We recently took a two week holiday to Scandinavia. It began with a short 2-day visit to Copenhagen, before going on to Sweden. Our main purpose was to relax and visit some of the many students who have stayed with us here in Bakersfield. Several have attended our summer BCSS potluck meetings at our ESA garden. We had our Scanrail passes and traveled easily around the lower half of the country. From Kobenhavn to Malmo, Gothenberg to Eksjo, Karlskrona to Norrkoping & Koping, then to Uppsala & home from Arlanda aritport, just north of Stockholm.

The Danish & Swedish people seem to enjoy succulent plants and pot them in a special way, not with rocky top dressings as we do. One plant was seen in nearly every Swedish home we visited -- Zamioculcas zamiafolia. A great plant that can tolerate bright or low light, moisture or drought. I'd like to find one of these I think, if anyone sees them.

One of the trip highlights was a trip to the glass district. We toured several shops, Kosta, Orrefors, Boda, Sea, & Pukeberg. We were able to see the artisans blowing glass, making wine glasses while we were there.

We visited our very first student, who came to us Christmas 1998. He is now 25 and working on his Master's thesis at the University in Norrkoping. It is an interesting setting. The University is built in the old textile warehouses along the river in the center of the city. It is very picturesque with a river walk/deck around the school. The city of Norrkoping has a summer cactus & succulent display, sponsored by a different organization each year.

We spent time walking in the city of Uppsala, before we met our student from this summer, Alexander. The University there is the oldest university in Scandinavia. There is a wonderful Cathedral there, which alas, was closed when we arrived. We were able to take a walk through the University Botanic garden. It was originally part of the castle grounds and later given to the school. One very nice part was a succulent section, set in a circle, filled with Sedum, Sempervivum, and a few other cold tolerant, carpet-like species. I recorded some names, but promptly lost that list.

We were very well treated by our friends & their families. Sweden is a beautiful place with forests, lakes, seaside, great food, and friendly people, and easy to navigate. Highly recommended.