A 10 Things Tuesday and a Trip List 1/52

As one of my challenges to myself on my '52 Things to do in 52 Weeks' I decided to write down '50 places I would love to visit- The Ultimate Trip List'!.

As I was gathering inspiration from the dayzeroproject I realised that I have been in the lucky position to have visited many places that seem to crop up on other people's lists. Visiting Italy, The Grand Canyon and Las Vegas all make it to the top 101 things to do of all time- and I can gratefully say I have been there already.

So I sat and perused the lists, studied the Atlas and looked at my new calendar of '1000 place to see before you die' and eventually came up with my list.

There are so many fabulous and interesting places that I would love to visit- even if just in my imagination- but I also thought I would share for my 10 Things Tuesday, some of the places I have visited that made it onto other peoples lists and which were always the places I wanted to go to when I was much younger. I remember being at primary school and pouring over an Atlas, deciding where I would go to when I was a 'grown up'. So here are my trip lists- My done, and my wishful thinking!

1. Grand Canyon

There's a reason this makes it to the top 101 things to do / places to see ever- A natural wonder- and one I will never tire of.

2. Galapagos Islands

Charles Darwin certainly has a lot to answer for- The ultimate real live nature documentary- where everyday feels like you are David Attenborough! I think this is probably the most amazing place I have ever been to- and that says something!

3. Borneo

Think of Borneo and think of Orangutans, rainforests and Head Hunters- Luckily the Head Hunters have all gone- but the Oranguatans and Rainforests are still here- But with deforestation, logging and Palm oil plantations- who knows how long for!

4. Halong Bay, Vietnam

An exotic sounding name, that conjures a thousand images. Images that are surpassed when you see it in real life. Despite the grey skies, Halong bay has too many superlatives to describe it!

5. New York City

What can I say- One of my favourite places in the world- and I have no idea why- There is just something about NYC that gets under your skin.

6. Big Sur, USA

I watched a travel programme a few years back that showed Route 1, The Coastal Highway, winding its way down from San Francisco to Los Angeles and then beyond to San Diego. In the summer of 2009 I was lucky enough to take an epic road trip which included this iconic route. Driving around those bends, with sheer drops into the ocean on your side was just amazing- I loved it!

7. Bali

I'd always wanted to visit Bali- it always sounded so exotic-It didn't really look anything like my expectations- Much more touristy and commercialsed- But I still love it- it has a certain feel and a way about it, that makes me want to go back and visit again and again.

8. Machu Pichu

Spring 2008, saw me sitting at the Inca ruins of Machu Pichu, in Peru. I took the easy route, via train and a short trek- as the Inca trail had been booked up for many months prior- But it was still as spectacular- and everything I had imagined it to be. We were there for sunrise- and it was just magical.

9. African Safari

I have been lucky enough to go on Safari in Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Uganda- And I would still love to do it all again!

10. China

 

Now I know this image isn't technically China- For those in the know- It's actually Chinatown in Singapore- However I have travelled to China, twice, way back when - before the digital revolution- and in the absence of having my film camera photos here to scan- This will have to do!

I will at some point try and find, scan and upload- all of my non digital photos- but that may be a long while coming!!

In no order of preference My Wish List would be:

Angkor Wat, Hong Kong, Sydney, The Gold Coast, Myanmar, Jordan, Siem Reap, See the Northern Lights, Malacca, The Great Barrier Reef, Madagascar, Tanzania, Taj Mahal, Sri Lanka, Northern India, Easter Island, Wimbledon, Whale watching, Meking Delta, Sipidan, Paris (Again), New York (Again) Texas, African Safari, The Shetland Isles, The Scottish Islands of Coll, Muck, Eigg and Rhum, Iceland, Seoul, 58th Parallel, Hawaii, Alaska, Seattle, Washington and Oregon Coast, Rio, Patagonia, Nashville, Seaham Beach, Brunei and of course the real Graham's Landing,South Carolina.  I would also love to revisit 'my' Graham's Landing- Carolina Beach NC.

But for those eagle eyes among you, you will notice that, as yet, I've only got 40 places on my list- For you see, I'm sure there are many places out there that I should visit, but I have yet to discover them- Any suggestions will be gratefully received:)

Amanda x