Originally Posted by Dick Ginkowski

I have to take some exception to the "cultural differences" remarks above. I've been in several Nordic countries (plus lived in places with Nordic populations) and have experienced considerable warmth, hospitality and, indeed, cleanliness. Yes, there are some differences (such as virtually every store closed on a Sunday or slicing your own bread in the grocery store) but doing the minimums is something that doesn't limit itself to any particular piece of geography or culture. I should add that the hospitality I've experienced has included dining at the homes of flight crews. No, you won't get the Italian hugs, but it would be unfair to suggest that Scandinavians are inherently unkind.