Simon Reeve Scandinavia

[saveforthat]

Anyone watching? It's fascinating. Loved the toddlers forest school and Spot the robot dog in the mine.

I always like his programmes — though I think what I’ve generally appreciated is things like him exploring poverty and seasonal homelessness in Cornwall, which is so often depicted sunnily.

Loved it - I always find I learn things watching his programs

Yes started with the Norway/Iceland episode on iPlayer. Fascinating about them finding oil just as they were about to give up, and the government investing it for the long-term good of the country instead of it going into the pockets of private companies.

I've not watched that episode yet but have you seen the series State of Happiness? It's fiction but based on the discovery of north sea oil in Norway. Not sure if it is still available but it was brilliant.

Thanks @saveforthat, I haven’t heard of it but sounds right up my street - will look it up.

Just started it tonight. Love Finland, we've been on holiday there 3 times now and I would move in a heartbeat. The education system is fantastic and forest school is wonderful. Interesting what they say about trust and feels very true. I think Finland is very much about mutual respect in all parts of life.

I really enjoyed it, as I do all the series he has presented. He has such a nice manner which seems to make people want to speak to him about all sorts. I saw his recent one set around the Mediterranean is being repeated and it was very much not about the nice touristy areas. One bit was going across the metal pedestrian bridge walkway into Gaza.

Fascinating discussions about their high trust societies, their values and their efforts to preserve that.

Yes! I started with the middle one - Norway and Iceland. (I'm there for the scenery.) I nearly wept when he leaped out of the car and showed us round the flower shop open around midnight in the land of the midnight sun. No people, just an honesty system. And he was so honest that this level trust is long gone in England.

@CrystalSingerFan we stayed at a lovely campsite in Iceland that had an honesty bar.

It's all quite fascinating.