The advantage of a free-and-easy self-planned trip is that the person can decide how long to stay in each place and change at the last moment. When I travelled to the four Scandinavian countries (Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland) for the first time, I enjoyed a half-price train ticket for the entire journey. Students who could show proof of their student’s status (including senior graduate students from Asian countries studying in Europe).
The carriages and services of Nordic trains were excellent. The trains were uncrowded, quiet, clean, comfortable, and safe. Sometimes it can replace staying in a hotel. Spending the night on the train saved the high cost of the hotels in some cities! Besides the train, which did not incur an extra charge, another option for low-cost accommodation was the “youth hostels.”
Youth hostels usually have good locations and convenient transportation. The price of these hostels was a fraction of those charged by hotels. However, as the hostel requires cleaning, changing bedsheets, and maintenance work daily between 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, all occupants except the hostel workers must leave the place during the 6 hours. Students who could not afford the accommodation fee could stay in the hostel for free. But they would need to work as volunteers in the hostel.
I immensely enjoyed the trip and experience. As it was summer then, I encountered long 24-hr days without night. I remember standing on the deck of a boat in Finland, watching the sun setting at midnight. The sky was beautiful with a mix of red, orange, yellow, purple, and blue colors. Before it was expected to disappear at the horizon, the sun slowly rose again, and sunset became a sunrise.
While in Norway, I was glad to have witnessed the colorful but unpredictable Northern Lights! I also have a fond memory of the famous Vigeland Sculpture Park in the capital of Norway, Oslo. I revisited this wonderful open museum of bronze and marble statues of human figures featuring infant to aged men and women during my subsequent trips.
In Finland, I saw some unique and colorful glass handicraft works. I am glad I did not hesitate in acquiring a few for souvenirs and my home decoration. Please enjoy artist Helena Tynell’s colourful “Sun Bottles” collection and unusual shape glass bowls designed for Finland’s Riihimaen Lasi glassmaker.
Tan It Koon
Before retirement, Dr Tan It Koon was, among many appointments, Head of Clinical Biochemistry at SGH’s Dept of Pathology. He was the Deputy Chairman of the National Theatre Trust and Chairman for Grants and Scholarships of the Spore Cultural Foundation. He received the National Day Awards, PBM, and PPA, for his contribution to cultural and community development and excellence in Public Administration.
