Sunset over the Mekong River
So, I have decided to write an entry about my ever growing "bucket list." Unfortunately, I don’t ever see myself checking all of the items off the list, because every time I watch a travel show or flip through the pages of a travel book, I continue to add things on to it. I have been lucky enough to check off quite a few, though. I won’t lie and tell you that snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef, or watching the sun rise over Angkor Wat temple weren’t amazing experiences. But since arriving back in Canada and dreaming about “the next trip,” I have some new adventures that I am dying to set off on, as well as some ones that I’ve been curious about since my childhood, before I’d even set foot in an airport.
Sunrise over Angkor Wat temple....worth the 4 a.m. wake up call....
Australia's famous Whitsunday Islands, home of the Great Barrier Reef
Here are a few items off of my list that I will allow you to borrow or steal to add to your list of must-do’s ;)
1. A cruise down the Nile and a visit to the Great Pyramids of Giza.
Since the fifth grade, I've been intrigued by the idea of Egypt. Learning about the history and the pyramids grabbed my attention and I have been wanting to visit for about 20 years now. Any my time is running short because I've heard that the pyramids will soon be closed to tourists. So, hopefully I can gather up enough cash and find a travel buddy and get there soon!
2. A visit to Africa to go on safari.
There are many tours that take you on long voyages, for example, all the way from Zambia to Johannesburg in three weeks, which are not overly expensive. Of course, the prices are cheaper because these tours do not have you staying in swanky hotels or even hostels. You are camping. You are staying in a tent under the stars and listening to the sounds of nature. After discussing this idea with the "parentals" and having my mother gag at the idea of sleeping in a tent, I feel that this is a trip that I should embark on while I’m still young.
3. A tour through Morocco.
This is a new item on my list. I recently met a girl while abroad who lived in Marrakesh for a year and she was describing the culture, the sights and the smells. And it sounds so exotic. I would love to stroll through the markets, try some delicious cuisine, visit the ruins and mosaics at Volubilis and maybe trek through mountains if I’m feeling adventurous. But I would probably spend the majority of my time eating, which I feel is a huge element of travel. I may call it "experiencing the local cuisine" but really it's just me, doing one of my favourite things. Over-indulging and being a pig :)
4. A trip to Switzerland.
Now, you may have noticed a theme in this list. The above locations are all HOT. I feel like I’m not truly Canadian because I hate the cold weather, but a trip to the Swiss Alps has been on my list for ages. This item has sentimental motivation, which is why I will accept the cold weather. I would love to visit the little town of Grindelwald, where my parents lived and got married, 30 odd years ago. I would love to relive their adventures from their hippy-days and sled down the same hills where they sled and climb the same mountains they climbed so long ago.
5. A voyage to Goa, India’s smallest state.
I have read that Goa is the new Koh Phangan – the home of the best parties in Thailand. Goa is the home of the "Full Moon Party version 2.0. I am hoping to experience this party of epic proportion and get a taste of Indian culture. I would love to experience the beautiful scenery and delicious curries, samosas and tandoori chicken. In addition to the warm climate, I sense a new them appearing. Eating! Maybe something to think about for my next posting! Not only will I follow my sense of adventure, but I will follow my stomach to unusual and exotic places.
A night out with friends in Bangkok.
... Claire was here.
