B&O On Location: Additional Pictures and Sights

The area around Struer is very rural but has a kind of charm that can't be denied. Rolling hills, lush green fields, livestock and windmills abound. Of course, Struer is near the coast so they have the benefit of fresh seafood and a more temperate climate than the inland communities. I brought a sweater but I really didn't need it. The Best Western we stayed at (I know - it was even across the street from a Blockbuster) was nice though had traditionally small European style rooms. Some of the journalists from the colder climates were complaining about the hotel being too hot but I (from Florida) thought it was just right.

Traveling Overseas

If you've never traveled overseas, you don't know what you are missing. As soon as you exit an American based plane and enter one from nearly ANY OTHER country, you will immediately notice the change. Better food, better service, metal silverware… Let's put it this way, on the way over, I traveled SAS (Scandinavian Airlines). I had my own small touch screen monitor with my choice of games, movies, music and more. Plus, I could view outside cameras on the front of the plane and pointing down. Talk about cool (though a bit disconcerting during landing). On the way back I flew Delta and could watch whatever movie was being shown on the projector (not that you could see it because it was washed out by ambient light), I got the pleasure of eating my food with the finest plastic forks, and the only game available was seeing how many people I could alienate with my snoring.

Final Thoughts

My mental attributions associated with the Bang & Olufsen name were not always flattering and rarely correct before this trip. I had not idea the history of the company and the research they put in behind their speakers. Talking with the Bang & Olufsen staff, I asked, "So, are your products more affordable here in Denmark than in the US?" "No" was the reply. B&O is under no illusions that their products are inexpensive. They know where they stand in the marketplace. But they also have a vision - a vision for a line of products that have a specific look about them and perform well. Bang & Olufsen products are not for everyone, and they know that. But I found it reassuring to know that it was not all smoke and mirrors. There is real technology inside those aluminum tubes. Real research goes into making them. And as long as that is the case, they've earned my respect.