Capitals of Scandinavia Itinerary

Day 1: Fly overnight to Norway

Days 2-3: Oslo, Norway

–View beautifully preserved 9th-century Viking ships when you stop at the Bygdøy Peninsula during your walking tour

–Look for former resident Henrik Ibsen’s statue outside the National Theatre. The acclaimed playwright lunched every day at the Grand Hotel, the same site that holds the annual Nobel Peace Prize banquet

–Enjoy a stroll along the harbor as you pass the 19th-century buildings of Oslo University and the Parliament. Keep an eye out for the plumed guardsmen of the Royal Palace.

– Take a guided tour of Oslo, including the Rådhuset (Town Hall)

– Visit the Viking Museum

– Visit the Vigeland Sculpture Park

– Board an overnight ferry to Copenhagen

Day 4: Copenhagen, Denmark

– Arrive in Copenhagen, Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy-tale city

– During your guided tour of Copenhagen you’ll pass by Tivoli Gardens, the city’s lively amusement park and inspiration behind Walt Disney’s Disney World

–Continue your stroll to Christiansborg Palace, the seat of the Danish Parliament, the Danish Prime Minister’s Office, and the Supreme Court of Denmark

– Wander through Old Town and City Hall Square during your walking tour of Copenhagen

– Climb the 17th-century Round Tower, Europe’s oldest functioning observatory. A winding, 685-foot staircase links the tower to a church and library, which now serve as a concert and exhibition hall. See if you can make out the gilded inscription penned by King Christian IV high atop the façade

Days 5: Copenhagen

– Time to explore more of Copenhagen on your own

Day 6: Gränna and Stockholm, Sweden

– Travel by bus to Gränna, Sweden and visit a historic peppermint rock candy factory and lunch

– Continue travel by bus over Oeresund Bridge to Stockholm

Day 7: Stockholm, Sweden

– Take a guided tour of Stockholm

– Visit the Stockholm Town Hall and admire the lavishly decorated Golden Hall, which hosts Nobel Prize festivities annually

– Journey to the island of Djurgården to visit Vasa, a well-restored 17th-century warship. King Gustavus Adolphus demanded that this ornate eight-level ship be created with two gun decks (as opposed to the standard one). However, when the ship went out for its maiden voyage, a gust of wind sank Vasa before it could even leave the city’s harbor. The ship’s wreckage was discovered in 1961

– See Old Town, the Royal Opera House, the Parliament, the Royal Palace, and the oldest church in Stockholm, dating from 1306, on your walking tour of Stockholm

Day 8: Stockholm – Time to explore more of Stockholm on your own

Day 9: Depart for home

Back to Rio – It’s Carnival Time!

Friday, 24 February 2017, marks the opening day of Carnival season in Rio de Janeiro, and the pre-Lent anything-goes bash ends on Fat Tuesday, February 28.  The dates are scheduled every year in the week leading up to Lent and coincide with the Mardi Gras in the U.S.

Porta Bandeira leading in a Samba School
during the Rio Carnival

The word carnival comes from the Portuguese ‘carne vale’ interpreted as ‘farewell to meat,’ referring to Carnival being the ultimate celebration before a period of abstinence from meat, alcohol, and pleasure begins.

The annual Carnaval (in Portuguese) is expected to attract millions of tourists to the biggest party in the country—and perhaps the world. 

Traditionally the Carnival begins with the mayor symbolically passing the keys to the city to the Carnival king.  The country shuts down for the rollicking event as costumed revelers take to the street for the party.

The highlight of the festivities is the many parades that feature elite “special group” Samba schools who will compete through Sunday and Monday.  As many as 3,000 dancers could be performing at one time dressed in over-the-top costumes.

The elaborate handmade costumes are the key to the parades and are designed to reflect the theme of each school.  The cost of the costumes can range from $100-$10,000 depending on the popularity of the school.  Although just about anything goes, total nudity is not allowed even though you will see nearly naked Samba dancers on display during the parades.  (And sometimes it is hard to tell where the costume ends and the body paint begins!)

