it's a great place to be.

If you get nervous in a city that can be quite intimidating, take a tour. It's worth the money. You can go by bus, segway, bicycle and other ways. You can find a tour that will take you to see just about anything. Also, there's a state of the art metro system in town that takes you to a lot of prime locations. Best bet is to get a week pass and make good use of it. Walking is a great way to get around downtown as well. There are tourist maps of the area available at most hotels, museums and public buildings. There's also a visitor center on the mall.

Why don't you want to drive? This is stuff that you need to know. Parking on the mall is impossible. Parking in garages can be tedious and expensive. Washington D.C.'s roads are laid out like a wagon wheel with lots of rotaries. If you aren't practiced at that style of driving, use the subway and tour buses, and save yourself the grief. I promise you, taking the subway to Dupont Circle is way better than trying to navigate it in a car. Leave the car at the hotel.

Where shall you stay? This is a challenge in Washington D.C. It's a melting pot, and has tons of different neighborhoods. Some are great, some are expensive, and some you don't want to spend the night in to save your life. Also, a lot of hotels listed on large websites are not in D.C. They're in Virginia or Maryland; as far out as Baltimore. It doesn't look like a long drive on a map, but it is. For my money, I love to stay in Georgetown. The prices are reasonable. The hotels are nice. The food is good. The metro is close by.

Specialty museums and food.

Washington D.C. has some great museums, aquariums, and the zoo. It's our capitol and all factions are represented. There are museums and attractions that require you to pay. Do your research and choose carefully. Madame Tussaud's is popular, but with everything there is to do in Washington; do you really need to visit something that is probably represented closer to where you live? Not so much, given the choices. The Spy Museum; give me a break. I've spent a lot of time in D.C. so I checked this one out. Hokey at best. The Hillwood Estate. It's a driving attraction on the north side of the city. For me, this was the living end with the largest collection of Russian items outside of Russia. Loved it and the grounds. Make sure you buy a good guidebook before going to Washington. Make sure you're seeing what you wish to see.

Food.

Pick a neighborhood and pick a food. Can't stress this one enough. Washington is a foodie destination. There are immigrants from all over the world starting a life in the area. There's food from the world over represented. I recommend looking on Yelp or Open Table and look at ratings, menus and hours. Also, make sure that the address is easily accessible. I found out the hard way that some aren't.

Clubs and night venues.

Make sure you don't go clubbing alone. People from all over the world are out partying in D.C. at night. Be safe. Don't accept drinks in glasses or open containers from other patrons. Only from a bartender. This is just good advice the world over. Don't party stupid. That being said, there are all kinds of clubs in D.C. Check your guidebook and ask the staff at your hotel for advice, so you find what you're looking for.

Other locations to visit.

Don't forget Embassy Row if you like architecture. If not, you may not want it on your list. Don't miss the White House. I don't think tours are currently on, but if so, book in advance and expect a background check. Also, don't forget to wander around the neighborhoods close to the White House. There are all kinds of historical buildings close by, including the Ford Theater. If you don't know what that is, you should probably read a book or two before visiting D.C.

There are parks worth looking into. Once again, get a good guidebook. There's so much going on in Washington that you'll need it. And, don't plan too much into your itinerary. Everywhere you go has the potential for the discovery of something wonderful that you didn't expect. Every time I'm in town, I find something I've never seen before. Give yourself some free time for discovery.

Is Washington a comfortable safe place to visit?

For all the troubles that have landed in Washington, from planes crashing on the White House lawn, to January 6th, to 9/11; you'd think the place would be set up like a prison, but it's not. There is security everywhere, but they're well trained and won't give you a hard time unless you give them a hard time. Most security people are happy to answer questions, give directions, and tell you where to get a great meal. Most people you encounter aren't from Washington D.C. That's where you have to be careful. Check the reviews of hotels to determine the nature of the neighborhood. Some of them are not safe. It's a reality. However, most places in the city are perfectly safe. I've even sat on the ground on the mall in the dark watching "Psycho" before. Everyone was lovely to me. That being said, don't put your valuables where they're easily accessible. Have a zipper on your purse. Put your wallet in a front pocket. Minor crimes are common in almost every city in the world.

