Switzerland
Known for its chocolates, cheeses, precision timepieces along with a just as equally precise public transport system, Switzerland is home to a number of important global organizations including the World Trade Organization, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the International Organization for Migration, the World Health Organization, Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières), the International Committee of the Red Cross, the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), the World Economic Forum, and the Fédération internationale de football association (FIFA...European football fan here). The cities of Switzerland are historic and cultural treasures with wonders around every corner, down every narrow lane and broad boulevard. The dramatic contours of the Swiss Alps to the south loom over lush green alpine meadows and every quaint village offers a welcome solitude from the bustle of the outside world. But Switzerland is not naïve to the contentious geopolitics globally or in its own backyard. Practicing neutrality since 1515, Switzerland has been subjected to outside invasions since the first century BC. Such a history may be part of the reason why Switzerland is estimated to have around 320,000 bunkers hidden throughout the country, enough to accommodate each Swiss citizen (and hopefully its friendly visitors)!
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Iceland
The land of fire and ice. Iceland is a geologist's paradise as it rises out of the sea as part of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge straddling both the North American and Eurasian plates that are drifting apart. As a result, earthquakes and more recently volcanic activity, have become a normal part of Icelandic life. Home to 32 volcanic systems, both residents and visitors are able to view first hand the process of the formation of land masses that we know today and that have been going on for billions of years. Yet all is not violent and destructive in Iceland. The landscape inspires the soul and distinctively idyllic. The only sound that may disrupt the silence are the thunderous waterfalls that dot the landscape, many of which are visible from the Ring Road that circles the country. Flying to Reykjavik from New York is shorter than a flight from New York to Seattle giving you the perfect opportunity to experience both rugged landscapes and European culture that is hard to beat anywhere else. After viewing this set of images, if you can't tell I am partial to waterfalls then you'll know for sure a couple of albums down.
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Canadian Rockies
Spanning the Canadian provinces of Alberta and British Columbia and including Banff, Jasper, and Yoho National Parks, the Canadian Rockies awes the hearts and humbles the souls of visitors to this wild landscape. Lakes of turquoise, denim blue, and even green hues lay along a backdrop of majestic mountains and vibrant tree lines. Easily accessible from Calgary, this is a part of Canada that should be on the the priority lists of outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
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Glacier National Park, Montana
One of America's oldest national parks, Glacier National Park in northern Montana encompasses nearly 1600 square miles. On our visit the Lewis Mountain Range on the east side of the park was a weather influencer as the range kept clouds within the park while all around the park's borders was sunny and bright. Nevertheless the trails - even in rainy weather - were an experience not easily forgotten.
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South Carolina's Upstate and Western North Carolina's Borderlands
The southern foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountain range lies along the border of western South and North Carolina and northwestern Georgia. The hiking trails are numerous and the waterfalls equally abundant. Kayaking the region's lakes are also a favored pastime. If you ever find yourself in the region you can not only take in the cities of Asheville and Greenville, but little rural towns that offer culinary surprises and shops where it's hard to not leave with a memento of your visit.
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