I'm really enjoying Michael Portillo's current series (Weekdays BBC2 at 6.30) - he's in Scandinavia and currently in Denmark (my personal favourite country there). Denmark used to have an Empire but has no delusions at all; it's a very down-to-earth place. I love Copenhagen and Danes are my favourite Scandinavians. I have many friends and quite a few lovers from there.

I love Scandinavians and have have some lifelong pals as well.

Amazingling level headed folk who could teach the world a thing or two.

I have one pal who spent nearly 12 months in jail for attempted bank robbery when young.

He said it was like living in a motel as he was encouraged to work on an occupation for when he left. He did and became a successful business owner.

Things I think make me a raving left loonie are so normal to them.

All the Scandinavian countries are in the top 10 happiest countries in the world.

Finland named as happiest country for eighth year

1. Finland

2. Denmark

3. Iceland

4. Sweden

5. Netherlands

6. Costa Rica

7. Norway

8. Israel

9. Luxembourg

10. Mexico

8 Israel??? How can anybody be happy with what is going on in Gaza, West Bank, Lebanon? Perhaps the citizens enjoy death.