So, when planning a trip to Washington D.C. do some research. Plan a few key things that you really want to see and do. Research your hotel and transportation. Make sure that what you want to see and do is happening at the time you visit. Summer is the busy time. In May and June, many schools bring thousands of kids on class trips. For my money, August through October are great times to visit the city.

Washington D.C. is a city that I've spent more time than I ever planned in. I've never done all the same things twice. It's always an adventure and worth every minute. I recommend so much of the city that you couldn't fit it all into one trip. Just make sure you do a little research into our history. It will make a lot of attractions make a lot more sense. Be prepared to spend some money, but it won't be on the national museums of the Smithsonian or government buildings. Make the most of your trip by planning a little and leaving some time for discovery. Washington D.C. isn't a town that you just want to stop by with no previous information. That can be a miserable trip. But, make sure you know what you want to get out of the trip, plan a great place to stay, plan a method to get around and enjoy!

https://washington.org/

https://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-guide/washington-dc

https://www.fodors.com/world/north-america/usa/washington-dc/experiences/news/25-ultimate-things-to-do-in-washington-dc

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/usa/washington-dc

https://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-guides/united-states-travel-guide/washington-d-c/

https://practicalwanderlust.com/washington-dc-locals-travel-guide/

https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/united-states/washington-dc-local-guide/

https://www.getyourguide.com/-l62/?cmp=ga&cq_src=google_ads&cq_cmp=15511486460&cq_con=130891971037&cq_term=washington%20dc%20travel&cq_med=&cq_plac=&cq_net=g&cq_pos=&cq_plt=gp&campaign_id=15511486460&adgroup_id=130891971037&target_id=kwd-20965750&loc_physical_ms=9003420&match_type=e&ad_id=576697596841&keyword=washington%20dc%20travel&ad_position=&feed_item_id=&placement=&device=c&partner_id=CD951&gclid=CjwKCAiAs8acBhA1EiwAgRFdw2TFJWUaicHTKpMhgePAmP9qRzKr7wUOhfxTgOEAGnXNgdddQb9fZhoCWzUQAvD_BwE

https://visitalexandria.com/plan/dc-vacation/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=DC%20Travel%20-%20Drive%20Market&utm_term=washington%20dc%20vacation&gclid=CjwKCAiAs8acBhA1EiwAgRFdw62QybyvQa_nGSCkyQmY7Uob09HrPXJOq7nyD0oNuuwSUidbOYFILBoCmGIQAvD_BwE

https://www.trolleytours.com/washington-dc/travel-planner

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1uJGecfWgg

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/destination/washington-dc

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Products-g28969-zfg11873-a_contentId.130299788321+14157574243-District_of_Columbia.html

https://commonsearches.net/index.php?rgid=424342&sub=gclid&zbulk=Hop%20On%20Hop%20Off%20Washington%20Dc&gclid=CjwKCAiAs8acBhA1EiwAgRFdw6jLMvCxHoxU2beyoY0y3FAuxw9amcoa3swBcKNEJpw-cnknjtFK5RoCyJYQAvD_BwE

https://www.destinationtips.com/advice/10-things-not-to-do-in-washington-dc/?aid=3922971838&cid=749771673&gid=39686511032&tid=kwd-10547503&source=google-ads

https://www.sightseeingpass.com/en/washington-dc?aid=45&gclid=CjwKCAiAs8acBhA1EiwAgRFdw16xrWhuEsOJfvPKrB-BtAHlA13jyrGpr8gxCfqUs6kLWN8rK0AEGhoC4fAQAvD_BwE

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=washington+dc+travel+books&gclid=CjwKCAiAs8acBhA1EiwAgRFdwz7pVNFMJFrEX4U3J65het522JB0PEw_BbCU_zAEARsR1oYEpgtMERoCpw4QAvD_BwE&hvadid=241606704126&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9003420&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=b&hvrand=15858787830236321057&hvtargid=kwd-599781501&hydadcr=22566_10355099&tag=googhydr-20&ref=pd_sl_36gjesyadi_b

https://www.visittheusa.com/destination/washington-dc

https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/united-states/washington-dc-local-guide/

https://www.amtrak.com/trains-to-washington-dc

https://www.washingtonpost.com/transportation/2022/11/16/metro-silver-line-dulles-flight/

