Norway Random Fact

Two centuries of Viking raids into Europe tapered off following the adoption of Christianity by King Olav in 994. Conversion of the Norwegian kingdom occurred over the next several decades. In 1397, Norway was absorbed into a union with Denmark that lasted more than four centuries. In 1814, Norwegians resisted the cession of their country to Sweden and adopted a new constitution. Sweden then invaded Norway but agreed to let Norway keep its constitution in return for accepting the union under a Swedish king. Rising nationalism throughout the 19th century led to a 1905 referendum granting Norway independence. Although Norway remained neutral in World War I, it suffered heavy losses to its shipping. Norway proclaimed its neutrality at the outset of World War II, but was nonetheless occupied for five years by Nazi Germany (1940-45).

Finland was a province and then a grand duchy under Sweden from the 12th to the 19th centuries, and an autonomous grand duchy of Russia after 1809. It won its complete independence in 1917. During World War II, it was able to successfully defend its freedom and resist invasions by the Soviet Union - albeit with some loss of territory. In the subsequent half century, the Finns made a remarkable transformation from a farm/forest economy to a diversified modern industrial economy; per capita income is now among the highest in Western Europe. A member of the European Union since 1995, Finland was the only Nordic state to join the euro system at its initiation in January 1999.

Russia, Conect-a-cut, Morrocoooo

Next stop is Russia- its suppost to rain when we get there. I hope we packed an extra umbrella!!Conecticut is suppost to be cold there too... did I pack an extra sweater? hope soFor Morroco we're going to see the Mediterrainean Sea if we dont get to when we are in Egypt. And also hope to tery the lamb there I here its great!

Rome

Our first trip is a great way to start off this amazing vacation. Romes history is really interesting. Evidence of stone tools, pottery and stone weapons attest to at least 10000 years of human presence. One of the symbols of Rome is the Colosseum (70–80 AD), the largest amphitheatre ever built in the Roman Empire. Rome is a city famous for its numerous fountains, built in all different styles, from Classical and Medieval, to Baroque and Neoclassical. Public parks and nature reserves cover a large area in Rome, and the city has one of the largest areas of green space amongst European capitals. Often overlooked, Rome's medieval heritage is one of the largest in Italian cities. Rome is a nation-wide and major international centre for higher education. It boasts a large variety of academies and colleges, and has been a major worldwide intellectual and educational centre, especially during the Renaissance, along with Florence.

We are visiting Egypt's great massive landmarks to learn about its history and ancient culture.The Nile Valley was home to one of the oldest cultures in the world, spanning three thousand years of continuous history. When Egypt fell under a series of foreign occupations after 343 BC, each left an indelible mark on the country's cultural landscape. Liturature constitutes an important cultural element in the life of Egypt. Egyptian novelists and poets were among the first to experiment with modern styles of Arabic Liturature, and the forms they developed have been widely imitated throughout the Middle East.Egypt is famous for its many festivals and religious carnivals, also known as mulid. They are usually associated with a particular Coptic or Sufi saint, but are often celebrated by all Egyptians irrespective of creed or religion.

Heres a Map ! gunna be a great trip!!!We are first going from Santa Clara to Rome (6260 Miles). Then from Rome to Cairo, Egypt (1327 Miles). From Egypt to Morocco (2400M). Then we will go to Russia (1650M). from there we go to Finland (4205). Connecticut is afterward (5296). Norway will be our last trip (4566). Our flight will be off at 4:00pm and go out 43 days latter at 2:00am