Different destinations yield different rewards. ‘Sites’ feature prominently in many. Mention Paris and visions appear almost unbidden: the Eiffel Tower, The Louvre, Notre Dame, The Tuileries…a seemingly endless list.
The same is true of London, Florence, Barcelona, St Petersburg, Kyoto, Beijing or Buenos Aires. One does not even have to have visited a certain place to be familiar with an impressive list of iconic must-sees.
Equally compelling are rewards of a different sort. The rewards of not only seeing a destination’s sites but experiencing how a place and its culture feel.
This thought was much on my mind this past August, as I worked on the itinerary for Scandinavia 2019. Together Oslo, Stockholm and Copenhagen, have almost irresistible appeal. And to be sure in each there is absolutely no shortage of impressive buildings, museums and boulevards—of things to see and do. But is that the primary reason to go? I would argue not. There is something even more valuable to be gained in a visit to Scandinavia and that is a chance to know its ways of life.
In Paris, we may delight in the classical beauty of Venus de Milo. In Copenhagen’s harbor we delight in the Little Mermaid sculpture for her connection to Hans Christian Andersen—and we delight in him for his enduring stories that connect us to both his native culture and to universal truths.
It is a particular pleasure to offer next year’s trip to Scandinavia precisely because it offers this sort of reward. UNCG English Professor Emeritus, Dr. Hephzibah Roskelly will be our traveling companion and resident expert.
We think the trip promises to introduce participants to the sites, the heart and the soul of Scandinavia.
Next week, Hepsie, suggests some reading to get us ready.