https://www.thedistrict.com/visitor-information/traveling-to-washington-d-c/

https://www.kayak.com/flight-routes/United-States-US0/Washington-WAS

https://www.cheapflights.com/flights-to-washington/

https://www.expedia.com/Cheap-Flights-To-Washington.d178318.Travel-Guide-Flights

https://www.skyscanner.com/flights-to/wasa/cheap-flights-to-washington.html

https://www.travelocity.com/Cheap-Flights-To-Washington.d178318.Travel-Guide-Flights

https://getjerry.com/driving/driving-in-dc

https://www.quora.com/What-are-some-important-tips-to-remember-when-driving-in-Washington-DC

https://viatravelers.com/do-you-need-a-car-in-washington-dc/

https://www.si.edu/museums

https://tourscanner.com/blog/best-museums-in-washington-dc/

https://www.nga.gov/

https://museumhack.com/museums-in-washington-dc/

https://freetoursbyfoot.com/free-museums-in-dc/

https://airandspace.si.edu/

https://hillwoodmuseum.org/

https://www.capitolriverfront.org/

https://www.tripsavvy.com/capitol-riverfront-activities-1040409

https://www.washingtonian.com/location/

https://station4dc.com/dc-neighborhoods

https://www.trolleytours.com/washington-dc

https://signaturetoursdc.com/

https://www.bigbustours.com/en/washington-dc/washington-dc-bus-tours?utm_source=GMB-washington-dc&utm_medium=GMB&utm_campaign=washington-dc-GMB-website

https://www.capitalsegway.com/

https://www.bigbustours.com/en/washington-dc/washington-dc-bus-tours

https://www.zohery.com/

https://www.seedctoday.com/

https://www.otmdc.com/

https://www.embarkdc.com/

https://www.cityexperiences.com/washington-dc/city-cruises/?page=1&query=&sortBy=prodv3_ce_experiences_weightScaled_desc&country=&city=&categoryTheme=&audience=&durationTiming=&webCategoriesMain=&brandTag=&priceMin=&priceMax=&dateMin=&dateMax=

https://www.ridetheboomerang.com/

https://www.cityexperiences.com/washington-dc/city-cruises/?page=1&query=&sortBy=prodv3_ce_experiences_weightScaled_desc&country=&city=Washington%20DC&city=Alexandria&&audience=&durationTiming=&webCategoriesMain=&brandTag=&priceMin=&priceMax=&dateMin=&dateMax=

https://www.hotels.com/de1467359/hotels-washington-district-of-columbia/?dateless=true&destinationid=1467359&locale=en_US&pos=HCOM_US&siteid=300000001&rffrid=sem.hcom.US.google.003.00.02.DT.s.kwrd=c.617920989543.118159323511.11848093676..aud-1388462376382:kwd-164698043.9003420..accommodations%20washington%20dc.CjwKCAiAs8acBhA1EiwAgRFdw8v3TB1eQiU1gh2lfWwfLhjhfxbwXATUMK0Qw-XLDVYNn-E0V3H74xoChv4QAvD_BwE.aw.ds&PSRC=&semcid=HCOM-US.UB.GOOGLE.DT-c-EN.HOTEL&SEMDTL=a111848093676.b1118159323511.g1aud-1388462376382:kwd-164698043.l1.e1c.m1CjwKCAiAs8acBhA1EiwAgRFdw8v3TB1eQiU1gh2lfWwfLhjhfxbwXATUMK0Qw-XLDVYNn-E0V3H74xoChv4QAvD_BwE.r1c6fb6a35af76c68e437b426ae2d09b444943c569d2238aecf84e59de59b15f1a.c1.j19003420.k1.d1617920989543.h1e.i1.n1.o1.p1.q1.s1.t1.x1.f1.u1.v1.w1&gclid=CjwKCAiAs8acBhA1EiwAgRFdw8v3TB1eQiU1gh2lfWwfLhjhfxbwXATUMK0Qw-XLDVYNn-E0V3H74xoChv4QAvD_BwE

https://www.booking.com/city/us/washington.html

https://www.agoda.com/destination/city/washington-d-c-us.html?cid=1844104

https://www.trivago.com/en-US/odr/hotels-washington-d-c-washington-d-c?search=200-15032

