Socialism

Just returned to Valencia after another string of epic travels. I got back home on Thursday morning after spending a dreadful night in the Barajas Aeropuerto, and then spent the proceeding 24 hours in hermitude studying for my Controls exam. Finally now, a chance to reflect on the past two weeks, and the (less than) two weeks to come.

Sitting at a café with my two favorite Scandinavians today sparked some thought on the trip I took to Norway and Sweden; how shockingly similar these two countries are, how incredibly stable their government-controlled society seems, and how much happiness socialism brings to their citizens.

Norway and Sweden are probably two of the most sparsely populated countries in Europe. Not many people live there, I think combined there are less than 13 million people (less than the population of Pennsylvania). Their languages are similar enough to be mutually understood and neither country is on the Euro. Also did I mention the cost of living is ridiculously high there? Probably the highest in the EU, although I'm positive that Oslo is. Anyways, these countries have a pretty different way of running things. It's called socialism.

It seems nice. Education is paid for. Heathcare as well. No person goes without the basic necessities of life such as food, water, and a place to live. Those with jobs get government-mandated salary bonuses and one month of vacation time per year. Those without jobs receive a livable stipend from the government until they find one. The standard of living is level for all.

However, the downside can be cause for concern: taxes up the wazoo. It's like a giant piggybank that takes money from everybody and sends it back in a steady stream, in social programs and welfare. While nobody is poor, nobody is rich. Simply because the rich can't afford to stay rich. Most people live a decent lifestyle. The average. The standard.

What are they missing out on? Is it the American Dream that drives us all to be so fickle with our hard-earned dollars? To deny some access to fundamental services, like healthcare and food? Or need we explain how it is only just to reap what you sow, because the wealthy deserve luxury just as the impoverished deserve destitution? Perhaps our ladder remains unclimbable. Perhaps it's good we have a ladder at all.

Maybe one day I'll move to Norway to get rich and come home.

Proof of Norway's ridiculous wealth:

Quick blogsauce because otherwise I am never ever ever gonna get around to it...

....I WENT TO SWEDEN AND NORWAY!!!!

Norway: the most expensive place I have ever ever been. A coffee is about 34 Norwegian Kroner which is over FIVE DOLLARS! Also, a big mac costs 98 kroner which is $14.64! For a BIG MAC! it was crazy. But besides Norway being a giant money-sucking hole where only really rich people live, it was a beautiful country and I am definitely going to go back some day to visit my norwegian friend Fez and see some magnificent fjords on the western coast. If you don't know what a fjord is, you must read this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fjord

...and look at the following fotos:


http://www.flickr.com/photos/v1r4l/3438079091/in/set-72157618196265276/

Anyways, we stayed right near the fjord and visited Oslo which is a beautiful city. Also THE most expensive city in the world (this is not an exaggeration). Nevertheless, we had a great time there and got to see some true Norwegian beauty in the fjord that Oslo is built around. Norwegians are very friendly and have an impressive grasp of English. We were welcomed by natives willing to help around every corner. Norway is a sweet country.

Next, we went to SWEDEN! I got to experience the true country lifestyle by staying with my roommate Agnes at her parent's 200-year-old house in the beautiful Swedish countryside. Between towns and a few hours away from Stockholm, the scenery is breathtaking. Her parents own a cheese farm! Needless to say, we were all fed well and had an incredible time playing in the nature.

We also visited STOCKHOLM! Having never been destroyed before, the old town of Stockholm was built in the mid-1200s. Walking around was incredible (promise fotos later) and the vibe of the city is something quite unique. We were able to hang out with three AUTHENTIC Swedes, Agnes being one of them of course, and also two Stockholm-native friends of hers who showed us around the network of islands Stockholm is built upon.

This trip opened my eyes to a new part of Europe, Scandinavia, which I will definitely make time to come back in the future. A whole different culture and centuries of history exist in the Nordic countries, accompanied by unique geological phenomena (Northern Lights and fjords which I am obsessed with) and the famous midnight sun, a bit of it which I got to see (it was still light at midnight!). Plus Scandinavian languages are absolutely crazy. My vocabulary now includes the ability to say "Hej", "How are you", and count to 29 in Swedish. Poco a poco I suppose.

Tomorrow: I fly to Prague! Going to "Czech out" Prague, Vienna and Budapest until the June 17th. Then, just one exam and 12 days left in Valencia before I return to the states. I'm making every second count. The end is near.