My Beloved Mother's New Journey 3rd Travel - Northern Europe

Travelling together on Her New Journey February 2023

My Beloved Mother's New Journey 1st Travel - Back to United Arab Emirates (Oct. 2022)

My Beloved Mother's New Journey 2nd Travel - Southern Caribbean (Dec. 2022)

8 Days Self-Guided Budget Summer Europe Trip with My Mother (Aug. 2018)

"All that I am, or even hope to be, I owe it to my Angel Mother"

I'M VERY SORRY MAMA... I MISS YOU, I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH!

I did not see her alive before she gave up her life, she just suddenly gone. It's like an eternal pain for me that everytime I travel I always feel the guilty of not being there. Until now, I'm so depressed, have floating thoughts and rapid flashbacks of happy memories with my beloved mother. To honor her memories as my favorite and best travelmate, I made her still my favorite and best travelmate despite on her new journey. It's also part of my coping behavior to accept wherever she is now.

On her first journey with me, I travelled with her in the places I've been in the United Arab Emirates (Sharjah, Ajman, Abu Dhabi, Fujairah and Dubai). On her second journey, I'm with her in Southern Caribbean visiting 6 new countries on my list.

Maraming Salamat Mama, sobrang nami-miss pa din kita.

You may be gone, but your love and memory will forever be with me.

Our parents are usually the only ones who have known us since we were born.  Often they know us better than we know ourselves. When you have had a loving, friendly, happy relationship with your parent, their passing will create feelings of emotional turmoil and despair. Feelings we all experience after the death of someone we love very much. As well as the loss of their physical presence, there is also the loss of their advice, support, help, knowledge and counselling in times of life's stresses.

https://www.griefandsympathy.com/losingaparent.html

My Beloved Mother's New Journey 2nd Travel - Northern Europe

Budget DIY Solo Day Trip in Winter Helsinki, Finland

8 Days Budget DIY Solo Trip in Winter Northern Europe (Nordic)... Feb. 07 to 16, 2023

Budget DIY Day Trip in Winter Stockholm, Sweden

Finland is my 137th country visited on my personal journey beyond #lakbay100 Countries.

Finland is a thoroughly modern welfare state with well-planned and comfortable small towns and cities, but still offers vast areas of unspoiled nature. Finland has approximately 188,000 lakes (about 10% of the country) and a similar number of islands. In the northernmost part of the country the Northern Lights can be seen in the winter and midnight sun in the summer. Finns also claim the mythical mountain of Korvatunturi as the home of Santa Claus, and a burgeoning tourist industry in Lapland caters to Santa fans. 

https://wikitravel.org/en/Finland

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT FINLAND

timezone - UTC +0200H   capital - Helsinki    language - Finnish    currency - Euro (EUR)

visa - Philippine passport holders need to apply before arrival.

1. Finns are the world's biggest coffee drinkers

2. There are 187,888 lakes in Finland.

3. 74% of the country is forested.

4. Angry Birds originated in Finland.

5. Finnish language is one of the ten most challenging languages in the world.

Finnish Basic Phrases:

Hei (hey) = hello          Joo / Ei (yow / ey) = yes / no

Hyvää päivää (huva payva) = good day          Hei hei (hey hey) = bye

Kiitos (kee-tos) = thank you          Anteeksi (an-tek-si) = sorry

Budget DIY Solo Day Trip in Winter Helsinki, Finland

Budget DIY Solo Day Trip in Winter Stockholm, Sweden

8 Days Budget DIY Solo Trip in Winter Northern Europe (Nordic)... Feb. 07 to 16, 2023

2 Days Budget DIY Solo Trip in Winter Oslo, Norway

Sweden is my 136th country visited on my personal journey beyond #lakbay100 Countries.

