This morning Europe was hit again by an act of hate. Bombs exploded in Brussels, killing many and injuring even more trying to plant fear in our society. I cannot and will not give in to this fear. When that happens ‘they’ have won.

During my work as a guide in Polar regions, I meet people from many different nationalities. Admittedly, most of them are from western Europe, north America or China, but we get people from all over the globe. During our trip, I never see any animosity between different countries, cultures or believes. In the normally 10 days we all live together, talk to each other, get to know the differences and experience the wild places together. I still believe there is much more to be gained by talking to and loving each other, then by hatred.

I hope that in the aftermath of this terrible day, we will see this and don’t start pointing fingers to groups of people just because of their race, believe or origin and we will show living together is the only workable solution.