Countries I MUST visit before die! #1

Travel December 12, 2017

Life is a very mysterious thing, precious but ephemeral, at least in some cases. A jellyfish known as Turritopsis Nutricula is immortal. This species is the only one that can do the reverse cycle of life, and I read that many scientists seek in it the elixir of youth. Likewise, turtles are estimated to live until 100 years of life, and there are even registers of one, Adwaita, that lived 250 years, curiously being believed to be amongst the longest-living animals in the world. On the other hand, the Human race only has a lifespan of 79-year-old. Of course, that there are people that live longer than this, for instance, the person that has the longest lifespan – a French woman whose name is Jeanne Calment - lived 122 years and 164 days… That is a lot!

This said, our lives are a gift, and we have to do everything to appreciate every moment. To be honest, one of my fears is to get old, look back and realise that I didn’t live enough, that I did not enjoy the time that I had. I look forward to having experiences, adventures, learn about other cultures, other countries… I want to have stories to tell at dinner to my family and friends, when I am old, by the fireplace and with a glass of wine on my hand, with that special brightness in the eyes from someone that is reliving moments from the past.

With this in mind, I want to share with you some countries that I would love to have the opportunity to visit in the future, either with my family or with my friends. Moreover, the list is so big that I decided to divide it into two articles so as not to be too much.

Italy

I love everything about the Italian culture: the beautiful language, the delicious gastronomy, the historical greatness… One day I would love to visit the Colosseum, see the Tower of Pisa, walk through the Roman Forum, the Saint Mark's Basilica, the Pantheon – and many more places. Also, try as much as I can of the food: pizza, lasagne, pasta (Tagliatelle with Bolognese sauce, Orecchiette with tomato sauce…), the cheese, among others. I would like as well to do a gondola ride in Venice.

I use to say this to my friends, in the future, I want to live in this country, even if it is just for one or two years. It is so beautiful.

Greece

Since very young I fell in love with the Greek culture. I remember, in my early years at School, going to the Library and everyday grab the same old book about Mythology, my favourite one being the Greek. I loved to read about Zeus, Ares, Apollo, Athena… Greece is the cradle of so much culture! I want to go to the Acropolis of Athens, the Parthenon, the Ionian Islands, to The Temple of Olympian Zeus, to the Mount Olympus, and many more destinations.

The gastronomy is also something I look forward to trying.

Croatia

Croatia is such a gorgeous country. Namely, Croatia is a crossroad of influences of the western culture and the east, as well as of the Middle Europe and the Mediterranean culture. I wish someday I can visit the city of Split, and see the Diocletian's Palace, the Cathedral of Saint Domnius, the Museum of the City, walk through Marjan…

I would also like to visit the city of Zadar. In fact, I have seen so many pictures and is stunning.

Russia

Russia: the World’s largest nation. I don’t know why, but I had always had the curiosity to visit this country, especially the cities of Saint Petersburg and Moscow. There are so many historical and interesting places to visit. For instance, The Moscow Kremlin, the Hermitage Museum, The State Museum of Political History of Russia, the Saint Alexander Nevsky Monastery, the Red Square, the Saint Basil's Cathedral, among others.

South Korea

The main reason for me wanting to travel to South Korea is because of the unique culture (and of course my recent interest in K-pop). I look forward to walking through Gyeongbokgung, Deoksugung and Changdeokgung, take pictures in N Seoul Tower, have fun in the Lotte World...

Japan

I decided to add Japan to my list because of New Japan Pro-Wrestling, a Japanese wrestling promotion. One day I want to go to Tokyo Dome and watch live an event. Likewise, their culture is also so appealing, since is everything so different from Western culture. With this in mind, I have to go to a Cat Café, because I love cats and coffee!

United Kingdom

Last but not least, the United Kingdom. Like Italy is a place where one day I would like to live, specifically in London. Anyway, destinations such as Big Ben, Stonehenge, Buckingham Palace, The British Museum, Hyde Park, Windsor Castle, The River Thames are some of the ones that I would enjoy seeing.