Adventures in Culture and Solitude

Daily writing prompt

What countries do you want to visit?

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The world is awesomely filled with vibrant cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and unique experiences. While the typical travellers might flit from one iconic landmark to another, ticking destinations off a bucket list, our vision extends far beyond a fleeting visit.

For some countries, the allure lies in a deep immersion into their essence, becoming a full-time, engaged participant in their rich culture, history, and traditions. For others, the draw is a complete shift of scenery, a chance to embrace a lifestyle different from our current one.

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This chronicle details the countries that beckon us to not just visit but to truly live.

Our choices are necessarily divided into two distinct groups, each holding a unique set of opportunities and distinctive traits.

The first group, comprised of South Korea and Japan, offers an extremely engaging blend of culture, traditions, languages, cuisine, and natural beauty. Living in these countries would be not just an awesome sensory adventure, but also a constant exploration of their rich culture and knowledge.

The second group, encompassing Iceland, Norway, or Finland, but strictly over Napapiiri, the Artic Circle, offers a stark contrast. Here, the allure lies in the embrace of long, harsh, cold winters, the vast, sparsely populated landscapes, and the pleasant, enriching feeling of solitude. Living in one of these Nordic countries would be a celebration of winter’s beauty and power, a chance to forge a deep connection with the natural world.

So, join me on this journey as we delve deeper into the reasons why these particular countries would be homes for the soul.

Group 1: South Korea and Japan – A Sensory Immersion

South Korea and Japan are countries where living would be at thee same time challenging and awesome. We envision ourselves fully immersed in their rich cultures and traditions, vibrant food scenes, stunning landscapes, and time-honoured traditions.

Both countries offer a kaleidoscope of experiences.

South Korea‘s bustling metropolises like Seoul shimmer with neon lights and pulsate with cultural events. Yet, serene temples nestled amidst ancient mountains offer a sense of calm amidst the urban cacophony. Wandering through traditional markets, the tantalizing aroma of Korean BBQ mingles with the vibrant colours of overflowing fruit displays. Learning to perfect the art of rolling kimchi or mastering the delicate flavours of bibimbap would be a daily culinary adventure.

In Japan, we’d delve into the fascinating history and traditions meticulously preserved for centuries. Strolling through serene Zen gardens, the precise raking of sand evokes a sense of tranquillity. Witnessing the dedication poured into a traditional 茶の湯 – tea ceremony would be an enriching experience. Learning the art of calligraphy, with the intricate folds of the brush over the rice paper to create elegant ideograms would be a constant reminder of Japanese culture. Exploring ancient temples and majestic shrines would offer a glimpse into the deep spiritual roots of the culture. Every corner would hold a story waiting to be discovered.

Both countries also boast breathtaking landscapes that inspire awe.

South Korea‘s dramatic coastlines, dotted with charming fishing villages, or the historical villages on the hills and mountains, like Hahoe and Yangdong, would invite us to explore. Hiking through lush mountain ranges teeming with vibrant flora and fauna would be a constant source of rejuvenation. A visit to the Tongdosa Temple, Buseoksa Temple, Bongjeongsa Temple, Beopjusa Temple, Magoksa Temple, Seonamsa Temple, and Daeheungsa Temples, that are registered as UNESCO World Heritage, would be awesome. These seven temples continue observing traditional Buddhist rituals, and they are treasure troves of resources representing Korean cultural heritage. Also, one could travel and spend time at the 삼보사찰| – Sambosachal: Tongdosa in Yangsan, Haeinsa in Hapcheon, and Songgwangsa in Suncheon. 

In Japan, we would walk along the mountains and the valleys searching for old villages and temples, such as the ones you can find across the Nakasendo – 中山道 or Kisokaidō – 木曾街道, the mountainous inland route had a network of sixty-nine post towns along its 540 kilometres from 江戸 – Edo (the modern Tokyo) to 京都 – Kyoto. Or also, walking on the cultural routes in Kyushu, uncovering local culture and the natural beauty and history in Oita Prefecture, spending time in the Kunisaki Peninsula, in the Yabakei Gorge, and in Hita. Soaking in natural onsen, nestled amidst the picturesque Japanese countryside, would be a perfect way to unwind after a day of exploration.

Living in South Korea and Japan would be to live alongside a tangible connection to the past. Grandiose palaces like Seoul‘s 경복궁 – Gyeongbokgung Palace or Kyoto‘s 京都御所 – Imperial Palace would whisper stories of the past. Visiting – and possibly settling in – traditionally preserved areas, unchanged for centuries, would offer a glimpse into a slower, more meaningful, and compassionate pace of life. Learning to live according to millenary traditions would be a way to connect with the soul of these cultures while keeping them alive.

Group 2: Iceland, Norway, or Finland – Embracing the Embrace of Winter

While many crave the warmth of sunshine, our hearts yearn for the stark beauty of the far north. Iceland, Norway, and Finland hold a unique appeal – the promise of long, dark, and cold winters, with wide-open spaces and a feeling of solitude. Here, the harshness of the environment is intertwined with an undeniable allure.

Living in one of these Nordic countries, above the Arctic Circle would mean embracing the beauty of cold and winter. Imagine cosy evenings spent curled up by a crackling fireplace, snow gently falling outside. Long nights would be illuminated by the ethereal glow of the aurora borealis dancing across the sky. Days would be filled with the extreme cold of winter at such latitudes and the need for many layers of clothing.

The sparsely populated landscapes of some areas of these countries offer a sense of serenity and peace. We easily, and happily Imagine waking up to a world cloaked in white silence, broken only by the occasional noise of the wind. Exploring vast, untouched wilderness areas would be a constant source of adventure. The solitude wouldn’t be loneliness, but a chance to reconnect with ourselves and the natural world.

Life in these countries fosters a deep respect for nature’s power. Learning traditional winter survival skills would instil a sense of self-reliance. Witnessing the breathtaking beauty of a frozen fjord or the majestic northern lights would be a constant reminder of the raw power and beauty of the natural world.

Our vision of paradise is a cosy cabin nestled amidst a snow-covered landscape. It’s the feeling of accomplishment after a challenging winter day, the warmth of a cup of hot chocolate after a long day exploring the frozen wilderness. Living in Iceland, Norway, or Finland would be a constant adventure, a celebration of the beauty and power of winter.