Scandinavia in Focus: 10-Second Snapshots of Peace, Exploration and Belonging
10-Second Snapshots from Scandinavia
Salutations to the intimate group who consistently comes back to read what I put out.
Another month has turned over; summer officially has more grains on the bottom of the hourglass. Here in the Pacific Northwest, the roadways are still congested with families toting kayaks and out-of-state license plates. Festivals and events fill the weekends, and yet, the sound I prefer is that of the gentle river outside my bedroom window.
This was the first year in three that I was unable to venture over to Europe. After a long period of unemployment, it’s a blessing to now have two passion-provoking jobs. Yet there still lingers in my heart that nexus of love for whole foods, a sense of belonging, and travel by foot and railway.
In appreciation of my first voyage to Scandinavia, I have compiled 8 photographs and accompanied them with true-to-life synopses that will take approximately 10 seconds to read. In doing so, my hope is to transport you to those same senses of peace and belonging.
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The Scandinavia Gallery
Snowy Spring Day in Åndalsnes
Glorious mountains beneath sapphire dusk skies, an unexpected snow blast and all shops shut nearby. Trudging through the hills of snowfall drenches shoes and toes alike; but upon finding your nook in the world for the night, warmth and white views have never been quite so nice.
Nondescript City Doorway
Fall in love with a doorway for the first time: its linear panes and mahogany hue entice the curious mind. Centuries of stories and somebodies lay in wake just behind. Curved archways, antiquated brick–it feels like a glimpse of home that’s never been.
Universality in Hopscotch & Numbers
Chalked onto the cobblestone is a familiar game. One, two, three, four–who knew the world shared such a charming form of play? Marvel at the numbers, the penmanship, the leftover rain. We are one beneath these skies, even if our words don’t sound the same.
Breakfast in Scandinavia
Sometimes it’s the simplest things that induce delight. A morning meal, watching the world rotate outside… a wallflower’s dream, an author’s matchstick readied to light. Charge up for the day with this crisp, fresh bread, and leave not a crumb in sight!
Vibrant Markets and General Okay-ness
Stroll through the city streets; let the scenes whisk you away. A medley of flowers here, vibrant fruits on display there–a waft of bold coffee might even come your way. An air of safeness follows every step. This culture, by default, treats people as universal friends.
Swedish Friends and Polkagris
Speaking of friends, two are found in Sweden; one’s life story is so captivating it causes wonder as to whether it would be possible to stay. After wandering through cobblestone alleyways comes a candy-ful wonderworld of licorice and polkagris. Celebrate newfound friendship with sweet procurements, wholly uplifted despite the chill in the day.
Hospitality Like a Hygge Hug
In one of the world’s happiest countries, no wind-chill bars the joy in the day. With a blanket draped around your shoulders, enjoy some rugbrød and perhaps a foamy latte. Scandinavia’s effervescent ‘hygge’ whispers sweet tidings through the wood decor and zesty orange marmalade.
Embrace Every New Pace
Amid the rush of society, find solace in the comfort of place. Surrender to these surroundings, be brave amidst whatever trials are faced. Behind every door is an opportunity to feel “at home,” to rekindle contentment and explore the realms that spark one’s unique inner flame.
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Snippets of Scandinavia (with hints of nursery rhyme)
While writing these little blurbs of description, I realized just how much like nursery rhymes they read. The brain I wield seems to gravitate toward catchy quips like that; my novel, Unveiling Etherdyn, is similarly riddled with whimsy.
Dear friends and fellow life-travelers, I hope this brief skip through travel memories imbibed you with the peace and belonging Scandinavia never fails to provide for me. Yet to avoid the harms of romantic nostalgia, we might benefit to remember:
“At the deepest level, there is no giver, no gift, and no recipient… only the universe rearranging itself.”
— JOn kabat-zinn, author of whereever you go, there you are
We are always home, regardless of whether we are local or abroad, posted at a certain address or away on holiday. The circumstances of our lives may rearrange themselves, but that doesn’t mean we don’t belong in them. Behind oneness is the truth of being eternally anchored to Now.
I am here; I am home. So are we all. May we savor each person, place, and moment for what they are.
♡⸝⸝.