Dovrefjell Nat. Park, Norway

Musk Ox
photo © NTNU, Faculty of Natural Sciences / Flickr
The Dovrefjell National Park is the only area of Norway where you can see the majestic musk ox: a large mammal of the caprinae family, known for its thick coat that reaches almost the ground and the characteristic odor of musk.
 
During the period of love, rival male musk oxen fight to conquer females: they collide head to head at the speed of 60 km/h making a noise that you can hear in kilometers.
 
The guided tour starting from Oppdal, Knogsvoll, Furuhaugli and Hjerkinn, have a duration of 4-7 hours on a distance of about 10-13 km of enjoable and easy hiking.

Bear in mind that if the musk ox feels threatened, he might attack, therefore it is suggested to keep at least 200 metrs distace from them. If you are too close and you see them looking towards you and scrolling their head, you could be in real danger. 

 
The park ecosystem includes other animals like wild mountain reindeer, arctic foxes, golden eagle and gyrfalcon.

Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Sarajevo eternal flame
photo © mytouristmaps
The peculiarity of Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, is the multi-ethnicity and the coexistence among the various religions settled during his history: Muslims, Jews, Catholic-Orthodox and Christians live together with tolerance.
Among the most important places of worship, there are four mosques, a cathedral and two Orthodox churches, a cathedral and two Christian churches and two Jewish synagogues.
 
One of the most significant monuments, the eternal flame of Sarajevo, commemorates the liberation from the Nazis and the victims of World War II.

If you plan a visit in Sarajevo, make sure you don’t miss the Baščaršija and the Tunnel of Hope:

Baščaršija, meaning “main market,” was established in the 15th century and flourished under Ottoman rule:
a labyrinth of narrow, cobblestone streets lined with traditional shops, cafes, and mosques.

The Tunnel of Hope is a poignant reminder of the siege of Sarajevo during the Bosnian War. This underground network, stretching for over 800 meters, was a lifeline for the city, providing a crucial route for food, medicine, and ammunition.

Dug by hand beneath the city streets, the tunnel was a testament to the ingenuity and determination of the Sarajevan people. It allowed them to evade the constant shelling and sniper fire, and provided a glimmer of hope during the darkest days of the siege.

Today, the Tunnel of Hope stands as a powerful symbol of resilience and human spirit. Visitors can explore the tunnel and learn about the harrowing experiences of those who lived through the siege. It’s a sobering reminder of the horrors of war and a tribute to the indomitable human spirit.




Sahara desert, Morocco

Sahara
photo © mytouristmaps
In the Sahara desert, you can meet the nomadic people who still live in one of the most inhospitable areas of the planet. Today there are about one million nomads who live in the North of Africa.

 

Brahim, our Berber guide at the Chegaga Erg (Morocco), lived in the desert until the age of fifteen years, now he lives and works in the “city” of Mhamid; he says that he will return to live in the desert … a nomad can’t live without the sensation of freedom that only the infinity of the desert can give.

Vilnius, Lithuania

Frank Zappa Statue
photo © Mirco Consoli
In Vilnius, there is a statue dedicated to Frank Zappa: American composer, guitarist and singer, genius. He is referred to as the father of modern music.


“A country is really a country when it has an airline and a beer. And in the end is a good beer that you need most”
. Frank Zappa.

Corcovado Nat. Park, Costa Rica

Corcovado Costa Rica
photo © mytouristmaps

One of the most dangerous snakes of Costa Rica is the viper Fer- de-Lance … according to Tom, our guide in Matapalo… “after it bites you, you only have time for a cigarette…”

Matapalo is located ten kilometers from Corcovado (Osa Peninsula), a national park that conserves the largest primary forest on the American Pacific coast and it’s one of the best areas in the world for biodiversity.