after 3,600 miles on foot, which country truly stood out?

I spent months hiking across Europe, covering nearly 6,000 kilometers and passing through nine different countries. Every time I share this story, friends always want to know: which place was the most beautiful, and where did I meet the friendliest people? Honestly, it’s never a simple answer. For example, I remember wandering through a tiny mountain village in Italy, starving after a long day, only to find the only restaurant closed for a family wedding. A local grandma saw me looking lost and actually invited me into her home for homemade pasta—no English, just big smiles and hand gestures. But then, in Switzerland, I had a hotel owner roll his eyes when I asked for directions, like I was bothering him just by existing. It’s funny how the prettiest views don’t always match up with the warmest welcomes. Sometimes the most breathtaking landscapes came with the coldest shoulders, and the most rundown towns had the kindest hearts. Has anyone else noticed that? I keep wondering if it’s just luck, or if some places really are friendlier than others. And why do people always expect there to be one “best” spot, as if the whole journey can be boiled down to a single answer? #travelstories #europeanadventures #hikinglife #Travel