This heart of mine was made to travel the world

Here we are on day five of Blogtober – ‘List five places I want to visit’.

I have been pretty lucky with my travel achievements in life. I’ve travelled far and wide for the love of music, during which I have made friends all over the world. What other reasons do I need to visit new cities and countries than for music and friendship?

Once I set my heart on something I work hard to make it happen. Heading to Nashville for my 30th birthday ticked off a lifelong dream of celebrating July 4th in America. Climbing Africa’s highest mountain, Kilimanjaro, is my greatest achievement in life to date and my recent wanderings have seen me travel Thailand, Australia and now New Zealand. I intend to be in New Zealand for the foreseeable future but that hasn’t stooped my brain obsessing about new places to visit.

Gorilla’s in the Mist (Rwanda)

You’ll know from my previous post ‘10 things that make me really happy‘, that it is a lifelong dream of mine to track Gorilla’s in the wild. To follow in Diann Fossey’s footprints would see me head to the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.

The latest travel advice for Rwanda states that the World Health Organisation have declared a Public Health Emergency of International’s Concern following an outbreak of the Ebola virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Many of those cases come from Goma, close to the DRC-Rwanda border, near where I would potentially be trekking. This has put me off making any near future plans to visit but I am nothing if not determined. One day Sandra… One day!

Hanami Festival (Japan)

‘Hanami’ is the Japanese term for ‘flower viewing’. There is nothing I would love more than to travel Japan during Cherry Blossom season.

I don’t quite know what it is about blossom that fills my heart with happiness. It blooms and leaves in the blink of an eye, reminding us that nothing is permanent in life. It is one of the prettiest flowers in opinion; dainty and delicate in size, sweet smelling and gentle in colour. It reminds me of fairytales and happily ever afters. Maybe thats why…

Now that I have obtained my Teaching English for Language accreditation, I feel Japan’s calling more frequently. Imagine living amongst such beauty. That could be a real possibility… Imagine!

Snowflakes are kisses from heaven (Canada)

I recently found a bucket list I had written during my school years. One of the items on the list was ‘visit Canada’.

I am not the biggest fan of cold but the romantic in me loves the idea of a log cabin. Wrapping myself up in an oversized jumpers and drinking mulled wine in front of a fire with a good book… Is there anything dreamier?

I have several friends (that I haven’t seen for quite some time) who live in Canada. This fact alone means I really should fit a trip in at some point! I wonder what Canada’s working visa options are like… :p

“Don’t talk about heaven if you’ve never been to Bali” – Toba Beta

Another country I wrote about in my bucket list was Bali. Back when I was younger it seemed to be THE celebrity travel destination of choice. I was memsorised by the alluring photographs of crystal waters and white sand beaches. Everything I saw left a lasting impression.

Being this side of the world means I have the advantage of being that much closer to Bali. A cheeky visit is definitely on the cards. I wonder if it will live up to my childhood expectations? Heaven here I come?!

“The Taj Mahal rises above the banks of the river like a solitary tear suspended on the cheek of time” – Rabindranath Tagore

Princess Diana was one of the most idolised people of her time. She inspired millions and I for one admired her greatly. I remember seeing the iconic photo of Diana sitting outside the Taj Mahal. I thought it was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. I’ve always wanted to go and see it for myself.