Sweden (Sverige) is the largest of the Nordic countries, with a population of about 10 million. It borders Norway and Finland and is connected to Denmark via the bridge of Öresund (Öresundsbron). The Baltic Sea lies to the east of Sweden, as well as the Gulf of Bothnia, which separates Sweden from most of Finland. The northernmost part of Sweden belongs to the Arctic.

https://wikitravel.org/en/Sweden

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT SWEDEN

timezone - UTC +0100H   capital - Stockholm    language - Swedish    currency - Krona (SEK)

visa - Philippine passport holders need to apply before arrival.

1. Swedish music is one of the country’s biggest exports

2. More than half of Sweden is covered in forest.

3. Swedish art is all over the Stockholm metro stations.

4. Sweden has over 95,000 lakes.

5. Sweden is very good at recycling.

Swedish Basic Phrases:

Hallå (Hah-low) = hello          Já / Nej (y-ow / ney) = yes / no

God dag (gud dag) = good day          Hejdå (hay da) = bye

Tack (tak) = thank you          Förlåt (fur-lat) = sorry

Budget DIY Solo Day Trip in Winter Stockholm, Sweden

2 Days Budget DIY Solo Trip in Winter Oslo, Norway 2023

8 Days Budget DIY Solo Trip in Winter Northern Europe (Nordic)... Feb. 07 to 16, 2023

4 Days Budget Solo Trip in Winter Iceland

Norway is my 135th country visited on my personal journey beyond #lakbay100 Countries.

Norway (Norge or Noreg) is the westernmost, northernmost—and in fact the easternmost—of the three Scandinavian countries. Best known for the complex and deep fjords along its west coast which stretches from the North Sea near Denmark and Scotland into the Arctic Ocean and has borders with Finland, Sweden and the northwestern tip of Russia.

https://wikitravel.org/en/Norway

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT NORWAY

timezone - UTC +0100H   capital - Oslo    language - Norwegian    currency - Kroner (NOK)

visa - Philippine passport holders need to apply before arrival.

1. The world's longest road tunnel is in Norway at 24.5km long.

2. Modern and ancient skiing were invented in Norway

3. Norway rocks the Winter Olympics.

4. Europe's biggest herd of wild reindeer lives in Norway.

5. Norway’s rail journeys are voted the best in Europe.

Norwegian Basic Phrases:

Hæ / Halló (Hi/ Hah-low) = hello          Já / Nei (y-ow / ney) = yes / no

God dag (gud dag) = good day          Ha det (ha det) = bye

Takk (tak) = thank you          Unnskyld (un-shin) = sorry

2 Days Budget DIY Solo Trip in Winter Oslo, Norway

Reykjavik City DIY Walk Tour

4 Days Budget DIY Solo Trip in Winter Iceland... Feb. 08 to 11, 2023

South Shore Adventure Full Day Tour

Sighseeing the Northern Lights (Polar light / Aurora Borealis) is my last quest among the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and once again, a failed attempt. My first attempt to look for this amazing wonder was in Fairbanks, Alaska last Jan. 2020.

Day 4: February 11 Saturday ICELAND 4

Snæfellsnes Peninsula tour cancelled due to bad weather -18,900 ISK (₱7,441)

Reykjavik City DIY random walk tour / Snacks 6,739 ISK (₱2,654)

Northern lights bus tour cancelled due to bad weather -7,599 ISK (₱2,992)

TOTAL: 6,739 ISK (₱2,654) -26,499 ISK (₱10,192)

Reykjavik City DIY Walk Tour

South Shore of Iceland Full Day Tour

4 Days Budget DIY Solo Trip in Winter Iceland... Feb. 08 to 11, 2023

Iceland Golden Circle Full Day Tour

Experience nature at its best with waterfalls and black sand beaches. Walk behind the cascades of Seljalandsfoss & go to the glacier snout at Sólheimajökull.

