The Dalia Lama just texted me a while ago and reminded me not to forget to make my 2010 list of new places I should be visiting this year. I replied that I am currently jotting them down as we text. That guy is something else.
Pop! I awake from my dream.
Maybe it’s just a way or reminding me that I should remain focused, aiming and fulfilling my aspirations to be in all those places that I want to see in this lifetime. So far, I have been lucky. Very, very lucky. \
The previous year has been exceptionally good to me with a lot of Asian travels, plus finally making it to the US mainland. Ticked some boxes in my 2009 list, a couple in fact. And on the first day of this new year, checked one another one- New York City. My date with the NYC’s grand lady, the Statue of Liberty-check, walk through Times Square-check.
Cambodia will happen, I have a strong feeling about this. The Angkor Wat waiting for me patiently. So is India and the Taj Mahal. My "India- places to stroll, shop and dine in" conversations with "lady positivity" aka Nikki has been more frequent
Neighboring countries of Nepal can be a side trip. The architecture is amazing, I heard, plus I get the chance to stand before Mt. Everest.
In the bucket list is Egypt and the great pyramids of Gizah, one of the seven wonders and the tallest man-made structure in the world for over 3,800 years.
Turkey, the successor state to the Ottoman Empire. I want to see the markets, architecture and the dip into one of those Turkish baths. But there is something more exciting about this place, Lonely Planet says that “this is the land where Alexander the Great slashed the Gordian Knot, where Achilles battled the Trojans in Homer’s Iliad, and where the Ottoman Empire fought battles that would shape the world." History buffs can immerse themselves in marvels and mementos stretching back to the dawn of civilization. Now, wouldn’t you want to be in this place?
Greece is another destination for me. There is more to being in this place, it is a journey through time with its long-standing history and awe-inspiring archaeological sites and monuments. An odyssey through the Acropolis of Athens, Mt. Olympus and of course, island hopping and a swim in the Mediterranean sea is not bad. The beaches of Mykonos perhaps?
Greece is another destination for me. There is more to being in this place, it is a journey through time with its long-standing history and awe-inspiring archaeological sites and monuments. An odyssey through the Acropolis of Athens, Mt. Olympus and of course, island hopping and a swim in the Mediterranean sea is not bad. The beaches of Mykonos perhaps?
The wonderful old city of the Czech Republic is next on the list. It invites everyone to experience a Symphony for the Senses. The capital city of Prague is said to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world with a unique atmosphere created by its long history. There are 12 UNESCO sites here and I heard that the Czech spas are famous.
I have always wanted to own a matryoshka doll but the deal is I have to choose the design myself, buy it myself, in Russia, preferably in St. Petersburg, no more, no less. That and immerse myself in a place that's all about “high art, lavish architecture, wild nightlife, an extraordinary history and rich cultural traditions that inspired and nurtured some of the modern world's greatest literature, music, and visual art.” And oh, I certainly would like to see and hold a Faberge egg.
I see myself swimming on the crystal clear blue waters of Phi phi Island, Koh Samui and while I’m in these amazing Thai islands, I must as well have a wild full moon party in Koh Pangan. Thailand is always on the list.
And speaking of love affairs, my must-revisit trips list Paris and the Tuscan Valley, Ibiza and Amsterdam- I have to get inside the Anne Frank house this time.
I ♥ Paris. Forever! |
Ibiza Town. 7 sleepless nights here again? |
Go ahead and make you travel list. Focus. Claim it. The Universe is forever generous. Then let’s exchange travel stories when we bump into each other.
I guess it’s time we bid each other bon voyage!
Published in SunStar Davao on January 7, 2010.
Published in SunStar Davao on January 7, 2010.
Photos here from the net.
P.S. NYC’s grand lady, the Statue of Liberty. Unchecked. It was freezing cold to see her that time. Until the next visit Big Girl!
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