You want to go where?

Six months ago I became completely fascinated with Finland. I found out that, apparently, when you complete a Ph.D. in Finland you are given a diploma, a top hat and a sword.  Once I heard this, I googled facts about Finland and loved everything I read! Here are some of the other things I learned:

1) They host world championships for mobile throwing, wife carrying, berry picking, table drumming, boot throwing and playing air guitar.
2) They have "National Failure Day" which is intended to remind people to learn from mistakes and not repeat them.
3) Having a broadband connection is a legal right.
4) The cost of speeding tickets is calculated based on your income.
5) Finns drink an average of 12kg (about 26.5 pounds) of coffee each year. That's 3 times more than Americans. There are also no Starbucks in Finland. (Sad for this Seattle girl.)
6) They have some news broadcasts in Latin.
7) They are building an Angry Birds theme park.

Then, I found out about this hotel:

(Kakslauttanen Arctic Hotel)

While staying in a temperature controlled (70 degrees) glass igloo, you can lay in bed and watch the Northern Lights.  Wut.

Yes, these are random things that will not change the course of my life but it's fun to find a country that has a culture that makes me chuckle, makes me feel awe/wonder and has me completely intrigued.  So, I told a few friends about my plan, two decided to in me for parts of my trip and I booked it!

So from Feb 21-Mar 6, I will be visiting Denmark, Finland, Estonia, probably Sweden, Norway and Iceland. To the Nordic!!!