Scandinavian Countries - Similar in Many Ways
Vikings were more than the pillagers made famous in popular culture. They were great traders, shipbuilders and explorers, farmers, fishermen and craftsmen. Sailing from all parts of current day Scandinavia, they colonized throughout Europe, Russia and even across the oceans to the Americas. Scandinavians like to say Columbus used a Viking map. Viking history is evident in all of Scandinavia in their Nordic mythology, in Rune Stones, Viking artifacts and the adornment of stave churches as they transitioned from pagan ways to Christianity.
Toasting Traditions
One of the first things you learn on a Rick Steves tour is how to toast in the language of the country you are visiting! In all of the Scandinavian countries, the toast is "skål" pronounced "skohl." But no clinking of glasses in Scandinavia! After making meaningful eye contact with everyone and saying a hearty "skål," take a sip followed by meaningful eye contact once more. It is a rather nice custom making it more about your companions than the drink!
One of the first things you learn on a Rick Steves tour is how to toast in the language of the country you are visiting! In all of the Scandinavian countries, the toast is "skål" pronounced "skohl." But no clinking of glasses in Scandinavia! After making meaningful eye contact with everyone and saying a hearty "skål," take a sip followed by meaningful eye contact once more. It is a rather nice custom making it more about your companions than the drink!
"Everything you look at can become a fairy tale
and you can get a story from everything you touch."
Hans Christian Anderson