https://www.thediscoveriesof.com/best-places-to-stay-washington-dc/

https://www.atlasobscura.com/things-to-do/washington-dc

https://www.destguides.com/en/itineraries/united-states/washington-d-c/washington-d-c/famous-landmarks-washington-dc

https://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions/district-of-columbia-usdc.htm

https://theboutiqueadventurer.com/washington-dc-landmarks/

https://travel.usnews.com/Washington_DC/Things_To_Do/

https://washington.org/visit-dc/guide-pro-sports-washington-dc

https://www.ticketmaster.com/discover/sports/washington

https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/

https://dc.eater.com/maps/dc-best-restaurants-38

https://www.opentable.com/washington-dc-restaurants

https://elitetraveler.com/finest-dining/restaurants-finest-dining/best-restaurants-in-washington-dc

https://www.washingtonian.com/best/restaurants/

https://www.washingtonpost.com/food/interactive/2022/best-restaurants-in-dc-2022/

https://www.foodnetwork.com/restaurants/photos/restaurant-guide-washington-dc

https://www.bonappetit.com/city-guides/package/washington-dc

https://www.mountvernon.org/plan-your-visit/?gclid=CjwKCAiAs8acBhA1EiwAgRFdw1jc-ea4UT2UHCT_PN4rLWX56FY88PwtX1FVCfutCbxFWKABKeOXmBoCjqMQAvD_BwE

https://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/#/

https://theatrewashington.org/

https://www.kennedy-center.org/

https://www.broadwayworld.com/washington-dc/regionalshows.cfm

https://www.thenationaldc.com/

https://www.fords.org/

https://www.timeout.com/washington-dc/music-nightlife/best-dance-clubs-in-dc

https://www.tripsavvy.com/dc-bars-and-nightlife-1039744

https://www.nightflow.com/washington-dc-nightlife/

https://familydestinationsguide.com/fun-things-to-do-with-kids-in-washington-dc/

https://vacationidea.com/family/best-things-to-do-in-washington-dc-with-kids.html

https://dc.curbed.com/maps/things-to-do-washington-dc-kids

https://www.attractionsofamerica.com/travel/must-see-national-historic-landmarks-washington-dc.php

https://www.touropia.com/top-tourist-attractions-in-washington-dc/

https://www.wmata.com/

https://washington.org/navigating-dc-metro

Tuesday, November 29, 2022

She's Called Alice!

It's shopping season, and I've been a bit busy getting "Alice" out there.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BMSKP2K8

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BMWG8M7P

This is a story of a woman with a midlife crisis. Her husband isn't what she thought. Her kids are leaving for college.

When she meets her newest neighbor in the countryside outside the small town of Hebron, Indiana; she discovers a whole new world. Josephine Dusante, her almost instant bestie, is world famous French artist getting away from it all in the farmland of northern Indiana.

Alice has to make some changes, and gets a chance to become the artist she'd always dreamed she could be. How will Alice balance her current life with the future she desires and is within her reach?

It's a dramatic comedy of loves found and lost and a woman trying to define her future. There's a lot of laughter, because sometimes if you don't laugh; you cry.

"Alice" is full of vibrant characters, funny anecdotes about life, dream lost, dreams found, and justice where it belongs.

Come read and laugh through hardships and life changes with "Alice" on Kindle, Kindle Unlimited, and Amazon!

Monday, October 3, 2022

Merle is Inspiring Us to Sweden! Hurrah!

We've all seen the quintessential photos of the Nordic world. The colorful houses along the sea. The fishing boats for their culture. We've all heard some of the history, with Vikings and so on. The north is a mystery to so many people who grew up visiting Disney every year and their parents dreaming of retiring in Florida or Arizona. Is it any wonder that when those of us who like to be a bit adventurous dream of going to an exotic place, we don't dream of the South? Our parents and their parents all dreamed of the warm. Our generation has been there done that and done it about to death. So, like Merle, I too have always been drawn to the north and all the exotic wilderness and culture it has to offer. This is why I've taken some time, once again, to discuss Sweden.

Previously, I've discussed Stockholm for Miss Jen and the Royal Castle at Drottingholm. I would love to spend some time in Stockholm at the Viking Museum and Fotografiska. But, then I realized that another one of my friends, Merle, had requested that I discuss the country. Well, if you thought there was nothing beyond Stockholm, let me tell you. Not true. There's so much that's amazing about all the countries that we call Nordic and all the countries that we call Baltic. And Sweden, which we call both.

