Allan: Twenty-three years later

It was 23 years ago that I first visited Scandinavia, also my first trip outside of the US, I was 25 at the time. While attending the University of Oregon's Architecture Program I had the opportunity to participate in a Study Abroad Program for a Semester in Copenhagen, Denmark in 1986. During Spring Break, the Architecture Students participated in a Scandinavia Architecture Tour visiting the cities of Helsinki, Finland; Stockholm, Sweden; Oslo, Norway and of course Copenhagen, Denmark. Needless to say, the trip and experience was life altering, affording me the opportunity to see and experience other cultures and view some of the notable architecture that helped define each of the countries and overall Scandinavian Style. The likes of Alvar Aalto in Finland and his unique use of natural light (a derivative of living in a cool, grey climate) and use of local indigenous materials like natural woods such as birch or Eliel Saarinen (father of Eero Sarrinen who designed noted buildings in the US such as the TWA Terminal at New York's JFK Airport). Eliel was noted for many of the National Romantic Style buildings of Finland, primarily in Helsinki, such as the Central Train Station. Each Country and City left an indelible mark on me, not only as a student of Architecture, but more importantly as a person. The interest and desire to experience countries and cultures outside of my own had been awakened within me, one that today is as strong as it was then.

Finlandia Hall, Alvar Aalto

Helsinki Central Train Station Entrance, Eliel Sarrinen

Helsinki, National Romantic Style Building

Stockholm, City Hall

Stockholm, Nordic Museum

Copenhagen, Rosenberg Castle

Today, the experience of revisiting these cities has been as significant and interesting for me as the first time, a new experience set in a context of distant familiarity. Yes, the cities have continued to grow, change and evolve, but what I find more striking is how I have grown, changed and evolved as a person since my first visit. I see many things with the same eyes I've seen before, but what's different is how I think about them. Yes, architecture is still an interest of mine, but no longer like that of an eager student with a thirst for knowledge for architects, buildings and everything design. Today, my interests are broader and encompass the entire culture, trying to understand what makes a particular country unique; it's politics, it's welfare system, it's orientation toward religion, it's economy, it's cultural heritage and the cultural evolution today, and of course it's people.

To that point, David and I decided we would approach our lodging accomodation in Scandinavia differently than we had up to this point. Adding to our experience of staying in a given city, we chose to stay with locals as rental guests for this part of our journey wanting to meet like minded people of a given country. We thought one week would be good for our potential hosts as well for us, the trip thus far hasn't really afforded us this opportunity as we could not make such a request for our typical month stay. In planning for the trip, a friend of mine, Landon, shared his experiences with a Home Exchange program oriented toward Gay and Lesbian travelers. I researched the Website and soon subscribed as a member. In doing so, I was able to locate other members all over the world interested in Home Exchanges and some interested in Rental Guests. Our situation was unique in that we did not have any home to exchange (my Dad staying in my home, a renter in David's), nor could we reciprocate for some time due to the length of our trip. I sent off a few inquires to a gay male couple in Stockholm and a Lesbian Couple in Oslo. I was then, and more today, astounded by the good nature, openness and extreme generosity of others, before now we were complete strangers to each other. I've included the original email I sent to each couple, in this case Rita and Renate, it was from this simple exchange and sincere request that a friendship was born, with Rita and Renate in Oslo and Arne and Rob in Stockholm. Experiences like these remind me of the good nature of human kind, the connectiveness of all of us, independent of what separates us like countries, cultures, nationalities, age, experiences, etc.

Renate and Rita

Rob and Arne

A simple exchange...

Hello Rita and Renate,

I'm Allan Brabo, a new member to Home Around the World. I live in Portland , Oregon USA in the Pacific Northwest.

As I've noted in my Membership Profile, my partner and I are traveling for an extended time frame in 2009/10. We would enjoy meeting and staying with local men and women for approximately one week periods as a rental guest. We're open to hospitality exchange, although would not be able to reciprocate until mid 2010.

About us, David and me:

We met in 2004 at a mutual friends Birthday Party. We became friends through a Gay Men's Vegetarian Group and started dating. I'm 48 (at the time of this writing) and have a professional Design/Design Management background and recently completed 17 years with NIKE. I'm currently on a 'Sabbatical', enjoying life and traveling. My partner, David, is 47 (at the time of this writing) and is a professional in the field of Human Resource Management at Oregon Health and Science University. He will be taking time off, joining me on this journey.

I would like to know if you would consider my partner, David, and I as Rental Guests for the period of one week, Arriving August 26, 2009 and Departing September 2, 2009.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Regards, Allan.

Contact Information:

Member: W50611
Email: allanbrabo@yahoo.com
Phone: 503.539-9588

Revisiting Scandinavia 23 years later has been as unique experience as the first time I visited, this time with a partner and new friends sharing insights into each country and culture. Each time I visit a place I've been before, not only do I learn more about the place I'm visiting but more about myself as my vantage point has been enhanced over the years. I recognize that I'm fortunate to have had the opportunity to visit Scandinavia not only once, but twice, and for the gift of friendship that has been bestowed upon me by Rita and Renate, Arne and Rob. David and I have shared wonderful days and evenings with our new friends, each experience and conversation enlightening. David will be sharing more of our experiences with our new friends in a future post.