Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
inavia's cities have thriving jazz scenes that rival America's. Oh yes, and
then there's Scandinavia's biggest musical export—the '70s pop band from
Sweden named ABBA.
The Scandinavian flair forart shines best in the design ofeveryday objects.
They fashion chairs, lamps, and coffeemakers to be both functional and beau-
tiful: sleek, with no frills, where the “beauty” comes from how well it works.
In their homes, Scandinavians strive for a coziness that mixes modern practic-
ality with traditional designs—carved wood and old flower-and-vine patterns.
Despite its ultra-modern, progressive outlook, Scandinavia still honors its
traditions. Parents tell kids the old folk tales about grumpy, clever trolls, and
gardeners dot their yards with friendly garden gnomes. At midsummer, you'll
see locals in traditional clothes dancing around a maypole to the tunes of a
folk band. At winter solstice and Christmas, they enjoy Yule cakes and winter
beer. Scandinavia is sailing into the high-tech future on the hardy ship of its
Viking past.
