Paris is consistently ranked among the top cities in the world for tourist visits, and often places in the top three results in lists from media and publications such as CNN, TripAdvisor, and Condé Nast Traveler.

The Via Francigena (fran-CHEE-jee-nah) is a pilgrimage route from the Middle Ages that starts in England and crosses France and Switzerland before entering Italy at the Gran San Bernardo Pass. Less known than the Spanish pilgrimage route, the Via Francigena was revived in the 1990s and is becoming more traversed each year. 

In 2009, after a divorce and a traumatic illness, I undertook a solo pilgrimage on the Via Francigena, inspired by a desire to purge emotional demons and achieve more of a heart-mind-body connection. 

A trip around where I live. All pics are under 30 min drive from my home, here in Sortland, Northern Norway.

Tree at Godfjord

The mountain Reka

If I were to dance these words, I would dance the drops of rain falling on parched earth. 

Barcelona – this seaside town has much to offer visitors, from delicious food to Gaudi’s famous buildings. But as with any large city, how do you fit it all in? One way we love is discovering the city by bike! There are many locations for bike rentals in Barcelona, so wherever you are staying, you can hop on a bike and explore. There are bike paths, and the city is used to having plenty of bike traffic (as always, follow local traffic rules).

Visiting Switzerland brings you up close to a place where the air is fresh, the people are subdued, and the outdoor and cultural sights are plentiful. This landlocked country is known for the beauty of its Swiss Alps, the stunning azure waters of its pristine lakes, and its modern city centers of culture. Expect to hear a variety of languages in this melting pot of people with German, French, and Italian heritage. Here are 10 top attractions to visit during your tour of Switzerland.