If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?

For anyone who knows me, you’ll know I come alive when the temperature drops. Give me crisp air, snow-covered landscapes and somewhere I need a proper coat, and I’m a happy man. You can keep the tropical beaches—I start looking for somewhere cooler.

So if I had to choose somewhere to live, it would come down to two places: Norway or Iceland.

Norway will always have a special place in my heart because it was the first adventure Mrs Bob and I took together.

Norway where it all began

It wasn’t just any holiday either.

We found ourselves sailing through the Norwegian Sea during a total solar eclipse. Watching totality from the deck of a ship is one of those moments that reminds you just how spectacular our universe really is. It’s impossible to describe unless you’ve experienced it.

As incredible as that was, it still wasn’t the highlight.

Later, inside the Arctic Circle, we sat for hours simply watching the Northern Lights dance across the sky. No phones. No distractions. Just nature putting on one of the greatest shows on Earth.

Those are the memories that stay with you forever.

An added bonus? Mrs Bob can almost speak the lingo, which would certainly make settling in a lot easier than relying on my Yorkshire charm and enthusiastic hand gestures.

Then there’s Iceland.

Every time I read something new about the country, I find another reason to admire it.

For starters, they’ve mastered something most countries are still trying to figure out: making use of the natural resources they already have.

Geothermal water is pumped directly into homes, providing heating in one of the coldest climates on Earth. Even better, many pavements and sidewalks are heated too, meaning winter doesn’t automatically equal icy paths and broken hips.

Now that’s using common sense.

But what really stands out isn’t the technology.

It’s the attitude.

Following the financial crash in 2008, Iceland took a very different approach from many other countries. Rather than simply rescuing the financial system and moving on, several senior banking figures faced criminal investigations and prosecutions. Whether you agree with every decision or not, it showed a willingness to ask difficult questions about accountability instead of pretending nothing had happened.

Then there’s one of my favourite stories.

In the northern town of Akureyri, after the financial crisis had hit morale, the council fitted heart-shaped filters over the red traffic lights. Instead of glowing red circles, drivers were greeted by glowing red hearts.

It sounds like such a small gesture.

But sometimes small gestures matter the most.

The hearts were there to remind people what was really important and, hopefully, give someone a reason to smile during difficult times.

I love that.

So… Which One?

If you forced me to pick today, I’d probably still struggle.

Norway gave Mrs Bob and me memories we’ll never forget.

Iceland continually impresses me with its ingenuity, resilience and ability to think differently.

Maybe that’s why the answer isn’t really about the country.

It’s about how a place makes you feel.

Somewhere peaceful.

Somewhere beautiful.

Somewhere cold.

That sounds just about perfect to me.

What about you?

Stay safe 

Bc