I've been mulling this over for the past week or so. And since I haven't gotten any insights from myself, I thought of asking for the wisdom of all of you.

About a few years ago, I'd planned to go somewhere to view the aurora borealis in 2012. I chose the next year because it's the peak of the sun's solar cycle, and so there's a far greater chance of seeing the aurora than at any other times. I mean, I don't want to spend thousands of dollars travelling somewhere during the most minimal chance of seeing it.

But since financial issues cropped up for the past few years, I kind of forgot about this dream, or let it go. Until about a week ago, when I (out of the blue; not sure why) re-joined the local astronomy forum and found that two fellow Singaporeans had only just returned from an aurora-viewing-photographing trip from Tromso, Norway.

Since then, I've kind of been re-ignited on this. I've spent the first few nights of the past week researching into the best places to go, the hotels to book, and so on.

My aim is to go in either September or October, when it's winter and there's slightly more chance of clear, cloudless nights.

But my partner is hesitant because of a few factors: money (granted we've actually saved up more than enough to spend on this trip which should cost us about $7000, but he doesn't want to use this sum, and wants to save another for this trip); military re-service (it's Singapore. He has to serve 10 cycles of reservist and he usually gets called up during the September to November period of each year).

I'd kind of 'convinced' and forced myself to agree that the last quarter of 2012 probably isn't the best time to head there. But then, I became edgy and restless, and when I'd finally settled myself down enough to ask what was causing the feelings, I got this intense emotion or something that told me I should be there during those two months, and ONLY in two (out of the many countries which can view the aurora) countries: Lapland in Sweden, or near Luosto in Finland.

I thought it must be my intense disappointment that I couldn't confirm the trip now, and that I had to possibly move it to early 2013. So, I tried asking myself if I could go in March 2012 (since we do have the money); the answer was a strong no. I asked if I could try in August or November 2012, and the answers were more vague...like yes, you're closer to the period but not spot on. And then I asked myself if I could save up a little bit more by going to any other country which can view the aurora, and I got a no, it is just those two places.

I can't figure out why. I'm probably sending a message to myself but dammit, it sure is confusing to decode.

And when I've finally 'given up' going, a friend suddenly texted me to tell me that the local paper did a write-up yesterday on the aurora and the best places to go to for viewing. It's like I'm knocking myself on the head or something.

Has anyone had this experience and have advice to share? I'll be most interested to hear of anything.

Cheers,
Sky

Hey Sky-Chick !

I guess you will be happier if what you do is a "choice" chosen on feelings rather than a "decision" based on logic. But that's easy for me to say !
I havent had a call to be in a particular country at any time, but a while back whilst out walking, i suddenly for no known reason veered off the trail, went through the bush, and down to the lakes edge where i found one of the local dairy cows trapped. She had fallen and slipped down a bank and was exhausted by her futile attempts to climb out. Anyway, i summoned Farmer Phill who stripped and then swam with her along the lakes edge to a place where she could climb out.
Awww ... a nice story about following your feelings.

Love Cara xo