"We travel not to escape life, but for life to not escape us", a famous quote by Anonymous. Throughout my 19 years on earth, I have been blessed with family and friends that enjoy traveling. Ranging from New York City with my parents or the Grand Canyon with my grandparents, to a road trip to Minnesota or Chicago, I have seen a lot of destinations in the United States. Unfortunately, I have not had the opportunity to leave America, the country, but that will change come spring break. I have been given the chance to study abroad in Italy for a week. Words cannot truly describe how excited I am to have a wish such as this granted. There are numerous amounts of cities I will see in Italy, but none of them compare to where I want to go eventually. Here is my top 10 list of places I want to see in my lifetime. (counting down from 10 to 1)
10. Tokyo, Japan
I love witnessing new cultures, and there is none better than the culture of Japan. The world seems to be running on a different clock in this city. Everything seems bright and great. I have been told, that Tokyo is a very clean city, with great etiquette, and the residents truly keep traditions alive.
9. Toronto, Canada
I have always wanted to visit Canada. The country seems like a such a unique nation that Americans always pick on. However, all I see is a country that is very beautiful. I like to stay in big cities, and the best up north is none other than Toronto. I'm positive the city has to be great, Norm Kelly lives there, and who wanted want to see the birthplace of Drake?
8. the Nile, Egypt
Egypt currently holds a few of the oldest infrastructures to remain standing. Along with seeing the pyramids and the great sphinx, I would very much enjoy a float down the Nile. Some call it the longest river in the world, it would be quite an experience to endure. I also wouldn't mind seeing one of the great Nile Crocodiles.
7. Loch Ness, Scotland
Located in the Scottish Highlands, there are various adventures to partake while staying on the Loch Ness. The picture above shows the Urquhart Castle. How cool would it be to see an actual castle in Scotland? Plus, I would really enjoy getting to see Nessie in the flesh.
6. Austin, Texas
I know what you're thinking: 'Ben, you can just drive down to Austin'. Well, that is somewhat true, however, I have lived with driving distance my entire life and have never made it there. Austin is a very influential scene for film in Texas, with festivals happening year round. I've been told many times Austin is a great city for a millennial like me.
5. Moscow, Russia
Never have I ever been a day person. I love the night. I am not nocturnal, but I do enjoy spending more waking hours with the moon up rather than the sun. In Moscow, the nightlife is always vibrant and alive. Another cool thing at night, the theatres in Moscow contain some of the best architecture in the world. Going to see a play in one of those theaters would be quite the experience.
4. Mounteverde, Costa Rica
I have always wanted to go to a rainforest. Mounteverde houses some of the craziest animals in the world. Along with being the largest cloud forest in the world, this would be a site to see. This park also contains huge zip lines ranging from one side to the other.
3. Seattle, Washington
My favorite weather is cloudy with a downpour of rain. Seattle is known for having bleak weather but to me it's beautiful. I would catch the Seahawks win on a Sunday afternoon, then pop on over to the Space Needle to see the surrounding city. And, what city can you say that you can see a 14,000 ft volcano from downtown?
2. Bora Bora
For those that don't know, Bora Bora is a tiny island, truly, out in the middle of nowhere. It is very expensive to travel here, being that you have to take a flight to Australia and then take a plane that can land on water just to arrive. Bora is home to some of the clearest water on the planet, along with constantly being warm, which I like a lot.
1. Gansbaai, South Africa
My favorite animal of all time is the shark. Gansbaai is home to the largest breeding grounds of Great Whites in the world. There are numerous attractions and businesses that allow regular people to go swim with sharks. Along with being in Africa, I would try to go back up north and go on a safari. If something were to happen and I was only allowed to travel to one place before I leave this Earth, it would be Gansbaai. Especially because I promised my grandma that I would take her to Africa, and I have yet to live up to that promise.