Day 3: February 10 Friday ICELAND 3

South Shore Adventure Full-Day Trip 13,999 ISK (₱5,490) 0900H-1900H (10hr) Reykjavik Excursions

Pick up: BSI Bus Terminal (830am) Sólheimajökull, Vik, Reynisfjara, Skógafoss, Seljalandsfoss

Snacks 2,313 ISK (₱930) / Northern lights tour cancelled due to bad weather

TOTAL: 2,313 ISK (₱930)

South Shore of Iceland Full Day Tour

Iceland Golden Circle Full Day Tour

4 Days Budget DIY Solo Trip in Winter Iceland... Feb. 08 to 11, 2023

Iceland General Itinerary and Preparation

The Golden Circle is by far Iceland's most famous attraction. A short drive from the capital city, you see the most stunning sights at Thingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall - all in one day!

Day 2: February 09 Thursday ICELAND 2

Golden Circle Full-Day w/ Kerid Crater 9,490 ISK (₱3,721) 1000H-1800H (8hr) Reykjavík Sightseeing

Pick up: Bus hostel (930am) Þingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss Waterfall

Burger combo / magnet 3,218 ISK (₱1,260) / Northern lights tour cancelled due to bad weather

TOTAL: 3,218 ISK = ₱1,260

Iceland Golden Circle Full Day Tour

4 Days Budget DIY Solo Trip in Winter Iceland 2023

8 Days Budget DIY Solo Trip in Winter Northern Europe (Nordic)... Feb. 07 to 16, 2023

Nordic Countries General Itinerary and Preparation

Iceland is my 134th country visited on my personal journey beyond #lakbay100 Countries.

Iceland is a mountainous island nation in the north Atlantic Ocean, located between Europe and North America. Though not part of the continental mainland, the country is considered European. The name of the country—Iceland—may not be that appropriate: although 10% of Iceland is covered by glaciers, it has a surprisingly mild climate and countless geothermal hot-spots and hot springs.

https://wikitravel.org/en/Iceland

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT ICELAND

timezone - UTC +0000H   capital - Reykjavik    language - Icelandic    currency - Krona (ISK)

visa - Philippine passport holders need to apply before arrival.

1. More than 60% of the Icelandic population live in the capital city, Reykjavik

2. Iceland was the last place on earth to be settled by humans

3. Many Icelanders believe in elves and trolls

4. Iceland is one of the most eco-friendly countries in the world

5. Iceland has the longest workweeks in Europe

Icelandic Basic Phrases:

Hæ / Halló (Hi/ Hah-low) = hello          Já / Nei (y-ow / ney) = yes / no

Góðan daginn (go-thah-n die-in) = good day          Bless (bleh-s) = bye

Þakka þér / Takk (thah-kah th-yeh-<r> / tah-k) = thank you

Afsakið / Fyrirgefðu (af-sah-kith / fih-<r>-ih-<r>-gef-thu) = sorry

4 Days Budget DIY Solo Trip in Winter Iceland

How to Apply for Schengen Visa (Norway/Iceland) as Philippine Passport Holder

The quest to visit all Schengen Member States 2013-2024 as Pinoy Solo Backpacker

Highlight: I applied as Filipino Solo Traveller with Philippine passport only, with NO WORK (ex-OFW, retired Engineer) and with NO BUSINESS (Dec. 2022). I provided proofs of enough savings, investments and previous 3 Schengen visas per below link.

Schengen visa is a special document that allows a Schengen visa holder to travel freely within the 26 Schengen zone (European Countries) member states. Apply for the Schengen visa at the Embassy or Consulate of the Schengen country where you spend the most time. This visa is valid in all Schengen states for a stay of up to 90 days within a six-month period for a visit or tourism, but not for employment or family reunification purposes.

26 members of the Schengen Agreement are (1)Austria, (2)Belgium, (3)Czech Republic, (4)Denmark, (5)Estonia, (6)Finland, (7)France, (8)Germany, (9)Greece, (10)Hungary, (11)Iceland, (12)Italy, (13)Latvia, (14)Lithuania, (15)Liechtenstein, (16)Luxembourg, (17)Malta, (18)Netherlands, (19)Norway, (20)Poland, (21)Portugal, (22)Slovakia, (23)Slovenia, (24)Spain, (25)Sweden and (26)Switzerland.

