Dear Group, I just returned from a wonderful vacation in
Scandinavia. On the SAS plane there was a quote that went something
like: It is best to travel with an openmind. How true. I certainly
tried on my vacation not only to have an open mind but to let my mind
and spirit open in a way that I could be refreshed and replenished.
I found myself taking in the sunshine, late setting sun (around
11:00PM), the fresh air, wonderful people and great cities and
landscapes as a magic potent. I certainly needed that potent as I
think most of us have this past year.

Here are a few things that most struck me and helped refuel and
revitalize me. The governments of these countries are often led by
women and about 50% of all the legislators are women. The mayor of
Copenhagen is a woman, age 37. Yes! Yes!

In Copenhagen there are special neighborhoods at the edges of the
city with tiny cottages and land to plant a garden. If you live in a
small apartment in the city you are entitled to one of these summer
getaways. They are fixed up so prettily and filled with growing
vegetables and beautiful flowers. I think this is a great idea.

Everyone in Norway is entitled to five weeks of vacation a year
regardless of status. The need for time off is understood. Yes!

In Copenhagen as other cities you can put some change into a meter
and borrow a city bicycle-go all over with it and when you return it
to another meter you get your money back, so it is actually free.
How nice that would be in our cities!

In the airports I saw employees going from place to place pushing
adult size scooters. I loved watching them and deeply yearned for
one myself. (how I loved my scooter at age 6)

The cities were not polluted-the air was clean and fresh. Even most
of the buses didn't smell and they turned them off as soon as they
parked! No idling.

Breakfast is a wonderful smorgabord of all sorts of cereals, eggs,
fibrous breads, meats, yogarts and of course pretty good coffee. I
was delighted.

These are just some of the wonderful little sips of magic that I
had. Have any of you been able to use this summer season to
replenish? Please share.

All my best, Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein