ALASKA

How about venturing into untamed lands, getting lost in the silence of the glaciers, seeing bears fishing in the rivers and contemplating nature with a sovereign soul? Alaska, here we come!

Because it is a remote destination and the landscapes are spread over long distances, the best decision was to explore Alaska by ship. This way, we would avoid the tiring back and forth between airports and connections. Each day began with a new view outside our window.

When we woke up, we were already in the right place with tours ready to connect us with the wild nature. At night, after a dinner warmed by good conversation and local flavors, all we had to do was let ourselves be rocked by the gentle swaying of the waters as, silently, the ship took us towards another part of the unknown.

As expected, I was anxious; I didn’t want to miss anything! I prepared my schedule meticulously, taking care not to miss any of the precious charms that the place had to offer. We boarded in Vancouver, Canada, in the late afternoon. After the safety instructions, which are essential for traveling by ship – the Titanic is a good example of this – and settled into our cabin, we set out to explore what would be our new floating home. At night, in complete darkness, we could see nothing on the horizon, just the vast emptiness.

The day had barely dawned when I ran to the balcony, overcome by curiosity. Where were we? What I saw left me in shock: a sunrise of indescribable delicacy, bathing a landscape of almost untouched beauty. It was as if the world had stopped just so I could contemplate it at that moment.

Our first stop was picturesque Ketchikan, a small town known for its rich indigenous culture, abundant wildlife, and, of course, its proud title as the “Salmon Capital of the World.” Colorful totem poles dotted the streets reflect the heritage of the Tlingit and Haida peoples, while the scenic location between straits and jungles completed the postcard-perfect setting.

But let's get to the real point: bears! The day was dedicated to them. I confess that, due to so much anxiety, I could barely sleep the night before. Since everything there requires long journeys, we would once again embark on a journey — this time, in a small single-engine plane — to the natural habitat of these forest guardians.

We were ready for takeoff when the pilot gave us the news: the trip was canceled. The thick fog prevented us from getting permission to take off. Seriously? It was hard to believe! I, who had been dreaming of seeing hundreds of bears, now saw my dream being postponed by the force of nature. But if you don't have a dog, hunt with a cat. And that's how we improvised.

We decided to explore the nearby national park. After a nice walk through the humid and silent forest, our reward arrived. There he was, a playful bear, hunting salmon right before our eyes. Face to face with that sublime creature, I was completely enchanted. I didn't even blink. Every second was a gift. In that unforgettable moment, I was certain that my mission had been more than accomplished.

If there was one thing we had no shortage of, it was encounters with the most diverse and fascinating animals. In Juneau, we spent the entire day admiring the magnificent whales. A short boat ride away, they were there, and we were mesmerized by their graceful pirouettes. Their serene swimming and that exuberant tail that appeared and disappeared with elegance were part of a choreography amidst the poetic scenery. Beside me, biologist Jack enthusiastically narrated every detail about these mammals. We sailed for hours, but for me it passed at the speed of light.

And since nature seemed ready to impress us, we ended the day on the banks of a river (whose name, I confess, completely escaped me). There, another spectacle: hundreds of salmon swimming freely, fulfilling their life cycle in a vibrant ecosystem. It was yet another lesson, this time about resistance, instinct and renewal.

The captain seemed to know we needed a break. The next day, the ship remained at sea. No docking, no rushing. It was the long-awaited relaxation day ! And what an incredible way to slow down. I participated in a seminar with the Eskimos – or rather, the Inuits – an indigenous people who inhabit the icy arctic regions of Alaska. A true cultural immersion that, in addition to being fascinating, invites us to rethink our values and review many concepts. And between us… an Eskimo there, in front of me, telling his stories. Me? In a pure state of “pinch me to see if it’s true!”

But the day still had one more surprise in store. In the afternoon, another seminar. This time outdoors, accompanied by mulled wine on the bow of the ship. We were about to enter a sanctuary: the imposing glacier region. The vastness was breathtaking. While the experts explained the geology and the local ecosystem, everyone, without exception, was mesmerized by the beauty around them.