Sweden is one of those countries. It has ports. It has access to the Baltic Sea and the North Sea and the Arctic Ocean. It has a large portion of its land above the arctic circle. They are a leader in design and innovation, much like Finland. They have a broad world community and global industry. We've all heard of IKEA. Well, another thing that Sweden is known for is its innovative architecture. There are tours of some of the most amazing modern architecture in the world available from numerous companies. They are famous for their saunas, ice hotels, ships, music, and so much more. There's no end to the surprises you'll find in Sweden.

The Nobel Prize is one of the first things that I always think of when I think of Sweden and particularly Stockholm. This world renowned prize is given each year to a select group of scientists and social scientists for their advancements in medicine, peace, sciences. The country is proud of their forward thinking and it shows everywhere you go.

They've had an interesting history from Vikings to Germans to Russians and beyond. They've battled and surrendered and battled again. Drottingholm Castle is home to the Royal Family who still is the icon of the country today. They now have a democratic parliament running the country, but like England, the royal family is of the utmost importance to the country's identity.

There's a lot more to Sweden than Stockholm and Malmo. A full 15% of the country lies above the Arctic Circle. This is the land where reindeer herders or Sami live. This is where the world famous Ice Hotel is located every year. This is where you can see the Northern Lights on a regular basis most of the year. This is where people take their snow machines to the drive through at McDonald's. The DMV in Sweden gives a driving test on ice, and if you can't handle it, you can't drive. That's life in Sweden. They do things their own way because they need to. There's a reason Volvo's are so safe. There's a reason for everything.

Northern Sweden is home to one of the northernmost national parks, Abisko. Wildlife is abundant in Sweden and Moose, Elk, Reindeer and Even Brown Bears are common. They have one of the largest Iron ore mines in Europe in their arctic lands. And let's not forget the Sami.

The Sami people are indigenous to the laplands and have been around for thousands of years. Their life is traditional. Their ways are something unusual in today's world. The Sami have been granted many freedoms by Sweden. They have their own regional government. They have their own lands and their own way of life. They have towns and farms and whatever they need for their lifestyles. They love to have visitors from the outside world, and there are a ton of tours to choose from if you decide to go and visit them to learn about their world. It's an amazing opportunity to see inside a whole different life, and I would love to do it.

Other things that you can do above the Arctic Circle. Hiking is amazingly popular and the St. Olavsleden Trail is the northernmost pilgrim trail in the world. There's mountains and hiking trails all over the laplands. Any town you visit will be able to help you with hiking.

There's a lot of life above the Arctic Circle in Sweden. There's a lot to see and do and enjoy. They have a unique lifestyle that merely adapts to the forces of nature. I witnessed the attitude when I visited Iceland, and I must say, the Nordic folks truly are happy. I'm still figuring out how to have that mindset, but I'm getting closer. The weather simply doesn't hamper them. They just go about their lives in winters that would have most of us crying in our beer.

One of the things that Sweden is most famous for is their saunas. It's a national tradition to sauna and then jump in snow or cold natural water. This can be extremely foreign to foreigners. I learned recently that there's an etiquette when it comes to saunaing. First, everyone brings beer. Did not know that. It creates a relaxed atmosphere. Second, bring that towel. Some places and some people are nude in saunas, but you don't have to. Some saunas are towel favorable and some are more hit and miss. It's best to always have one with you just in case. Birch leaves and the smacking are also optional. Not everyone chooses to have the birch leaf thrashing that we've all seen on TV. Swedes are social and not overly judgemental so just go to sauna prepared, and take it from there. It's meant to relax you, so don't overthink it.

Sweden is one of those long countries. Like the state of Florida without a panhandle. The east coast seems to be where the most notable things for tourists are located. This is the land of decorated farm houses, beaches (yes beaches), a lot of notable architecture, and a theme park with a water park included called Furuviksparken. The Gulf Stream feeds into the east side of the country and makes the climate milder. This is where a lot of fishing, swimming and boating in general takes place. Not far from the coast you'll find some unique spots like the treehouse hotel. There's the Sauna in Frihamnen. There's colleges, mostly revolving around science and design. There's an assortment of castles to visit throughout the country, but a lot of them are along the east coast and in the larger cities of Malmo and Stockholm.

