Oslo
Oslo is one of the oldest capitals in all of Scandinavia. Because of increased interest in tourism, Oslo has experienced tremendous growth in the past decade. Whereas twenty or thirty years ago, visitors to Oslo would have had to rely solely on the intrinsic beauty of the area for a good time, now, with all of the added tourist attractions and museums, the combination is dynamite. There is enough to see and do in Oslo to keep you busy and happy for weeks.
In the 11th-century, a Viking king founded Oslo, and under Hakkon V, the city became the capital of Norway. Throughout the centuries, Oslo has burned to the ground numerous times, but every time it was rebuilt on a grander scale. Most recently, the city was completely destroyed by fire in 1824, but the King of Denmark, Christian IV, rebuilt the town in close proximity to the Akershus Castle. During this time, he renamed the city Christiania, but in 1924 Oslo reverted back to its previous (and current) name. After World War II, Oslo expanded to 175 square miles and today, in terms of area, it is one of the ten largest capital cities in the world. This is quite amazing for such a seemingly small town. However, for its great geographic size, there are only 500,000 inhabitants that live in the city. The region is heavily forested, and along with glaciers and mountains, Oslo has a great deal of uninhabitable area.
The name Norway comes from the word Norvegr, meaning the way to the north. Over 1,000 years ago, this term was used by the Vikings to describe the shipping route of the country. Norway is often referred to as the Land of the Midnight Sun because of the long nights during the winter and the long days during the summer. In the wintertime, it is not uncommon to have over seventeen hours of straight darkness. The scenery in Oslo is picturesque, and destinations to hike, ski, and explore are everywhere. The locals are friendly, and the territory is diverse and wonderfully exciting.
Amsterdam
Amsterdam has been made world-famous through reports of its lax drug laws, liberal structure, and legal prostitution. These aspects may or may not be reasons for visiting this beautiful country, but allow me to tell you that they do not begin to compare with the glory and wonder of the landscape, combined with the impressive and fascinating historical sights and museums. The scenery alone is intoxicating, and the musical performances and shopping facilities are stupendous. Even with all of the incredible activities and interesting engagements, something must be said for experiencing a hashish brownie at one of the local bakeries. The scenic splendor of Amsterdam is in excess, and this exquisite city houses some of the finest museums anywhere. The Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum are both extraordinary, and the Anne Frank House is a haunting yet fascinating glimpse into the life of one of history's most tragic heroines. Amsterdam features one of the lowest crime rates in the world for a major metropolitan city. The locals are eager to help you, and no one seems afraid to be walking around at night, and why should they be? The government is stable and the close-knit communities ensure safety on the streets virtually all of the time.
Queen's Day, celebrated on April 30, is a sprawling street festival that is typically the most rousing and fun-filled day of the year. The Holland Festival of the Arts is a cherished event, and it seems as if on any day in Amsterdam, you will be treated to a spectacular display of lights, sites, music, and entertainment.
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