Where Do You Want To Go?
Shh, pretend I’m not here. Oh, wait, I’m not. But that doesn’t keep me from posting, does it? Not with WP and the ability to publish according to schedule.
Being as how I’m out of town, taking photos, learning new techniques, exploring, etc., I thought it would be only proper to pose the question:
Where do you want to go? If you had an unlimited budget and could just run off someplace, where would you go? Why? And do you have a specific sight you’d like to see?
I’ve always loved travel. I began flying when I was young, thanks to a father who worked for American Airlines. There are so many places I’ve yet to visit and so many things I want to see.
In no particular order, I want to see:
All of America. I want to visit every state, see all the regular touristy things, and then explore the hidden wonders that tourists rarely see. States in particular that top the list are Alaska, Mississippi, Missouri, Hawaii, Tennessee, Florida, and I really want to explore more of New Mexico. (My mom and I did a trip through New Mexico and Colorado before my daughter was born and I’ve been fascinated ever since.)
Outside the U.S., I’d like visit Scotland. Ever since I worked with a woman from Edinburgh, I’ve been wanting to go. I also want to kick around England and Ireland, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Greece. Hell, gimme all of Europe while I’m at it.
I’ve said for a million years, I’m going to Australia someday. I will, too. I want to see Uluru, Coober Pedy, the Great Barrier Reef, and visit friends in Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane. That would lead to the rest of Australasia/Oceana, taking me into Borneo, Sumatra, etc. And of course, I’d have to have a good trip through Asia.
Next, I want to go to Africa. I want to be able to take my time exploring, but I’d also like to be a part of some conservation expedition and some sort of humanitarian effort.
Eventually, I’d want to make my way through South America. Especially to see the Atacama Desert and the Amazon River. It would take a long time, but that’s okay.
As you can see from this quick list, I would happily traipse about the world if I could. I want to see everything, experience everything. It’s a lot to ask, but I want to try it anyway. More than seeing someplace just because it’s beautiful, I would very much like to immerse myself in the local culture, get to know the people, and do something to help those I meet along the way.
For instance, in Australia, I’d like to volunteer at a wildlife rehabilitation center, help fire victims rebuild their homes, or help them make new memories — take photos of what they still have, the love they share, something like that.
In truly impoverished areas, I’d like to help someone fortify their home, get running water, or find them medical care, immunizations, or something…anything that makes their lives a little easier.
Travel has always been something I’ve loved. I was bitten by the bug early, as I mentioned before. Growing up with a case of wanderlust, I had big, big, HUGE dreams of a passport with stamps from all over the world. One passport would retire quickly, only to be replaced with another, newer, shinier version. I got sidetracked, as most young adults do, and I never really did get to do much in the way of world travel. But I still dream. I still have that urge to go walkabout. Slowly but surely, I’m seeing more of this country, with more destinations jumping in, waving wildly, and beckoning me.
No matter where I go, the physical travel component to the destination itself is only part of the fun. The people, experiences with those I meet or with whom I travel, and what I learn make the journey exciting. There’s so much to learn and I’m too curious to ever turn down the opportunity to discover something new. Even in California, there’s more here than I’ve ever been able to visit and I’m going to do my best to keep finding new places and making new friends.
And now you. Where do you want to go?
I don’t have the same altruistic views in mind, but I’d like to sit in a pub pretty much anywhere in the British isles and feel like I belong.
That’s as close to a bucket list as I’ll get.
Comment by pamibe — 2009/04/04 @ 05:56
Domestically, I’d like to go to Alaska and Hawaii. Within the 48 I’d like to see the midwestern states (Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado, South Dakota)and the states of Idaho and Montana. Abroad, my wife & I want to take a second honeymoon and go see Germany for a few weeks. And not to just be a tourist and see all the tourist crap, but get familiar with the people and the culture. We both hate crowds and tourist traps.
Comment by diamond dave — 2009/04/04 @ 09:20
Since getting there is definitely not half the fun, I tend to stay at home.
When I went to Vancouver to visit ushi, I loved Vancouver. But I went to see ushi.
Comment by Lloyd — 2009/04/04 @ 10:49
Well, there’s always a welcome in the UK, particularly in this little corner of England.
Comment by The Gray Monk — 2009/04/04 @ 13:13
My sister lived in Australia for a number of years. She said it was her most favorite place on earth. She lived in Sydney, but traveled all around because she was married to a high profile soccer player.
I would most like to go to Egypt and see the pyramids and all that. But I would be content with just road tripping around the US.
When my boyfriend was laid off a few years ago, we used up most of his severance touring Route 66, the Grand Canyon, and the Oregon Coast. That was one fabulous trip. I would love to do that again with no time limits and no financial worries.
Comment by DogsDontPurr — 2009/04/04 @ 14:43
I think I’d just tag along with you on your world-tour. It’s pretty much where I want to go, too. Particularly Scotland, where my ancestors came from. I hear there’s a castle over there that once belonged to my family.
Comment by Mrs. Who — 2009/04/06 @ 08:13
Everybody climb on board! It’s going to be a fun and bumpy ride.
Comment by DaGoddess — 2009/04/07 @ 04:42
I’d like to go to Germany and Russia, that’s where the ancestors came from. I’d also like to visit Normandy for the history there.
Comment by Tina — 2009/04/08 @ 22:40
Totally get the ancestral journey! That would be very cool. Do you happen to know of relatives still there?
Normandy is on my son’s list. Of course, I’d have to go, too. Definitely.
Always more places to add to the itinerary. Guess I better start playing the lottery.
Comment by DaGoddess — 2009/04/08 @ 22:43