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Philosophy Of Travel Scandinavia 2011

What Makes A Good Trip Great?

My Scandinavian winter cycle trip was by far and away one of the most rewarding periods I’ve spent on the road — even more so than the excellent experience I had in Mongolia last year. What made it such a success? I think it boils down to a few key points.

Morning mist on the E6

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Films Scandinavia 2011

Video: Letter From Lapland

Making a film of my cycle tour in Norway and Sweden this winter was never part of the plan. But long hours in the saddle tend to generate ideas. It’s short — only two minutes — and sweet. Enjoy!

Categories
Philosophy Of Travel Scandinavia 2011

What Does It Mean To Finish A Journey?

“So comes the end of another adventure, and a return to daily life.” This would be an easy way to wind up the story, now that my Arctic trip is over. But I want to examine the idea more closely: What exactly is meant by ‘adventure’? Does it really end so neatly? And should ‘daily life’ be entirely different?

Aegean sunset

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Scandinavia 2011

Overland From Bodø To Oslo, And A Bit Of Bad Timing

You never quite know what you’re going to get with Couchsurfing, but the cards really fell in my favour in Bodø. I wound up staying with a lovely couple, and rather than trudging around the streets in the rain to occupy my time, I helped them to move house.

Skier statue

Categories
Scandinavia 2011

Day 27: To Bodø, The End Of The Line

So here it is, after four weeks on the road; the signboard that tells me that my final destination is a mere 60 kilometres distant. Fuelled by coffee and pork chops, I set about demolishing this finishing stretch, wrestling with trucks and cars over the right to use the asphalt.

The road to Bodo