How to Apply for Schengen Visa (Norway/Iceland) as Philippine Passport Holder

8 Days Budget DIY Solo Trip in Winter Northern Europe (Nordic)

My 2023's First Trip on my quest to go beyond #lakbay100 despite the odds... Feb. 07 to 16, 2023

“No matter how cautiously you live there is no escaping the fatal clutches of old age. So then, better to join the fray and fight proudly for something worth obtaining.”

My 107th solo backpacking trip and trying some usual budget do-it-yourself (DIY) itinerary from arrival to departure. This trip served also as my 4th visit in Europe Schengen States following the Spain (2018) and some Western/Southern parts, Germany (2015) and some Southern parts and France (2013) and some Central parts of Europe. Moreover, this trip served also my 2nd Adventure as jobless (retired Employee) following the Southern Caribbean Cruise (Nov. 2022).

Scandinavia (Nordic countries), is a European region north of the Baltic Sea. At almost 1.2 million square kilometres (463,000 square miles) it is the largest region in Europe, but home to only around 24 million people, accounting for a mere 4% of the population. Scandinavia consists of Denmark, Sweden and Norway. Finland and Iceland are included when talking about the Nordic Countries. All countries share history and boundaries to a varying degree. Denmark, the smallest, flattest and most continental of the Scandinavian countries. Famous for having the best beaches of Northern Europe, a unique viking heritage. Norway, famous for deep fjords, steep mountains, and wooden churches. Has a rich and interesting culture with deep roots in farming and fishing. Sweden, Scandinavia's largest country by area and population with mountains in the north, woodlands in the center and plains in the south, also the Swedish Archipelago being the second-largest archipelago in the Baltic Sea. Finland, hundreds of thousands of islands and lakes to explore in this bridge to the east. Finland is not technically part of Scandinavia as Finns are Uralic in origin. Iceland, spectacular scenery of volcanoes, glaciers, geysers, and waterfalls on this North Atlantic island.

https://wikitravel.org/en/Scandinavia

8 Days Budget DIY Solo Trip in Winter Northern Europe (Nordic)

Throwback Story Time 3rd Part: The Beginning of OFW Life

"If you wait for perfect condition to sieze an opportunity, you will be waiting till the day you die" - Mark Batterson

Throwback Story Time 1st Part: Journey before Backpacking Life

Throwback Story Time 2nd Part: Start of Backpacking Life

Throwback Story Time 21 (2011):

Saudi Arabia, my 2nd OFW experience that lasted only for 40 days. The reason was my work visa was approved on other country when I was still in KSA (but it started to process before I arrived). Also, the job offer was an engineering position.

Throwback Story Time 21 (2011)

Throwback Story Time 22 (2012):

Kuwait, my 3rd OFW experience. The Middle East environment suited me and begun travelling to other continents. My first planning engineer position outside of my homeland. 

Throwback Story Time 22 (2012)

Throwback Story Time 2nd Part: Start of Backpacking Life

If you live an ordinary life, all you'll have are ordinary stories. You have to live the life of adventure. So... here I am!

Throwback Story Time 1st Part: Journey before Backpacking Life

Throwback Story Time 11 (2009):

Just weeks after my Cebu vacation, I bid for Planning Engineer inside company. The start of my falling hair due to stressful workload. Handled PAL fleets base maintenance planning as initial project for newcomers then Virgin Atlantic, Vladivostok Air, Strategic Air, etc. 

Throwback Story Time 11 (2009)

Throwback Story Time 12 (2009):

The start of my itchy feet as Solo Backpacker. Like others, I'm scared to do this alone at first but I don't have a choice why not accept the challenge. This picture was in Twin Falls in Cavinti, Laguna, my first local solo day trip. The entire trail is savage and almost not open to tourist yet (guide required). http://www.theviewingdeck.com/2011/03/2008-2010-budget-diy-solo-backpacking.html

Throwback Story Time 12 (2009)