My Travel Bucket List

Last month, I started reading a terrific book: Dave Eggers’ You Shall Know Our Velocity! The main characters decided to travel the world in a week to cope with the death of a dear friend.

While I don’t have the money to waste on an impromptu trip to North Africa and the Balkans, I’m intrigued by the idea of getting on a flight to leave everyone I know behind and discover new worlds as the characters did.

If money were not an issue and if I could spend on anything I wanted, I’d visit the following regions and countries, with a one-way ticket at each turn.

New Zealand

I’ll start my journey with a flight to New Zealand, where I’d roll on the hills and run screaming after rabbits or whatever in Hobbiton. Then I’ll visit shepherds and roll down the hills with sheep. Sheep! Who doesn’t like sheep?

Machu Picchu

Then I’ll fly to Peru and get a guided tour of Machu Picchu. I have to see this place for myself once in my life.

Greenland

I think Greenland is everything the Philippines is not. They could not have produced a Bjork if they weren’t. If I could rank every culture based on how different it is from mine (as I see it), Greenland would be at the top of my list.

Northern Ireland

Who wouldn’t want to see the Iron Throne? Well even without that, I’d still think Belfast is one of the most exciting places on earth because of its history.

Scotland

I don’t think I need to explain why I want to see Scotland. Just look at that.

 Mykonos

Murakami painted a very inviting picture of Greece in some of his memorable works. I want to visit and experience Greece to see if I will also disappear into the night when I hear music in the streets of Mykonos.

Istanbul

The Ottoman Empire has always fascinated me. I want to see the beautiful architectural pieces created in that era. Architecture and culture are also the reasons why I want to visit the city below.

Jerusalem, Israel

Khyber Pass in the Hindukush Region

Located on the “Roof of the World,” this road used to be a part of the ancient Silk Road. I want to pass by the road that has been instrumental in the conquest and trade of ancient states. Then I will continue my journey to the next two countries, both of which I am dying to know more about.

Myanmar

Japan

I think that my soul belongs in Japan. When I turn 40, I will move to Kyoto and then travel to Sapporo every winter.

Taiwan

Then I’ll spend the rest of my days in Taiwan learning Fookien and Mandarin. I’ll study classical Chinese literature and offer to teach English to the elderly in the mountains.

If money were no object, where would you go? What places would you visit?