Did you know?

• Henrik Ibsen is the most famous of all Norwegian playwrights - at almost any time of the year, at least one of his plays is performed somewhere in Norway.
• Famous Norwegians include: Edward Munch, Henrik Ibsen, Leiv Eiriksson, and Marilyn Monroe.
• The most useful Norwegian inventions are the cheese slice, the paper clip and the string vest.
• Norway has the longest coastline in Europe – 12.500 miles (with fjords up to 114 miles long).
• As per Encyclopedia Britannica, Norwegians read more than any other population in the world.
• Norway was rated the most peaceful country in the world, in a survey conducted by Global Peace Index in 2007.
• The Christmas tree, which stands in Trafalgar Square in London, has been presented by ‘City of Oslo’ to the UK, for over fifty years.
• In Denmark, English is a required subject in school from the 5^th grade up.
• There is not a single mountain in Denmark. The closest thing is a 560 foot high hill called Møllehøj.
• There is seldom a wooden house, as most wood is imported into Denmark. The houses are mostly brick, as there is plenty of clay.
• Danish pigs get sunburned easily so are not kept outside. They have more meat than other pigs, having smaller heads, two more ribs, and are longer.
• The Danish language has 29 letters. The extra three letters are æ, ø, and å (pronounced eh, er, and o respectively). Double-a is the same as å, which is a Swedish and Norwegian letter added in 1948.
• Danes eat more pasta than any other people.
• Sweden is the homeland of the Germanic ethnicity and culture. The Goths, the Suevirs and the Norses (Vikings) all trace their origin back to Sweden (as well as Norway and Denmark for the latter).
• Sweden has the highest number of McDonald restaurants per capita in Europe (although that is only about half of the US ratio).
• Swedes have been known for a number of inventions, including astronomical lens, zipper, marine propeller, refrigerator, computer mouse and pace-maker.
• Till 2006, Sweden had 27 Nobel prizes, the 5^th highest in the world.
• A popular souvenir in Sweden is the road sign for moose-crossing. Surprisingly, a large number of these signs are stolen from Swedish roads every year.
• The most prominent religion in Sweden is Lutheran, followed by Roman Catholicism, Orthodoxy, Baptism, Jewish, Buddhism and Islam.

Now you know!

For more great fun facts on the countries we will be visiting, look here, here, here, here, and here.

Update

A few important notes today:

1. Professor Koffel and I will be holding a meeting for everyone signed up for the tour. Look for that infomation here.

2. If you don't have a passport get the process started. Professor Koffel has a fantastic post on this blog about the process. If you have problems stop and see either of us.

3. Deposits will be due sooner rather than later so get the financial process started.

Eric

Cost of Living Notes

A few notes today on the cost of traveling in Scandinavia.

Is it expensive? Compared to Jacksonville, yes.
Is it outrageous? Judge for yourself'.

Below I have listed some data from an International Cost of Living Index.
The score of 100 is the mean so use that as a baseline score. New York was the base city for the survey with a score of 100.

City and Score
Moscow 142
Tokyo 127
London 125
Oslo 118
Copenhagen 117
Milan 111
Paris 109
Dublin 103
Athens 99
Warsaw 95

For example: what would cost you roughly $1.00 in Athens would cost $1.18 in Oslo.

Think about your spending money and what you want to take away from Scandinavia.

Source: Mercer – Cost of Living Survey 2008

MacMurray College
Denmark & Norway Itinerary!

Friday, May 8 Depart on SAS from Chicago. We will all meet in Chicago.

Copenhagen photos above and below.

Saturday, May 9 Arrive Copenhagen D
Arrive Copenhagen mid-day. Transfer from airport to your hotel. This afternoon, a guided canal tour will introduce you to the city from a unique vantage point – its network of canals. The canals of Copenhagen were inspired by those of Amsterdam. Dinner and overnight at Norlandia Mercur Hotel or similar



Above is an aerial shot of the Oresund Sound.