And as if in a movie script, something colossal happened: a huge block of ice broke off from the glacier and fell into the sea. The roar! The wave that formed, everything unfolded before us as if in slow motion. A spectacle of nature… which also carries a painful warning. The collapse was not just a natural event, it was a cry; a clear sign that global warming, the result of human neglect, is slowly dissolving wonders like this.

We arrived on dry land. In Skagway, the day promised to be full of extreme adventures. We boarded the train, one of those that look like the ones in Western movies, crossing gorges and old wooden tunnels. For forty minutes, we wound our way through mountains and cliffs amidst breathtaking scenery. The final destination was an alpine lake with crystal-clear waters, where yet another experience awaited us: exploring its beauty on board kayaks. With each paddle, new landscapes appeared, perfect reflections, profound silences, the untouched purity of nature. It is moments like these that make trips unique and leave eternal marks on our memories.

Back in the village, we took a short stroll around the area. The cold weather invited us to seek refuge in one of the local cafés. We warmed up with a hot chocolate and enjoyed the regional delicacies.

Last night on board. Time to say goodbye to the cruise and the crew who made the trip simply unforgettable. These were intense days, full of discoveries, stunning landscapes and memorable encounters.

Don't worry, the adventure is far from over! Now we're heading to a new stage – and what a stage! We're boarding the legendary GoldStar train, known for providing one of the most panoramic railway experiences in the world. Its glass-enclosed carriage, with windows that extend along the sides and the entire roof, completely immerses us in the landscape, as if we were traveling inside a live documentary.

For hours, we are treated to breathtaking scenery. Giant snow-capped mountains, imposing glaciers, crystal-clear lakes and dense forests. Everything is designed so that no detail of Alaska's untouched nature goes unnoticed.

Next stop: Anchorage. A welcome break to recharge your batteries, take a deep breath and prepare for the next chapters of this expedition.

On the last leg of the trip, our destination was Denali National Park and Preserve, home to the monumental Mount McKinley – also known as Denali – the highest point in all of North America. A true temple of wilderness, with landscapes that look like paintings.

Now, the mission was clear: binoculars in hand and eyes alert. The goal? To spot moose. And it wasn't difficult. They appeared everywhere, large, proud, with their impressive antlers drawing powerful silhouettes in the landscape. A spectacle that reminded us, once again, of the grandeur of the world that was revealed there, in its purest and most splendid form.

To end our odyssey on a high note, we couldn't miss a visit to the sled dogs, the protagonists of the famous Iditarod race. This annual long-distance competition crosses Alaska, starting from Anchorage to Nome, on a route of over 1,600 km. It is an extreme test of endurance, both for the mushers (sled drivers) and for the dogs, who face brutal weather conditions.

But for me, as an animal rights advocate, this visit had a bitter taste. Behind the mystique of the race, there is a harsh reality that cannot be ignored. Organizations such as PETA denounce the inhumane treatment imposed on dogs, who often do not survive until the end of the competition. Temperatures can reach an unbelievable -50°C – cold so intense that it freezes lives. Mushers report ice forming under their skin and dogs silently dying, with nothing being done.

The race, although traditional, has been the target of strong criticism. And rightly so. Ending the trip there, in front of those eyes that have already run too much, was an uncomfortable reminder: not every tradition deserves applause. Some need to be rethought with compassion, courage and responsibility.

And so, filled with memories, we reached the end of this journey in the land of intense contrasts, where nature reigns in its most complete, beautiful and, at times, brutal form. I saw whales dance in the sea, imposing moose cross my path, a solitary bear, glaciers crumble before my eyes and dogs tell stories of resistance and pain.

These were days of enchantment, discoveries and deep questions. Because traveling is not just about collecting landscapes, it is about allowing them to transform us. To challenge us. To awaken, with each step, more empathy, awareness and more respect for the planet. Alaska is behind me, but the experience… I take that with me. It is stored in my soul.