In Halsingland, notorious for the decorated farm houses, you'll find what they call the Orbaden or the area's Riviera. They have giant flea markets or Loppis and it's a very quiet and laid back region to visit. It's scenic, the shopping is good, the entertainment it good, the food it good.

Realistically, there's a lot of contrasts and ingenuity in Sweden. They are a unique people living in a unique country with unique challenges. During the pandemic, they decided not to quarantine, sending the world's media into a tailspin. However, they now boast one of the lowest covid rates in the world. Should they do things their own way and not listen to the hype? Maybe so. Some of the greatest scholars in history have been honored by Sweden through the Nobel Prizes. The entire country is known for its innovation. The people deal with a lot of natural obstacles just to get through the day. And still, they're some of the happiest and most productive people in the world.

They have a royal family, and yet the Sami run their own lives and the rest of the country is run by an elected parliament. They have to drive on ice to get a license. They still eat largely seafood and traditional Swedish dishes. They're an unusual concoction of cutting edge and tradition living together in harmony. And 15% of it is above the Arctic Circle. They swim in Baltic Water, they roast in saunas. They love photography, spatial design and ABBA. There is no pasta with their meatballs, and Herring is king. Sweden is one of the most unique countries in the world.

They're also versatile when it comes to tourism. Many cruise lines stop there. You can see the country largely by rail. There are well maintained roads up into the Arctic Circle, so driving around the country isn't difficult. They are visitor friendly. A lot of folks in the cities even speak English.

So, if you want to take a look at the Northern Lights, sleep in an ice hotel, try Herring, visit a castle or several, learn about forward thinking architecture, swim in the Baltic Sea, or even go to an amusement park or ABBA Museum; Sweden could be for you. I would love to visit, just to meet the people. The rest is just meatball gravy. Enjoy!

https://sweden.nordicvisitor.com/?utm_source=msn&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=sweden%20travel&utm_content=sweden+travel+38&utm_campaign=SE+m11+sweden+travel&msclkid=23a0af560d031e6b912fcc6d13fdee27

https://www.vacationsbyrail.com/destinations/europe/sweden/?msclkid=6e7dfe8a78c6158dc5189db1663840ff&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Europe%20-%20Sweden&utm_term=trips%20in%20sweden&utm_content=Trips%20To%20Sweden

https://discoverscandinaviatours.com/express-tour-scandinavia-denmark-norway-sweden?sid=go&cid=_-_scandinavia&aid=travel&kid=scandinavia_travel&mt=exact&msclkid=5e994895cff01110e1ea2baed10e1ebf&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=-%20Scandinavia&utm_term=scandinavia%20travel&utm_content=Travel

https://www.vrbo.com/search/keywords:sweden/page:4?k_clickid=&ds_cid=71700000081827126&ds_kids=p62629457660&ds_kid=39700062629457660&ksprof_id=700000002196404&ksdevice=c&ktarget=dat-2324367581350301:loc-190&kloct=174&klocf=44736&ds_aid=58700006953731364&ha_t=:o:&&msclkid=b7b09230834817e91c7df10b9db67f67&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=VRB%3AUSA%3AENG%3A%24%3ADL%3AGLOB%3AALL%3AXX%3AX%3AX%3AX%3AX%3ASEO%3A1%3A-G12344012627&utm_term=vrbo.com%2Fsearch%2Fkeywords%3A&utm_content=VRB%3AUSA%3AENG%3A%24%3ADT%3AGLOB%3AALL%3AXX%3AX%3AX%3AX%3AX%3ASEO%3A&gclid=b7b09230834817e91c7df10b9db67f67&gclsrc=3p.ds

https://visitsweden.com/

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/sweden-travel-advisory.html

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/sweden

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/sweden

https://hejsweden.com/en/sweden-travel-guide/

https://www.ncl.com/cruise-destinations/northern-europe-

https://www.roughguides.com/sweden/travel-advice/

https://www.ncl.com/cruise-destinations/northern-europe-cruises?cid=PS_DIG_NA_NA_BIN_NA_NA_NA_NA_NA_NA&&msclkid=73928358828014b7e469e063a6b6702c&gclid=73928358828014b7e469e063a6b6702c&gclsrc=3p.ds