Elaborate float in the Sambadrone 

The extravagant floats sponsored by the Samba schools are as intricately designed as the costumes.  Being selected to ride on a float is a great honor and responsibility as a person can gain or lose points for the schools in the Samba competition. 

The center of attraction is the Sambadrone in downtown Rio where the Samba Parade has been held since 1984.  Each school is allowed 80 minutes to perform down the strip at the Sambadrone. 

Here a Porta Bandeira, elegantly costumed female Samba dancer carrying a flag, and her male counterpart, a Mestre Sala, lead in the school’s elaborate float topped with beautiful women in tiny costumes, flanked by other costumed members of the school, ‘alas’ or sections, with each section in a different costume to enhance the theme of the school—all in hopes of gaining points from the judges.

However you don’t have to be in a Samba school or in the parades to wear a costume.  Tourists join locals, or Cariocas, along the parade route and at the hundreds of street parties.

Carnival in Brazil dates back to 1723 when Portuguese immigrants from the islands introduced Entrudo, a ritual of soaking each other with buckets of water and throwing mud and food.  It evolved over the years to grand parades for masked aristocrats to costumed commoners joining in the fun.

It wasn’t until 1917, that the Samba became an integral part of Carnival, and today it is the Samba schools that are at the heart of the party with bronzed samba dancers and pulsating music.

Although this video is from 2013, it gives you a great overview of the stunning pageantry and performances of a Rio Carnival parade.

Iguazu Falls National Park -- Argentina and Brazil

Iguazu Falls National Park 

The Iguazú River, which means “big water” in Guaraní language, flows into the Paraná River. It is 1,500 meters wide (0.9 miles), and runs through islands and islets to finally fall from a lava cliff formed 120 million of years ago.  This creates one of the world’s most inspiring waterfalls.  Enjoy this Iguazu Falls overview video.

Now that you are totally immersed in this once in a lifetime experience, let’s learn more about the national parks surrounding the falls. There are actually two parks with the same name – one on the Argentinean side and one on the Brazilian side—that form the borders between the two countries.

The 167,340-acre Argentinean Parque Nacional Iguazú was created in 1934 and became a UNESCO National Park in 1984.  Iguazú is the Argentinean spelling. 

Its sister park on the Brazilian side is larger at 457,794 acres and was created in 1939.  It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986.  The Brazilian spelling is Parque Nacional Do Iguaçu, so if you have seen both spellings it is due to the country referring to it.  Remember…Argentina natives speak Spanish, while Portuguese is the national language of Brazil.

This combined area is home to many rare and endangered species of flora and fauna, and the mountain of mist created by the falls enables the lush vegetation to flourish.  The subtropical rainforest that surrounds the falls boasts over 2,000 plant species, 400 bird species including the harpy eagle and toucan,  and a wide variety of wildlife including tapirs, coatis, giant anteaters, howler monkeys, ocelots, jaguars, caimans…and a plethora of butterfly species. 

Coatis and Tourists!

We are not likely to run upon the dangerous ones, but don’t be surprised if you see a howler monkey or coati!!  An important rule to remember: no matter how much fun it looks, don’t feed the animals.

Iguazú (Iguaçu) parks and neighboring property comprise a significant remnant of the Atlantic Forest spanning Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay.  It is one of the most threatened global conservation priorities as it now covers only 5% of its once one million square kilometers. 

Both the Iguazu park and the Iguaçu park have several walking trails of varying length and difficulty to reach the falls and explore the forest, as well as interpretive visitor centers.  In addition to walking, a jeep ride is included in our tour, along with the boat ride to the falls. 
There is also a train ride, but our tour does not list it.  Looking for tips on what to bring on this adventure, look here.

This video is really cool to show the falls from a tourist’s view…just what you’ll see.

Test your photography skill…bring along a selfie stick.  Watch how this guy films himself hiking along the falls!

