Dear Friends,

I hope you've been enjoying your summer! I've just returned from one of the most extraordinary journeys of my life, and I'm still processing everything I experienced.

After traveling to more than 130 countries, it takes a lot to leave me speechless. But Svalbard—high above mainland Norway and closer to the North Pole than almost anywhere most of us will ever visit—did exactly that.



For ten days, I lived under the midnight sun, where daylight never ends. It challenged my sleep, my sense of time, and even my emotions. At first it felt surreal, then exhausting, and eventually almost meditative. There's something about standing in the Arctic, surrounded by glaciers and fjords, knowing polar bears roam the landscape, that makes you feel both incredibly small and deeply connected to our planet.

One unforgettable moment followed another. I explored Longyearbyen, home to the world's northernmost commercial airport, pedaled through its colorful streets, and later woke to spot a polar bear from my cabin as we sailed past Ny-Ålesund, one of the world's northernmost permanent settlements.

I hiked through the breathtaking Urke Valley, where I learned that the Norwegian philosophy of hiking isn't about conquering a summit but slowing down, embracing friluftsliv (open-air living), and enjoying time alone in nature.

In the tiny fishing community of Bessaker, I joined locals for their annual fishing festival, complete with friendly competitions and community celebrations.

And in Svolvær, the heart of the Lofoten Islands, I found myself admiring vibrant flower gardens blooming against a backdrop of dramatic Arctic peaks—a reminder that even in one of the world's harshest environments, beauty finds a way to flourish.

One of the highlights was sailing south on Hurtigruten on MS Trollfjord, Norway's historic coastal cruise line. What I appreciated most wasn't the comfort of the ship—it was how authentically Norwegian the experience was. The food, the crew, the excursions, and the small coastal communities we visited all reflected the culture rather than creating a generic cruise experience. It reminded me that the best way to experience a destination is often through the people who call it home.

That's something I often tell travelers: when you can, choose local. Whether it's a family-run restaurant, a neighborhood guide, or a regional tour operator, your experience becomes richer, more meaningful, and your travel dollars stay in the community.

If you're considering a cruise, I'd encourage you to look beyond the big international brands and explore what local operators have to offer. It truly makes a difference.

I'll be sharing stories, photos, and practical tips from Svalbard and coastal Norway on the Go Eat Give blog over the coming weeks. If the Arctic has ever been on your bucket list—or if you're curious about cruising in a more meaningful way—stay tuned. And if you're thinking about planning a trip to Norway or the Arctic, feel free to reach out before you book. I'd be happy to share what I learned.

Thank you for following along on these adventures and for being part of the Go Eat Give community. I love knowing that together we're building a world that's a little more curious, compassionate, and connected.

Happy travels,

Sucheta Rawal

Founder, Go Eat Give