Warmest congratulations to Finland on Independence Day (Itsenäisyyspäivä), 6th December! This special day offers Finns a moment to reflect on their national identity, the hard-won freedom they cherish, and the profound sacrifices that secured their independence. 

The young members of the Jiwaka tribe performed their haunting skeleton dance to honour me and my travelling friend, and it was unlike anything I’d ever seen. They looked like ghosts moving around. It was both captivating and otherworldly.

Visiting the majestic Victoria Falls, one of Africa’s most breathtaking natural wonders, is an experience that stays with me forever. Located on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, this awe-inspiring marvel awakened all my senses. 

I delved into the mystical heart of Bosnia and Herzegovina, exploring the labyrinthine tunnels beneath the Bosnian Valley of the Pyramids in Visoko. These are called the Ravne Tunnels. Curious and open to possibility, I entered to experience the mystical energy and the allure of rumoured healing powers for myself. 

The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary and his wife, Sophie, took place on 28th June in 1914, near the historic Latin Bridge - Latinska ćuprija - in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. This was the catalyst that triggered a chain reaction among the major European powers, leading to World War I.

Towering over the Romania`s capital Bucharest, the Palace of Parliament is a gigantic building that both impresses and unsettles. It is the third largest civilian administrative building in the world, even larger than the Pentagon. But behind its impressive size is a story of oppression, waste, and ambition, making it one of the most controversial buildings ever constructed. 

Oulu is full of life. So much energy radiate from the people all around, especially in the evenings. It`s most be the sisu. Every day in the summer here is filled with happy party lions in pubs, parks, market, streets, riversides and forrests. Live music with soumi rokkia turn the people really on. 

The Namib Desert is an incredible playground for sandboarding, especially around Swakopmund. There, I felt the thrill of gliding down vast, winding dunes, carved by wind into snake-like curves. It was an exhilarating way to experience Namibia’s timeless landscape, immersing myself in the heart of its ancient sands.

Just eight years after the Olympics ended in Sarajevo (1984), the bobsled track was turned into an artillery position by the Bosnian Serbs. Today it seems to be almost completely left to the nature. What really happened afterwards?

Observed pyramid shaped mountains and dived into the tunnels in Visoko, Bosnia-Herzegovina. The "Bosnian pyramids," especially the so-called "Pyramid of the Sun", are highly controversial - a natural formation rather than human-made pyramids? 

The Sarajevo Tunnel, known by many as the "Tunnel of Love," "Tunnel of Hope," or "Tunnel of Life," stands as a powerful symbol of resilience amid one of modern history’s longest sieges. Visiting this remarkable tunnel provided a glimpse into the lives, bravery, and hardships of those who endured the Sarajevo Siege during the Bosnian War from 1992 to 1996. 

Nestled on a steep rock above the Bosna River, about 10 kilometres north of Zenica, the picturesque Vranduk Castle in Bosnia and Herzegovina offers a captivating blend of medieval history and natural beauty. My visit left a lasting impression, as the castle’s timeless charm transported me back to the heart of medieval Bosnia.

The Rokua Geopark offers an unique combination of geology, nature and culture on the Northern hemisphere not far away from the Arctic Circle. Here we travelled through landforms shaped by the Ice Age: glacial ridges, pine and lichen-clad heaths, kettle holes and small ponds filled with crystal clear water.

Just by observing the falls gave me a humble feeling by the sheer force of nature. Even the roaring was frightening. Niagara Falls is a dramatic wonder on its own, but some few people make it even more dramatic. 

Hiking in Death Valley is an incredible, but challenging experience due to its extreme conditions and unique landscapes. What fascinates me most about Death Valley is the strong contrast between life and desolation. It’s a place where survival seems impossible, yet life still finds a way to thrive amid the extremes.