The Iguazu Falls and park experience will be one to check off your bucket list!

Iguazu Falls -- Brazil and Argentina

Iguazu Falls

Named one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature in 2011, Iguazu Falls is the largest waterfalls system in the world.  Located on the border of the Brazilian state of Parana and the Argentina province of Misiones, its name means “big water.”  That’s easy to see as Iguazu Falls is made up of 275 waterfalls or cataracts spanning 2.7 kilometers. 

It is located on the Iguazu River within one of the few remaining inland rainforests in South America, the Atlantic rainforest, preserved as national parks by both Brazil and Argentina.  The parks were named UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1984 and 1986, respectively .

The Argentinean side, which features over two-thirds of the falls, offers visitors the opportunity to walk up close on a series of rustic-looking boardwalks, while the Brazilian side offers more panoramic views.

The tallest of the waterfalls is called Devil’s Throat and drops over 80 meters into a permanent cloud of mist.  Shaped like a horseshoe, it is the largest water curtain in the whole system and includes 14 waterfalls.

To put that into perspective, Iguazu Falls is nearly twice as tall as Niagara Falls and rivaled only by Zambia and Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls, which are taller at 108 meters.

Iguazu Falls boardwalks

On average, 1,500 cubic meters of water flow every second.  In the rainy season between November and March, as much as 13,000 cubic meters of water flow every second – enough to fill five Olympic size swimming pools.  One of the highlights of touring the falls is the unforgettable “baptism” during a boat ride to the falls.

One legend says that a deity planned to marry a beautiful woman who fled with her mortal lover in a canoe on the Iguazu River.  In a rage, the deity sliced the river, creating the waterfalls and condemning the lovers to an eternal fall.

Iguazu Falls has been featured in many films including Moonraker (1979), Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008), and Captain America: Civil War (2016).

Now enjoy the falls through the eyes of a phantom drone!

Passports--How to renew or apply for new

You will need a valid passport for international travel that is good for 6 MONTHS after the trip returns to the U.S.  Six months means…6 MONTHS.  New travel regulations are getting more strict and require this extra leeway time in case of emergencies.

If you have never had a passport, then you need to start the process to apply for one.  If you already have a passport, check the expiration date carefully.  If it does not extend through December of 2017, then you need to apply to renew.

We recommend you start the process now.  It was ten years ago that the new passport law was passed that required everyone to have a passport book or card, even for Canada and Mexico travel.  Remember that nightmare?  All those people will be again renewing their passports this coming year.  In an attempt to avoid that hassle, again…start now.

First you need to take two passport quality photos.   Places like CVS, Walmart, or Office Depot can take passport photos. Walgreens can do this for $13.99 plus tax.  New regulations require that you do not wear glasses, do not smile, and pull your hair behind your ears.  Some photos and applications have been returned to applicants who did not comply.

Many post offices can accept passport applications for first time applicants on behalf of the U.S. Department of State.  You need to check this PO Locator to find a post office that offers these services.  Keep in mind that some post offices offer limited passport acceptance hours or require an appointment.

Applications can also be accepted at a district clerk’s office.  Here is the link to my home county with information on what is needed.  Check online for your home county’s district clerk.  Our district clerk charges a $25 execution fee (paid separately in cash in many places) plus the application fees of $110 for an adult.

If you are a first-time applicant, you will need to complete Form DS-11.  If you have a name change, data correction, or need limited passport replacement, complete Form DS-5504.  Do NOT sign your forms until you are in the presence of an official, which means that everyone must apply in person.  Use your name exactly as it is spelled on your birth certificate (even if it is misspelled like mine is!)

You must renew a passport by mail using Form DS-82 as you must submit your most recent passport with your application.   By mail, submit your passport, 2 photos, application, and fee by check or money order payable to U.S. Department of State.  Write your full name and date of birth on the front of the check, and mail it all in an envelope large enough not to bend the application.  Do not send cash.  The state department recommends a trackable delivery method.

