Beauty and function

I have learnt a lot about Scandinavian design and style from their transport systems.  Their airports and train stations tend to be spacious, light and airy.  The airport in Oslo, I remember from a trip 12 years ago -  the images of glass and beautiful woods has always stayed with me:

 We have been on a number of train journeys both in Norway and Sweden in the past and the scenery is breath-taking to say the least:

Journey to Flam in the fjiords for our honeymoon!

As well as being able to admire the views, travelling by train gives you a great opportunity to take in all the styles of architecture in the region.  Last weekend we travelled across Sweden on a high-speed train to visit friends in Gothenburg.

 As well as loving the opportunity to see more farmhouses along the way, I was also struck by the simple beauty of facilities on the train, there to make the journey as comfortable and efficient as possible.  The tables on the train are made of thin veneers of beech - much nicer than the plastic ones in the U.K!  There are plug sockets and reading lights for every seat, plenty of leg room and a comfortable seat for a long journey.  Toilets are clean and all come with a baby changer!  Lunch can be pre-booked and is served in an American-style diner on the train - fantastic! 

Several lessons could be learnt by the railway companies in England, but I also picked up a few tips - such as how important it is to have easy access to  plug sockets in the home and how much of a difference wood furniture can make to the ambience of a place - wherever you are!