In June 2009, I had the opportunity to travel to the Spitsbergen Island, Svalbard Archipelago, Norway. It has been an extraordinary experience for me, a true life-experience! For a week I found myself in a virgin arctic landscape, I had the chance to wander in the extraordinary arctic nature, the glaciers and the amazing marine life of the region, while we even went climbing on the indescribably beautiful mountains!

I was thoroughly impressed from the love, the willingness and the hospitality of the citizens of Longyearbyen, where we stayed. With a permanent smile on their face (which I will never forget) they made an answer out of every query we had and they were continuously leading our every step to the exploration of the arctic environment. A warm and sincere “thank you” from all of us to all Norwegian people!

I really believe that protection of nature, which remains the top priority of the Svalbard residents and Norwegian Government, should be maintained. Likewise the environmentally-friendly tourism and other environmental activities should be promoted.

Our team and I, personally speaking, may give one and only promise to the citizens of Longyearbyen: that we are to visit this beautiful region again!!!

Georgios Vlachos, Thessaloniki

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