Sunday, May 10 "Around the Øresund Sound" Day Excursion B
Breakfast at the hotel. Today will be a unique experience taking you into Sweden, and the countryside of Denmark north of Copenhagen. The Øresund Sound is the body of water that divides Denmark and Sweden, between Copenhagen, Malmö, and the areas north to Helsingør and Helsingborg. Using a special transportation ticket called "Around the Sound", you will travel by train and ferry and experience small towns, a university city, castles, countryside and the idyllic coastline. This is possible since these the distances are short, and transportation is frequent between points.
The Øresund Region is part of Scandinavia and comprises eastern Denmark and southern Sweden, linked by the impressive Øresund Bridge. From both sides of the Øresund strait, the bridge is a striking spectacle. The 204 m high pylons are visible from far away - a new landmark in the Øresund Region. The Øresund fixed link is 16 km long and consists of a 8 km long bridge, a tunnel and an artificial island. You can cross the beautiful bridge either by car or by train and the journey between the Danish Copenhagen and the Swedish Malmö only takes half-an-hour. The Region is a fascinating area full of contrasts.
Visit Malmö, Sweden, a city with stunning historic buildings and distinctive Swedish character.

See Lund, Sweden, a quaint and historic University town, also well known for its Cathedral (photo above). The University of Lund dates back to 1668, and draws students from all over the world. Enjoy the Botanical Gardens or the open air museum.
Stop in Helsingborg, Sweden, situated on the Ørresund Sound with a long and rich history. An independent city walk will take you through narrow alleys, main thoroghfares, and through streets from medieval Helsingborg. Pass the oldest home in the city from 1641, the 14th century Mariakyrkan, and past parks and fountains. Visit the bustling harbor area, and don’t miss the Dunker Culture Center, which offers a wide variety of art, theater, music and dance to the local community. The culture center features city history and a variety of temporary exhibitions.
Ferries depart Helsingborg every ½ hour bound for the "sister" city of Helsingør a short 20 minute trip across the sound. The charming town center and sturdy brick train station welcome you to Denmark!

Situated on the coastline on a point jutting into the Sound is the medieval Kronborg Castle (photo above), made famous by Shakespeare’s "Hamlet". Experience the elegant royal castle on a guided tour, including the military fortifications, the castle yard, the Chapel, Royal Chambers, the Ballroom and the Casemates – an underground network of corridors and rooms located under the castle, which served as soldier quarters during times of war.
It is also possible to visit the Louisiana Museum of Art in Humblebæk. Surrounded by nature and on the Øresund coast, the museum features an exceptional art collection from the 20th century in addition to several special international exhibitions each year. Overnight at Norlandia Mercur Hotel or similar

Above is a shot from the Oslo Harbor

Monday, May 11 Copenhagen – Overnight ferry to Oslo B, D
Morning free for shopping or perhaps an optional visit to the Carlsberg (photo below) or Tuborg Brewery.

The Kierkegaard themed guided tour this afternoon will feature Søren Kierkegaard related locations in Copenhagen. See memorial plaques on a former home and school, the cemetery and his grave, and visit the Copenhagen City Museum which has a room featuring Kierkegaard memorabilia. See other significant places from his time, and statues honoring Kierkegaard. The tour ends at the pier to embark DFDS ferry. Departure at 5pm by overnight ferry to Oslo. Dinner and overnight on board.

Oslo at night.

Tuesday, May 12 Oslo B, D
Breakfast on board as you sail through the scenic Oslofjord. Arrive Oslo at 9am, transfer and orientation sightseeing with local guide on arrival. See the city center and City Hall, site of the annual Nobel Peace Prize ceremony. Pass the Royal Palace, and visit Vigeland Sculpture Park. Continue to the peninsula of Bygdøy for a guided tour the Viking ship museum. The tour ends here, but there is more to see on Bygdøy, depending on individual interests. An option is to visit the Norwegian Folk Museum and the Kon-Tiki and Fram museums, then take a ferry back to the city center. You will have a 2-day Oslo card to use this afternoon for transportation and additional independent sightseeing or entrances.
Dinner and overnight at Thon Hotel Opera or similar

Above, Syttende Mai parade in Oslo.

Wednesday, May 13 Oslo B, D
Breakfast at the hotel. Discuss Knut Hamsun’s works and trace novel Hunger through the streets of Oslo.
Tour Oslo independently with your Oslo Card for the remainder of the day. Dinner and overnight at Thon Hotel Opera of similar

A shot of the Flam railway in action.

Thursday, May 14 Oslo – Flåm B, D
Depart Oslo by train, traveling over the "Roof of Norway", the Hardanger Plateau. Change trains in Myrdal, and take the famous Flåm railway down to the charming fjord village.
Enjoy an exciting Fjord Safari boat trip this afternoon, a 20-passsenger fast boat will zip you close to the mountain walls for a breathtaking experience! Dinner and overnight at Flåmsbrygga Hotel.

