Wine, Wagner & Olympians
Editor’s note: This post will continue to evolve as I do.
Welcome back, explorers, and a cheerful hello to anyone joining the journey for the first time. The Around the World series is our ongoing adventure through every nation on Earth, six at a time, offering a simple way to get familiar with places many of us hear about but rarely truly see.
Today’s chapter, “Wine, Wagner, & Olympians,” pulls us into a part of Europe shaped by vineyards, symphonies, storytellers, and the birthplace of the Olympic spirit. From vineyards to symphonies to Olympian origins, these nations echo history, deep, rich, layered, and impossible to ignore history.
Today we travel through France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, and Ireland. A mix of myth, music, volcanic landscapes, old-world charm, and some of the most influential cultural footprints on the planet.
Let’s take a quick, curious look at each of these countries. Their essence, their energy, and the stories these countries continue to carry.
France
Official name: French Republic
Pronunciation: frans
Capital: Paris
Official language: French
Location: Western Europe in Northern Hemisphere
Surrounding countries: Spain, Andorra, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, and Italy
Climate: Temperate
Most known for: Landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower or the Lourve
Fun fact: Has the most time zones of any nation with 12
Recent news article: Will update at a later time
My knowledge: I know some things about France
Germany
Official name: The Federal Republic of Germany
Pronunciation: jur-muh-nee
Capital: Berlin
Official language: German
Location: In West Europe in the Northern Hemisphere
Surrounding countries: Denmark, Poland, Czechia, Austria, Switzerland, France, Belgium, and Netherlands
Climate: Temperate
Most known for: Oktoberfest
Fun fact: Has the World’s largest cathedral,
Recent news article: Cologne Cathedral
My knowledge: I’m familiar with Germany
Greece
Official name:
Pronunciation:
Capital:
Official language:
Location:
Surrounding countries:
Climate
Most known for:
Fun fact:
Recent news article:
My knowledge:
Hungary
Official name:
Pronunciation:
Capital:
Official language:
Location:
Surrounding countries:
Climate
Most known for:
Fun fact:
Recent news article:
My knowledge:
Iceland
Official name:
Pronunciation:
Capital:
Official language:
Location:
Surrounding countries:
Climate
Most known for:
Fun fact:
Recent news article:
My knowledge:
Ireland
Official name:
Pronunciation:
Capital:
Official language:
Location:
Surrounding countries:
Climate
Most known for:
Fun fact:
Recent news article:
My knowledge:
From France to Ireland, this chapter reminded me that some places aren’t defined by just one thing, they’re a blend. A mix of flavors, beliefs, stories, and sounds that have shaped the world far beyond their borders.
And maybe that’s the unexpected travel lesson tucked inside these six nations; The most unexpected places aren’t the ones that feel familiar, they’re the ones that stretch you. The ones that ask you to taste something new, listen to something different, stand somewhere older than your entire ancestry, or let a landscape reframe the way you see yourself.
As the Around the World journey continues, I hope “Wine, Wagner, & Olympics,” leaves you a little more curious, a little more open, and a little more willing to let culture move you, not just entertain you.
Your turn: Have you visited any of these countries, or is there one you dream of experiencing someday? Read “Wine, Wagner, & Olympics” now and keep traveling with me, one culture, one story, one spark at a time.
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.***
