Nordic Trip to Norway, Sweden and Finland
Working hard for the past two years at the current job. This is the first time I officially took time off for a week and enjoyed a real vacation in Europe. First stop - Oslo Norway.
Oslo, Norway
I was lucky. It happened to be the week people celebrate the Oktoberfest here. People all dressed up in local traditional clothes - Lederhosen costume, dancing, sining and drinking together. They dont care where you come from. Everyone is welcomed and people celebrate together. It does help if you know some popular EuroVision Songs from the past. Big singalong.
Another highlight of Oslo is the Frogner park. Not only did Gustav Vigeland make all 212 bronze, granite and cast-iron sculptures displayed in the park, he also designed the outline of the park itself. Below is one of the most famous ones - the angry baby.
From the park we walked to the King’s palace, and then Opera house. You can see people dancing on top of the roof like no body’s there. Love that. The next day, it was raining but a trip to the Folk’s museum during the rain is somewhat exceptional. Here are some highlights from the place. It features the Norwegian traditional houses back in the old days. Fall is a great season to see the place in different colors.
After Norway, I took the train from Oslo to Stockholm from the central station. Pretty scenery trip by train.
Stockholm, Sweden
When In Sweden, do the tourist’s stuff you can think of when people mention this country. To me, ABBA , Nobel Prize Museum, Shopping in IKEA and H&M, experience a Swedish massage then get some Swedish meatballs & Shrimp Sandwich sound about right.
On the left, you can see ABBA. On the right, you can see me join them on the stage (AR) with the new group ABBBA.
Helsinki, Finland
Suomenlinna Island is the fotress 20 mins from Helsinki. It features kind’s gate and many cannons dated back to the 18th. Noways it gives you a feel of Hobbiton New Zealand. Take the ferry there and walk around for 2 hours will provide you a nice break.
Another thing I learnt on this trip is one cartoon character named Moomin, which is the most famous thing in the region and there are two shops in downtown Helsinki you can check them out, If you grow up in the Nordic countries, you are supposed to know it but to me it is new. It just happens that the museum I went was showing the work from the author of Moonin. Personally I think it is alright but mostly because I dont have the emotional attachment with this character.
Finland is famous for its Sauna. When in Helsinki, you have to try one. I went to the recommeded one called Loyly by the Ocean. You can jump into the freezing water after your smoke sauna. Try me, one of the best experiences every. It is kinda addictive thus I did 6 times.
Helsinki also have two rooftop bars. The Monkey Club one is less crowded and in my opinion have better setup. The other one of course has a better view of the city. You can take your pick or just do both.