Mail to: 

National Passport Processing Center

Post Office Box 90155

Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155

Routine passport processing time is 4-8 weeks.  Expedited service (with an extra fee of $60) is 2-4 weeks turnaround.

Here’s a video that explains it…again!

Get Ready to Samba in Rio!

The samba is a Brazilian music and dance style that actually originated in Africa and was brought to Latin America in the 16^th century.  It has become a symbol around the world for Brazil and its Carnival.

If you are a fan of Dancing with the Stars and think there is just one style of samba…then think again!  There are a wide variety of styles of the music genre and just as wide a variety of dances.  And the ballroom samba is significantly different from all the others.

No partner is needed to dance the samba.  The Samba no pé is a common solo dance whenever samba music is played.  The basic movement involves a straight body and bending one knee at a time.  Another solo dance, Samba Axé, originated at the 1992 Brazilian Carnival and is designed to follow lyrics, so there is no set routine or steps.

One partner dance, Samba de Gafieira, appeared in the 1940s in urban nightclubs.  Another partner dance, Samba Pagode, has less acrobatic movements and tends to be more intimate. 

The most traditional Afro-Brazilian dance is the Samba de Roda brought to Latin America in the 17^th century by Bantu slaves (also called Semba).  In the indigenous language, "samba" means roda de dança, or a circle to dance as the indigenous people danced in celebration on many occasions.

But it is the samba developed in the late 19^th century and early 20^th century that has become the musical expression of modern day urban Rio.  Portuguese Brazilian actress Carmen Miranda helped popularize the samba internationally.

Samba school performing in Rio Carnival

In Rio, samba schools are widely popular.  They are actually more like a dancing club or guild in a neighborhood or community, and they rehearse all year long to perform in the Carnival parade.

Rio is home to over 100 samba schools, with only 12 making it to the Elite or Special Group, a place of pride for many. These groups are what has made the Rio Carnival the biggest event on the planet with their incredible parades and lavish costumes. Many of the top samba schools have over four thousand participants with each one having a specific role to play in the samba parade.

Want to spend some time practicing?  Here are a series of samba dance steps for beginners.  Happy feet!

Cruising the Guanabara Bay in Rio

Get set to enjoy the famous icons of Rio de Janeiro…from the water!  Take in Rio’s most iconic sites and stunning coastline as you cruise around Guanabara Bay, the second largest bay in Brazil.  From the bay you will view Sugarloaf Mountain, Christ the Redeemer Statue, and the white sands of Copacabana Beach.

Guanabara Bay

From this unique perspective, you will also view the beaches of Niteroi, fortified walls of the seafront Santa Cruz de Barra fortress built in 1555, and admire the hillside fortress of São João.

The harbor of Rio de Janeiro, surrounded by majestic granite mountains, was named one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

The cities of Rio de Janeiro and Duque de Caxias are located on the western shore of Guanabara Bay, while on its eastern shore lies the cities of Niterói and São Gonçalo.  Four other municipalities also line its shores.

The bay is 19 miles long and 17 miles wide at its maximum, and almost one mile wide at its mouth to the Atlantic Ocean.  The mouth is flanked on its eastern tip by Parrot’s Peak and Santa Cruz fortress and its western tip by Sugar Loaf and São João fortress.  In the entrance is the island-fort of Laje, temporary site of a Huguenot settlement in 1555. 

Guanabara Bay

The Portuguese were the first Europeans to arrive on its shores on 1 January 1502.  According to some historians, the bay was first called “Ria de Janeiro,” or January Sound.  But it seems there was some confusion between “ria,” meaning bay or sound, and “rio,” meaning river, as some thought the bay was the mouth to a large river.  In the confusion, the name became Rio de Janeiro, and the city was named after the bay.

The name Guanabara comes from the Tupi language and translates “bosom of the sea.” 

More than 130 islands dot the bay, which is crossed by the 8.26-mile long Rio-NiteróiBridge.  Numerous smaller bridges connect the mainland to the two largest islands of Fundão and Governador.