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I'm back home and loving it. Had a wonderful trip and would urge you all to visit Scandinavia at some point in your life! I'm hoping for luck and good health and spare time next year to be able to travel through Norway...
To give this blog some closure I have decided to make a short list of lessons learned and things noted, who knows it may be useful for you to know.
• Older guys in oversized 'speedos' = not sexy
• In July you have mosquitoes, in August wasps…
• A spider web stuck on your outer rear view mirror can survive an eight week trip through wind, storm, rain, sun and fog. Respect. I entered Amsterdam and now it's gone.
• Having a brown car does not hide the fact that it's extremely dirty.
• Wasps prefer white wine to beer.
• Wasps prefer me to white wine.
• Travel through all of Sweden and you won't find a Viking. Looked behind every bush, under every stone.
• Don't enter a foggy mountain area without a compass unless you happen to bump into an Italian with a French accent.
• Ain't no expert on parenting but a little boy aged about three who
o Picks up a stone and hears DANIEL!
o Turns left and hears DA-NIEL!
o Turns right and hears DA-NI-EL!
o Wants to peek through the gate at the bears and hears DANIEL!!!!!
o Stands still and hears DAA-NIEEEL in the most commanding voice
I think is not the best way to treat 3 year old. Think the kid will learn to hate his name at some point. (Dutch people, btw.)
• Don't challenge signs that say "you have now reached the most northern point of Europe" by walking right to the edge of the shore because you think you know better. It costs money.
• Men with beer bellies in 'speedos' are definitely not sexy.
• When I'm in Britain, they mistake me for a Brit.
• When I'm in Scandinavia, they consistently speak Swedish, Norwegian or Danish to me. At least I think they do. I am from HOLLAND!
• I counted at least 25 compliments on my oldtimer caravan. I counted at least the same amount of people staring and pointing. I counted at least the same amount of men wondering if she will be able to make that turn backwards into that tiny camping space.
• I have had at least 10 men jump to my assistance when I was about to hook up the caravan, without me asking for it. I've counted the same amount of jealous looking women.
• I've felt homesick to the point of tears. ME!
• Always check the distance to the electricity connection before setting up your caravan. And remember not to make the same mistake twice.
• Wasps like mosquito detergent.
• Lukewarm white wine is not funny.
• Nor are 900 Euro bills for internet.
• Apparently mosquitoes have a heart. I've broken thousands.
• Don't expect the most popular campsite in Copenhagen to have kept a space especially for you during High season.
• I don't like whining children. Children who whine because of whining. Children who scream mama 30 times in a row, until the distracted mom decides to pay attention. But then again, who's to blame here.
• Love giggling babies. Want one of those but only if it giggles non-stop.
• Always remember how lucky you are by counting the fun stuff you get to do and see.
• It's incredible how many people argue when a) setting up a tent and b) loading their car. Men should just always say "you're right dear, as always" and follow her instructions accordingly.
• Once again, the North Cape is not the most northern point of our continent.
• Pack only one dress, one T-shirt, 7 knickers, 2 bras, 1 summer pair of trousers, 1 warm pair of trousers, rain gear, woollies, good shoes, slippers (thongs) and warm socks & jumpers. Don't pack 5 smart outfits, one pair of nice shoes, lacy underwear, tights, frilly garments, two sort of scarfs (thin silk ones) and two separate belts you normally even don't wear etc besides all the stuff in the first list. You never wear it. Which you of course knew.
• If you bring 15 books, read 'em.
• Be aware of the fact that to people in other cars see you scream along with music, you look quite silly. But still do it.
• Be aware of the fact that if your car windows are open, they can also hear you. Sing in tune. Always.
• Danish old people who think you cannot hear them fart and burp = not funny.
• Never, ever think you can drive 10 hours in one go. It's illegal. (I'm a criminal now.)
• Never plan to lose weight when you are on holiday. You'll fail. Miserably.
• Always check - before you leave - how much alcohol you are allowed to take with you. Then you won't find out - too late - that you've taken about a third of the permitted amount. And pay dearly for it afterwards, literally.
Thanks for all the lovely and encouraging messages during this trip!
Enjoy the remainder of the summer, wherever you are.
Big hug,
Melanie
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