Balestrand Harbor above.

Friday, May 15 Flåm –Balestrand B, LP (lunch pack), D
Breakfast at the hotel. The Flåm valley has many opportunities for outdoor adventures. Today, the group will participate in a guided combination kayak/hiking trip which will bring everyone up close to the fjords and nature. It is an easy trip, no kayaking experience is needed – there will be instruction given. Picnic lunch, return to Flåm. Depart on the afternoon express boat to the fjord village of Balestrand, situated on the shore of the Sognefjord.
Balestrand lies between towering, snow-covered mountains and the majestic Sognefjord in a beautiful and lush fjord landscape. The impressive scenery and the constantly changing light brought many painters here to capture the fascinating play of light on canvas. Art is still a major factor in today's Balestrand. Artists either live here permanently or visit to exhibit their works.
Kvikne’s Hotel is situated on the shore of the Sognefjord in Balestrand and dates back to 1877. It features an impressive collection of art and historical pieces, stunning vies of the fjord and exceptional service.
Before dinner, enjoy a cultural walk of Balestrand with local artist Bjørg Bjøberg. Bjørg’s watercolor paintings have been sold throughout Norway and the world. She will share insights and interpretation of life in and around Balestrand and its history as an artist colony.
Your dinner will be memorable – Kvikne’s famous smørgåsbord, featuring a wide selection of fish, meat and lots of Norwegian specialties. Save room for dessert! Kvikne’s Hotel

Bergen from above.

Saturday, May 16 Balestrand – Bergen B, D
Breakfast at the hotel. Morning departure from Balestrand by express boat to Bergen, arriving at 11:40 am. Stop at the hotel to drop off your luggage and meet your city guide.
An afternoon walking tour will introduce you to the city’s history as you stroll through the historic area of Bryggen, visit the Fish market (photo below), and take the funicular to the top of Mt. Fløien for a spectacular view of the city below. Dinner and overnight at Augustin Hotel

Beautiful Bergen.

Sunday, May 17 Bergen, Celebrate Norway’s National Day B,D
Breakfast at the hotel. Today is a full day of parades and celebrations for Norway’s Constitution Day, called Syttende Mai.
Syttende Mai commemorates the day Norway became an independent nation in 1814, after it had been under Swedish rule.
A schedule of events will be available much closer to the date. There will be a huge variety of festivities taking place.
Farewell dinner at one of Bergen’s many wonderful restaurants. Overnight at Augustin Hotel

Final view of Bergen. B

Monday, May 18 Bergen
Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer to the airport for your departure on SAS, changing planes in Copenhagen, arriving Chicago late afternoon.

B=Breakfast included

D=Dinner included

Side Trips?

Fellow travelers, don't be afraid to think of or research some special locations or events that you would like to see or attend while in Denmark and Norway.

I have taken the time to find a few things that interest me: baseball and fly-fishing.

Baseball in Scandinavia? You bet'cha.

Oslo Norway has a professional team named The Pretenders.

While in Denmark it may be possible to see a Danish baseball club based in Copenhagen. They play in the European Baseball Confederation.

Looks fun from my view.

On a more serious note: We are all set at financial aid so get in there and have a meeting with the good folks in the financial aid office and see what they can offer you!

More on fly-fishing in Scandinavia next post.

Passport 101

Whether you want to study Kierkegaard or shoot excellent photos, you will need the same thing in your pocket when we fly out of Chicago - a valid US passport.

To save you and us as much heartache and stress as possible, I have put together this blog entry as an information source containing several links to many useful websites in order to make your passport application process as quick and easy as possible.

Frequently Asked Question #1: When should I apply for my passport?

Getting a passport is a lot easier and less stressful than many of you think, but it CAN be a time-consuming process when it comes to receiving your shiny new passport in the mail. The best answer is this - as soon as possible. Sure, it is possible to obtain a passport rather quickly, but you will have to pay an extra fee and it is really not worth the extra cost and hassle. The sooner you can gather your photos, identification and completed for and get them to your local passport office, the better.

Frequently Asked Question #2: What is the passport application process?

Why should I answer this question when the United States Department of State can do it for me? Click here to be directed to detailed instructions on how to apply for a first-time passport. Follow the links on that page to find the types of identication you will need as well as the form you will need to complete in order to apply for your passport.

Frequently Asked Question #3: Where can I get my passport photo taken?

