The Island Diaries

The Faroe Islands are a cluster of islands with impressive cliffs towering over the sea. Patriotic, welcoming and patient, the Faroese lead peaceful lives, despite harsh weather conditions.

A stone's throw away from Vancouver Island, Salt Spring Island is known as British Columbia's go-to place for hippies. It's inhabitants enjoy the self-sufficiency and tranquility of their community.

Known as the Island of Fire and Ice because of its snow-capped peaks and volcanoes, Hawaii Island, or the Big Island, is the largest of them all, yet it is the least visited by tourists.

France's youngest region, Reunion Island, is also referred to as the "Intense Island" because of its splendid and sometimes harsh geography. However, life on this island is anything but intense.

Cuba is loved by tourists despite the rationing system that still prevails. Creativity is deeply embedded in Cubans, who practice eco-agriculture and are developing a prosperous private sector.

Off the coast of Southern Japan, Okinawa is said to hold the secret to long life. With a laid-back atmosphere and very rich cultural history, it is adapting to changing times.