World Traveller...

So, next year, sometime around the Swedish Midsommar (I hope), Alex and I will be taking off to spend some time in Sweden. I can't wait. I love traveling. I watch travel shows with a passion and shows where people up and move to a new country. It's my dream and one day I hope it will come true. Until then, there are several places on my bucket list. So, there they are in no particular order.

Sweden. What's that, you say? I've already been there? Well, yes, that's true. I have been to Stockholm, Karlstad, and Gotland but there are so many other beautiful areas of Sweden that I have to keep it on my list. Who am I kidding! Sweden is my dream home but I do want to see it all. Goteberg, Uppsala, the great northern Laplands, spend a couple of night in the ice hotel and see the Northern Lights as they are meant to be seen. Beautiful!

Ireland. This is the land of my grandparents and I have friends who have been there and they've reported that it's the greenest, most friendly place in the world. I long to have a pint at the local pub and sing songs with the locals.

Poland. Also the land of my grandparents. I want to walk the historic streets and see where the world took over and tried to kill the Polish spirit. I want to revel in the tenacity of a people so strong in their country and conviction that they survived it all and still have a national pride and quiet soul that cannot be matched.

Russia. As a kid I used to look at travel books and marvel at the surreal beauty of Russian architect from the days of Czar Nicholas. It's all still there and I want to see it for myself. There is a mystery and romance to old Russia, not to mention the political history that once challenged the world.

Japan. As a teen ager I had a pen pal in Tokyo who, for a short time, would send me the most amazing photos of temples and Japanese gardens. So serene. Later, I would see images of modern day Tokyo with it's bustle and lights and all I could think of was I want to see that for myself! My brother was stationed in Japan for a while and I had always hoped to go over to visit him while he was there but I never got the chance. Now, Japan is on my list so one day...

Thailand. My brother was also stationed in Thailand for a time. The photos he would send back showed a land of great beauty, people of deep dignity and views of panoramic proportions that took my breath away. I watched in horror ask the tsunami ravaged Phucket and the coastal areas and tales of death and destruction came daily on the news. Now, it's all coming back. Returning to it's natural beauty and previous stunning glory. I want to see it.

China. My friend Arsh just came back from China and his photos of him standing on the Great Wall are amazing. I have to see it. I just have to!

New Zealand. I've seen views of green tree covered cliffs falling off into waterfalls of crystal blue. Seriously. Who wouldn't want to go there?

Africa. I know, that's an enormous continent and there are so many parts I would love to see. I would love to see the Zinder bush in Niger. I've befriended a fellow blogger who works for an organization there called the Eden Foundation which teaches local indigenous people what can grow and be harvested for good, nutritious meals thereby erasing famine. Want to see that! Also want to see Victoria Falls! Want to go on safari to see wild beasts close up and sleep under the African stars while hearing lions panting just yards away. I want to wash an elephant in a river and see hippos in their natural habitat.

Not to be outdone, the US has some places I have yet to see and they are also on my list.
Hawaii. Again, a nephew was living there and I missed the chance to go visit him. Ah well, Hawaii is still on the list and I have to see it.

Alaska. I want to take one of those Alaskan cruises to see whales beaching and sea lions playing. Alaska is one of our last wild lands in the US and I hope I can see it before it's gone.

Yosemite! I have never been there! I want to see it and camp there and take it all in!

Oh there are so many places I want to see. I wish I was independently wealthy and could just plan these trips and go. Until then I will be reading about them, and watching the Travel Channel and wishing and hoping and dreaming.