Wine, Wagner & Olympians
A quote from Richard Wagner that says “Joy is not in things, it is in us” on a letter board in front of a dandelion knit blanket
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.
My hand-drawn flag of France
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
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: 10 Awesome Unusual Visits to Discover in November in Paris (My de Sortiraparis, 2022 - Updated 2025)
My knowledge: I know some things about France
My hand-drawn flag of Germany
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
Most known for: Oktoberfest
Fun fact: Has the World’s largest cathedral, Cologne Cathedral
Recent news article: It looks like a Disney fairytale, but life in this castle was anything but (Justine Costigan, 2025)
My knowledge: I’m familiar with Germany
My hand-drawn flag of Greece
GREECE
Official name: Hellenic Republic
Pronunciation: Grees
Capital: Athens
Official language: Greek
Location: In Southeastern Europe in the Northern Hemisphere
Surrounding countries: Albania, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, and Turkey
Most known for: It’s ancient history
Fun fact: The first Olympic Games took place in Greece back in 776 B.C
Recent news article: The Best Time to Visit Greece, and How Long to Stay (Matt Ortile, 2025)
My knowledge: Other than the name and location, I know a little bit
My hand-drawn flag of Hungary
HUNGARY
Official name: Hungary
Pronunciation: huhng-gr-ee
Capital: Budapest
Official language: Hungarian
Location: Centeal Europe and in the Northern Hemisphere
Surrounding countries: Croatia, Slovenia, Austria, Slovakia, Ukraine, Romania, and Serbia
Most known for: Thermal baths
Fun fact: Birthplace of the Rubik’s cube
Recent news article: Record Tourist Arrivals in Hungary Mark a New Era for Eastern European Travel (Travel and Tour World, 2025)
My knowledge: Not very familiar
My hand-drawn flag of Iceland
ICELAND
Official name: ísland (in Icelandic) which means “Land of ice”
Pronunciation: ai-sluhnd
Capital: Reykjavik
Official language: Icelandic
Location: Northwestern island in the Northern Hemisphere
Surrounding countries: Near Greenland
Most known for: Blue Lagoon
Fun fact: Has the world’s oldest parliament which has been around since 930 AD
Recent news article: The unpredictable magic of Iceland Airwaves (Sophie Leigh Walker & Jackson Ducasse, 2025)
My knowledge: I know a little bit about Iceland
My hand-drawn flag of Ireland
IRELAND
Official name: Ireland
Pronunciation: ai-ur-luhnd
Capital: Dublin
Official language: Gaelige and English
Location: Island in Northwestern Europe located in Northern Hemisphere
Surrounding countries: United Kingdom
Most known for: Irish dancing
Fun fact: Halloween originated in Ireland from the ancient festival of Samhain
Recent news article: Ireland eyes permanent status for basic income for artists
My knowledge: I know a little bit about Ireland
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.
And if you’ve missed any of our past adventures during this series, you can view the itinerary here.
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.***