Passport photos can be taken at a variety of places. Walgreens, Kinkos, and a variety of other retail establishments will take an develop your photo for a small fee. Please note that the photo needs to follow a strict set of guidelines, so your best bet is to let the experts do it for you.

Frequently Asked Question #4: Where can I apply for my passport?

Included in the link provided in the answer for Question #2 is link to where you can apply for your passport. Here is a more direct link to where to find passport application locations.

Frequently Asked Question #5: What should I do once I have applied for my passport?

This one is easy! As soon as you apply for your passport AND when you receive your passport, please contact me (Khara) so that I can update your information sheet.

____________________________

Well, that's it for now. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me or Dr. Berg so that we can help guide you through this process as soon as possible.

Happy passporting!

Hamsun

Knut Hamsun (1859-1952) was born in Gudbrandsdalen, Norway, and grew up in poverty in Hamarøy in Nordland. From early childhood he was a shoemaker's apprentice, but was also a road worker, stonemason, junior-level teacher, and so on.

He spent some years in America, travelling and working as a tram driver, and published his impressions, chiefly satirical, under the title Fra det moderne Amerikas Aandsliv (1889) [The Intellectual Life of Modern America]. The novel Sult (1890) [Hunger] and even more so Pan (1894) led to Hamsun's literary breakthrough and Sult is regarded as the first genuinely modern novel in Norwegian literature.
Hamsun's work is determined by a deep aversion to civilization and the belief that man's only fulfilment lies with the soil. This primitivism (and its concomitant distrust of all things modern) found its fullest expression in Hamsun's masterpiece Markens Grøde (1917) [Growth of the Soil]. His early works usually centre on an outcast, a vagabond figure, aggressively opposed to civilization. In his middle period, Hamsun's aggressiveness gives way to melancholy resignation about the loss of youth. The decay of age is the theme of such plays as Livets Spil (1896) [Game of Life] and Aftenrøde (1898) [ Sunset], as well as of the novels Under Høststjernen (1906)[Under the Autumn Star], Benoni (1908), and En Vandrer Spiller med Sordin (1909) [A Wanderer Plays on Muted Strings]. In 1904 Hamsun also published a volume of poems, Det vilde Kor [The Wild Chorus].

Hamsun's later works focused less on individual characters and more on broad attacks on civilization. Apart from Marken's Grøde one should mention Børn av Tiden (1913) [Children of the Age], Segelfoss By (1915) [Segelfoss Town] Landstrykere (1927) [Vagabonds], August (1930), Men Livet lever (1933) [The Road leads on], and Ringen sluttet (1936) [The Ring is Closed].
Hamsun's admiration for Germany, which was of long standing, made him sympathetic toward the Nazi invasion of Norway in 1940. After the war he was sentenced to the loss of his property, temporarily put under psychiatric observation, and spent his last years in poverty. A fifteen-volume edition of his complete works was published in 1954, two years after his death.

Hamsun is one of the great writers of the twentieth century, though his best works were written before 1900. He is one of the most influential European novelists of the last hundred years, yet he is not well known in the United States. Winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature, the most important Norwegian author since Ibsen, he is often ignored in his own country.

Hamsun wrote three of the greatest novels of the late nineteenth century, novels which created a new literary style and which delineated a new literary hero: the alienated loner. In Growth of the Soil (1917), he produced an epic agrarian novel that describes, with Biblical power, the attraction and honesty of working with the land. His work was widely admired in the first half of the twentieth century, with writers as diverse as Thomas Mann, Hermann Hesse, and Henry Miller citing Hamsun's work as being of special importance and influence. Isaac Bashevis Singer, in his essay "Knut Hamsun, Artist of Skepticism" goes so far as to claim that "the whole modern school of fiction in the twentieth century stems from Hamsun."

Hamsun's most famous novels is Hunger, an intense story of a starving writer, which has attracted readers since its publication in 1890. Also worth mentioning on this short note are his novels Pan and Mysteries.

Hamsun's reputation waned rapidly following World War II. Charged with treason for his support of the Norwegian Nazi Party (Nasjonal Samling), his works went out of favor in Norway and elsewhere. As with other writers who supported the Axis powers -- Ezra Pound, for example -- Hamsun's work has had a difficult time regaining the prominence it enjoyed before the war.

Webpages:

http://www.hamsun.dk/uk/

http://kirjasto.sci.fi/khamsun.htm

http://www.newyorker.com/archive/2005/12/26/051226crat_atlarge