I first visited Norway’s Southeast Coast as a summer exchange student in high school, and this return trip is both a sentimental journey and another tremendous learning experience. It is a mesmerizing, soothing landscape along Oslofjord to the North Sea. Return travel can be disappointing, but I’ve already concluded that after this journey, I’ll be … Summer on Norway’s Southeast Coast – Letters from Norway, Part 2 READ MORE »

For my long-awaited return to Scandinavia, centered on visiting a dear Norwegian friend of many decades, I decided to catch up with the modern trends in art, architecture and urban planning while in Oslo, Norway. What struck me initially in Oslo is the civility – the thoughtfulness and efficiency of transportation and other public amenities, … Art, Architecture and Urban Planning – Letters from Oslo, Norway, Part 1 READ MORE »

I’m boarding SAS airlines to Norway shortly and for this 16-day trip to Norway and Denmark, I’ve achieved my first goal – packing light with carryon only a la Rick Steves. I fit everything into an Away “bigger carryon” suitcase, a large Baggallini computer bag with expansion zippers and a small Baggallini crossbody/fanny pack. After … Packing Light for Europe with Carryon Only READ MORE »