Places to Go

Obviously there's only so much I can predict about my future, and a bit silly and rigid to plan my life out right now. There are so many things that could end up happening. The biggest unknown is where I'll end up getting a job. I would love to settle down in Colorado, but there's a definite chance that I won't get into the orchestras there and I'll travel around taking auditions. It's crazy to me how little control I will have over such a huge decision, except that I need to practice and prepare like hell. But just as a fun exercise, I was thinking about where I would like to travel during my life. Assuming I could save money for a trip every five years, I guess I could have ten real adventures. If I am lucky and saved properly, maybe I could get a motorhome like Tutu and Papa and road trip around the country after I retire. But I'd like to drive across the US before then, regardless of when I retire.

1. Austria. Without question, I want to go back at least once. If I could live there again, I would. As happy as I am to get to move to Boulder, I'm sad that I wasn't brave enough to move back to Wien. Besides Wien, I'd see Heiligenblut again, and finally go to Hallstatt and Innsbruck. I suppose I should learn to ski before then, but I still haven't decided if I'd rather go in the summer or winter. The Christkindlmärkte are lovely, but I prefer hiking in the Alps. Actually, I'll go back twice if possible.

2. Switzerland. Switzerland definitely deserves it's own special trip. I would probably go to Interlaken, but there are plenty of great cities there. Brian says it's the most beautiful country he's been to, and since I love the mountains so much, it sounds like my kind of paradise.

3. South Korea. I choose Korea over Japan simply because it's part of my background. I've always wanted to learn Korean and go back. It's a beautiful country with a unique history. I'm not sure where I would explore besides Seoul, but it is one of the top ten largest cities in the world.

4. Norway. It's a dream of mine to see the Aurora Borealis. Plus, they have fjords, and Scandinavia in general is an intriguing place.

5. Peru. Machu Picchu. Enough said. I've heard fascinating things about Thailand as well, but Peru barely edges it out. More touristy, to be sure, but probably a bit cleaner and I'd like the food better. I could go to Patagonia instead, following Bruce Chatwin, but I think Peru is close enough. Brazil also has it's own mountain range (which I think Dani is near now) but Machu Picchu is definitely something different.

6. Australia. Speaking of something different, there's no place like Australia. Beautiful beaches and the Great Barrier Reef, Ayers Rock, and amazing animals. Melbourne looks like a great city to visit, and once I read The Songlines by Bruce Chatwin, I will probably find my own spiritual journey there.

7. Kenya. It's not all about mountains. After seeing Westrey's pictures of Morocco, I would love to visit there, but Kenya's safari's win out. Like Jeff, I'd like to visit all the continents (except Antarctica). Lake Victoria is there, too. If I go to Tanzania instead, I'm sure Dani could help me make the most out of my trip.

8. Nepal. Okay, so mountains are really important to me. I don't fancy myself a serious climber, but I wonder if I could make it to base camp of Mount Everest. If not, seeing the highest mountain in the world from afar is okay, too. If I forgo the mountains, the green hills of Ireland or Scotland look like a place my soul would be happy.

9. Germany. I loved Berlin and need to go back, if nothing else to find the Berlin Wall. I can't believe I missed it. It was one of my favorite cities to visit, with some of the best museums in the world. I'd also like to go back to Munich. Maybe for Oktoberfest, and I could try not to black out this time. But there's something magical about the Black Forest, too. But since I've already been to both Berlin and Munich, if I wanted to explore a new country, I'd probably pick Iceland. Maybe France.

10. Italy. The Italian Alps. Rome. The Mediterranean. World class food and a relaxed attitude where people seize the day. Plus all the Renaissance art. No one I know has gone and regretted going. (Except maybe my aunt, who had her passport and money stolen from her on the subway.) It's a super popular vacation destination for a reason.

There are too many places to go. Prague was my favorite city to visit when I was abroad, hands down. Of course, it wouldn't be nearly the same without my friends. I also heard wonderful things about Poland, and as a less touristy place it's definitely on my radar. Japan and Thailand were barely edged out, while I wish I could also squeeze in Ireland / Scotland. I definitely hope to see the American Northwest, but I wasn't sure if it would count as a big trip. Maybe Alaska. Croatia is where I would go for beaches (besides Australia), as it still seems to be under the radar of most tourists. I really wish I could fit Iceland in, as well. France, Spain, Russia, and Brazil all have their wonders, but I'd rather go to German speaking countries. If I practice my German, I think I could get further off the beaten trail / big cities.

There's so much to do and so little time and money to do it! The UNESCO World Heritage Site list isn't making my dream decisions any easier.