One place that's been on our bucket list for a long time is the Lofoten archipelago in Northern Norway. We've spent several summers in Norway, crisscrossing the country by car, but Northern Norway had always remained out of reach. This summer the time finally came, and we set off on the long drive up through Lapland.

Suddenly there we are, hiking over Ryten mountain. I stand and look down at the beach far below, unable to understand how anyone makes it all the way down there. Kvalvika beach is only accessible on foot, and it's no easy walk — first up the mountain, then down a steep, rocky trail. Kudres had tried to talk me into bringing a tent and staying the night, but since the weather wasn't exactly summery, I said no.

By the time we reach the bottom, I almost regret that decision, because getting back out means tackling that same tough trail all over again — but the views are breathtaking. The locals don't seem to find the route much of a challenge; they walk it with a surfboard tucked under one arm, seemingly without any effort at all. We, on the other hand, take a wrong turn and add another 5 km to our trip, since that's exactly how far our car ends up from the foot of the mountain.

It was a good day, and the views over Lofoten are stunning. I wonder if there's anywhere else in the world quite like it. But seagulls cry the same way everywhere — close your eyes on your home beach, and you can almost imagine you're in Lofoten.