Alps & Iberian Suns
A quote from David Mitchell that says “Travel far enough, you meet yourself” on a letter board in front of a dandelion knit blanket
Editor’s note: This post will continue to evolve as I do.
Welcome aboard, seasoned travelers and new beginners, and welcome back to the Around the World series, where we take short, powerful journeys through the countries that shape our globe. One post at a time, I’ll be spotlighting six nations, including their names, geography, and personalities, so that even those unfamiliar with global maps can travel a little farther than yesterday.
This chapter is titled “Alps & Iberian Suns,” where snowy neutrality meets fiery festivals, and every border pulses with balance and boldness. Expect sharp contrasts from icy peaks and sun-drenched plazas, stoic traditions and untamed celebrations.
Today, we explore the spirited and storming nations of Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. Each with their own rhythm, climate, and cultural spark. Ready to step into this blend of cool clarity and Mediterranean heat? Let’s take flight, shall we?
My hand-drawn flag of Serbia
SERBIA
Official name: Republic of Serbia
Pronunciation: sur-bee-uh
Capital: Belgrade
Official language: Serbian
Location: Southeast and Central Europe in the Northern Hemisphere
Surrounding countries: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Kosovo, and Montenegro
Best known for: Their hospitality
Fun fact: World’s largest exporter of raspberries
Recent news article: Women’s Entrepreneurship EXPO 2025 opens new doors for businesswomen from Montenegro and Serbia (UN Women, 2025)
My knowledge: Not too much information but I have met someone from Serbia
My hand-drawn flag of Slovakia
SLOVAKIA
Official name: Slovak Republic
Pronunciation: sluh-vaa-kee-uh
Capital: Bratislava
Official language: Slovak
Location: In Central Europe in the Northern Hemisphere
Surrounding countries: Czechia, Poland, Ukraine, Hungary, and Austria
Best known for: Traditional folk, such as arts and crafts
Fun fact: Has more castles and chateaux per capita than any other country
Recent news article: Safe but Bureaucratic: How Foreign Nationals Experience Life in Slovakia (Slovak Academy of Sciences, 2025)
My knowledge: I know a little bit about Slovakia
My hand-drawn flag of Slovenia
SLOVENIA
Official name: Republic of Slovenia
Pronunciation: slow-vee-nee-uh
Capital: Ljubljana
Official language: Slovenian
Location: In Central Europe in the Northern Hemisphere
Surrounding countries: Italy, Austria, Hungary, and Croatia
Best known for: Architectural masterpieces
Fun fact: Has the longest stone arch railway bridge in the world
Recent news article: The Way Forward: a new direction shaping the future through digital citizenship education (Council of Europe, 2025)
My knowledge: I’m not as familiar
My hand-drawn flag of Spain
SPAIN
Official name: The Kingdom of Spain
Pronunciation: speyn
Capital: Madrid
Official language: Spanish
Location: Southwestern Europe on a peninsula in the Northern Hemisphere
Surrounding countries: Portugal, Andover, and France
Most known for: Spanish Royal Family
Fun fact: Home to the world’s oldest restaurant, Sobrino de Botin. Recognized by the Guinness World Records. The restaurant was founded in 1725
Recent news article: The Elcano Royal Institute reveals the distribution of Spain’s global presence by geographical areas (Elcano Royal Institute, 2025)
My knowledge: I’m a little familiar
My hand-drawn flag of Sweden
SWEDEN
Official name: Kingdom of Sweden
Pronunciation: swee-dn
Capital: Stockholm
Official language: Swedish
Location: In Northern Europe on a peninsula in the Northern Hemisphere
Surrounding countries: Norway, Finland, and Denmark
Best known for: Furniture and clothing, such as IKEA and H&M
Fun fact: Home to the world’s first ice total called “ICEHOTEL”
Recent news article: A mysterious metal find in Sweden is rewriting Iron Age history (Science Daily, 2025)
My knowledge: I’m slightly familiar with Sweden
My hand-drawn flag of Switzerland
SWITZERLAND
Official name: The Swiss Confederation
Pronunciation: swit-sr-luhnd
Capital: Bern (de facto capital as there isn’t one officially listed in constitution)
Official language: German, French, Italian, and Romansh
Location: Within Central Europe in the Northern Hemisphere
Surrounding countries: France, Germany, Austria, and Italy
Best known for: Its mountainous Alps and scenery
Fun fact: Home to the world’s longest staircase, Niesenbahn funicular railway, with 11,674 steps
Recent news article: Shout-out for yodeling? Swiss seek recognition from UN cultural agency as tradition turns modern (The Associated Press, 2025)
My knowledge: I’m not too familiar but I know bits and pieces
As we close out this leg of our Around the World journey through “Alps & Iberian Suns,” one thing becomes clear. Contrast creates richness. Whether you’re wandering the calm, snowy paths of Switzerland, soaking in the golden chaos of Spain’s festivals, or tracing history through the layered streets of Serbia or Slovakia, these nations remind us that identity can be both bold and balanced, fiery and composed.
A travel lesson to take away is to let go of expecting one “vibe”. The most enriching journeys often move between extremes from cold and hot, silence and rhythm, structure and spontaneity. Let your itinerary have room for both stillness and celebration.
Curious what comes next? Check out the itinerary here. Until then, explore this one, share your thoughts, and if you’ve ever experienced these countries, I’d love to hear what stayed with you. Your stories and experiences bring the map to life.
In the meantime, keep an eye out for a post titled “A Time for Thanks” as there may be another giveaway starting in two days. And before I forget, may you enjoy a wonderful and delicious Thanksgiving/Friendsgiving this week!
As a signature of my blog, I’d like to end this post with a suggestion to “Pass on kindness.” There’s no time like the present to Inspire Those Who Inspire You. Acts of kindness, no matter how big or small, can have a direct, positive impact on someone else. Go out there today and change someone’s life for the better!
***These are my personal opinions and may not be those of my employer.***
