When I watch a film or a television series, I always feel the need to know the behind the scene stories. Such as, why the actors chose to portray the role, the budget for the film, whether the story is accurate or simply a made up one, and all other trivia to get well-rounded perspective on the experience.
I do the same for travel. I aim to learn as much as I can about an upcoming travel destination, and sometimes just read historical events that have shaped the world. Like these ones:

In Cape Town, South Africa, 200 year old São José – slave shipwreck was discovered beneath a popular beach – evidence of the Dutch slave trade – a fascinating read

Recently I find myself not engaging in small talk just for the sake of – heck – I don’t even know why we do it so much here in the states. But the Finnish seem to have it right – or so I believe. Do you agree?