My stomach dropped with trepidation eyeing the rocky path riddled with unstable stones--no visible end in sight. Coordination, balance, athleticism never awarded to me, having once dislocated a knee pursuing a rogue marble. Compounded by arthritic conditions, this path transformed into a minefield. Lush hills of vibrant green and ancient rock surrounded me. Each formation of rock and fauna teasing me with their story. Listlessly strolling by the rocky path, clear water, as I had never seen before, refracting in the bright nurturing sun with bright, shimmering diamonds dancing past. The bottom of the riverbed bore witness to shards of rock, gently molded into pebbles through years of the water’s caress. The Norwegian landscape beckoned me past my fear, coaxing me further down the path. Gingerly I stepped and balanced. I froze, unsure of my next step. Defensively--my arms--popped out from my sides, outstretched in a tight rope walk straight out of a slapstick comedy. My spouse, an experienced climber from youthful years of spent in the Alps, leapt from stone to stone with gazelle grace and ease alongside my halting progress. I imagined myself a clumsy, awkward pastiche of Catherine Zeta Jones coached through the laser alarm in Entrapment. For there, alongside me, my spouse coached me on which rocks were stable, how to position my knees, and how to position my torso. Urged by my loving spouse and the majestic beauty of Norway, I saw myself--for the first time--as an outdoor explorer. My soul needed to see what the next turn of the path would reveal. The beauty of the natural landscape invoked cinematic images of fairy tales and fantasy settings. What new story of Norway might I encounter? At the beginning of our hike that day my husband and I offered questions on a glove, a shoe, a sock that hung from various tree branches. Our guide explained, “If a lost item is found, the custom is to hang it up. This way the owner can retrace their steps and find it.” My spouse and I exchanged classic sitcom worthy expressions of shock. Much like the glaces we shared with one another locally grocery shopping early that week: the customer is entrusted with a scanner, the customer self-scans the items going into the cart, and then the customer pays what the customer they, themselves, scanned. The inherent cultural honesty refreshes our souls, restoring a bit of faith in the goodness of humankind. We traveled from a land of Wall-Marts where as you exit, workers demand your receipt; scan it; and scan an item of your purchase to prove customer innocence of shoplifting. This contagious honesty confronts and pushes me through my physical limitations. A scrounged long branch became a walking stick and a balancing rod. I made steady, slow progress through not just one, but several stretches of rocky path. Polite native Norwegians passed me--looks of curiosity and jubilant encouragement dotting their faces at my progress. Magically, a lush valley of green trees and grass unfolded before me. The gentle sloping mountains hugging the oasis: trees create shelters of shade and coolness; open areas provide ample space for blankets and sports; the rocky hills, sprouting greenery on all sides. Ancient stories, protected by the landscape teased the edges of my imagination. Our picnic lunch of fresh berries, fruit, bread, and cheese transforms into a delightful banquet on the grassy, shaded valley floor. The dense greenery refracts the sun into an emerald sheen. Colors of nature I had never seen before enclose the tableaux: shades, hues, and vibrations of life words cannot capture. Blissful slumber welcomed me while my spouse explored the trees and walking trails. The journey back I fear not the rocky path. A spark of adventure claimed me. A new hunger to see all there is blossomed. Travel is an amazing gift to your soul: it teaches you what you are truly made of; it challenges you to conquer obstacles your everyday life does not propose; and it reminds you how very special your life’s companion ability to see the true you and reflect it back is constant catalyst of growth to your personal journey as you shape new chapters of life. Together.