Back to Scandinavia - Summer is over .. Winter awaits !

The summer of 2009 was my first summer here in Scandinavia. It was new, the way they work here. New but as I soon realized very convenient. Everything had a proper time and the work happened in that pace. In the general scheme of things eventually I started to enjoy my work here. That was the first time I truly enjoyed working on tour because everything had to be done alone.  Egypt ,Srilanka had happened before and the guide managed everything. But here my day started from the confines of my cozy bed the night earlier. When the tiny detail’s such as the distance of the Indian restaurant from the hotel had to be calculated or calling up the individual city guide to change the meeting point if necessary. It was fun … and very adventurous! Well any mistake and, I would have the people staring at me and talking behind my back. “you can make out its his first Scandinavia trip ,he will take time to learn, etc”

  I had enjoyed tours, places and the people in my travels before.. but in the summer of 2009 I was actually enjoying my work. I call it the Scandinavia model of work. In the last three years there have been additions to the places I would eventually take my people to. I have loved all of them. There is the charm of Turkey, the openness of Poland and the friendliness of Peru. But with the fun I have at all these countries, there is work involved at every step. I know I always have Scandinavia to look up to.

My summer here ends tomorrow and I go back to Mumbai for a 10-day stay before heading to the most far fledged journey (imagination wise) I have ever undertaken. I will write more about that at a later stage, now is the time to thank a few people, and the institutions.

If you ever travel to Norway or Sweden and are willing to spend on your stay then do not stay anywhere else but the RICA group of hotels. The smile of the lady behind the counter is for real even if she is checking in 3 groups at a time. The chef in the kitchen will most probably come and talk to you if you aren’t contended with what lies in front of you. The owner, I heard started by cleaning dishes. He sure did a good job and taught everyone too.. On his way up !

To all my guides, especially you Cornelia in Helsinki who at the start of the tour gives my people a reason to smile with your ‘once upon a time in Finland’. To you Appolonia in the Rica Bodo, who by just talking to the diners gives them a feeling as if they are eating at her house ! To Hans my driver in Lofoten Islands who distributes cookies every time he feels like no matter if you are hungry or not. To my unknown receptionists who adjust the rooms at the last moment so that two friends can stay as neighbors.

To Scandinavia.. for everything that you have taught me and continue to teach. I will come back in winter.