Sweden. I'm unsure of how my fascination of this land of Vikings started. I do know every Swede I had ever occasioned to meet in my lifetime were the impressive sort, if you will. Perhaps that was the catalyst, tho I cannot say for certain.
I was fortunate enough to visit this most wondrous of lands during my block leave this past December. How vastly it surpassed my greatest expectations
I had originally wanted to stay in Gamla Stan but the rooms were all booked so I had to settle for just its outskirts, in the Sheraton, I believe. I roamed the cobbled streets of Old Town, saw the changing of the guards (of special significance to a Soldier such as myself), drank in the beautiful sights, delightfully perused the outside markets, stopped in various local establishments, ate the most wonderful food (Swedish pancakes are teh BOMB!), visited the most famous internet cafe in Scandinavia (Inferno Online, the stomping grounds of some of the biggest names in CS), got myself a full body massage from my quintilingual masseuse, and just had a blast. My only regret being unable to stay a lil longer and perhaps visit some of the outer towns to really experience the genuine Swedish culture away from the touristy areas. I hope to get my chance for that soon tho.
Despite having spent a mere handful of days there, it has nevertheless made an indelible impression on me. I wish to learn some Swedish and one day get myself over there, to stay. :)