Part X: Moving On

           As a senior in high school, I'm looking forward to starting college in the fall. I feel like I'm one step closer to actually fulfilling my wishlist. I haven't yet even completed the list of countries I've wanted to go to. But it's time for me to try to carry out the list. I think I'm gonna make more up as I go along. In college, I want to look at study abroad programs and try to broaden my horizons. Unfortunately, this will be my last post for a while as I start a new chapter in my life. I've actually had fun making this blog and it helped me plan some future trips I'm going to make. Who knows? Maybe I'll even come back and write about my actual travel experiences.

Part IX: Tibet

   
       During sophomore year in art class, I learned about mandalas and how they symbolize the circle of life. Certain countries are famous for their mandalas, such as Tibet. Tibetan monks create sand mandalas with such intricate work and then let the wind blow it away to demonstrate the inevitability of death. It's something that has really stuck with me increasing my interest in Tibet.

        Tibet is plateau region in Asia. It is a territory of China and is the homeland of the Tibetan people among other ethnic groups. The history of a unified Tibet dates back to 604 CE. However, Tibet is currently occupied by China and Tibetans are struggling to keep hold of their culture. Three places I want to visit in Tibet are:

1. Changtse: A mountain that is as high as 20,394 ft, Changtse is for those who want an adventure. It has a lake called the Changste Glacier which is the third highest lake in the world. Changste is not for the fainthearted. 


2. the Potala Palace: The chief residence of the Dalai Lama until he had to flee, the Potala Palace is sacred to Tibet. It is now a museum and a UNESCO world heritage site. It is seen as one of the new seven wonders. The Potala Palace has both architecture and history to offer.


3. the Sera Monastery: A sacred place to Buddhists, the Sera Monastery used to be home to thousands of monks. However, after a revolt in 1959 and the fleeing of the Dalai Lama, the monks moved to India. The monastery is seen as a place of scholarly learning meant to educate people on Buddhism.

Part VIII: Japan

       
        Technology has always fascinated me. I always thought it amazing when the human mind comes up with an idea and is able to develop that idea. These inventions pave the way for new ideas and help mankind to move forward.  One of the most technologically advanced countries in the world is Japan.

        Japan is an island nation in East Asia. It is known for its advanced and eccentric technology. But Japan has more to offer than that. It is actually a very beautiful plce with amazing scenery you can't find anywhere else. Three places I want to go to in Japan are:

1. Sakura: Famous for its abundant cherry blossoms, this garden is important to Japan. The cherry blossom holds a big place in the Japanese culture. The flower is seen as symbolizing clouds or even death. But no one can deny the beauty of cherry blossoms.



2. Kyoto: Once the imperial capital of Japan, Kyoto has a rich history and beautiful sights. Archaeologists believe that humans have settled there since the Paleolithic period. Kyoto is also the home of the Shimogamo Shrine which has been around since 6 AD. Kyoto is the place to go to learn about traditional Japanese culture. 


3. Ishigaki Island: An island influenced both by Japan and Taiwan, Ishigaki Isalnd is surrounded by the bluest water. A popular pastime on the island is snorkeling. The island has coral reefs that only add to the fun of the island. Divers are also able to see the manta rays that swim near the island. 

Part VII: Moving on to Asia

       
           While Europe is diverse and full rich culture and history, Asia has just as much to offer. It is also less explored. Asia has so many little places that no one has really heard of. I would be honored to go there and feel welcomed. The food is also very different there that I just have to go and try it out. I would also love to learn at least a couple of words in as many languages as possible.

           Another thing Asia has to offer is that it is the continent of my parents' homeland: Bangladesh. I've never been there and it would be nice to see how my parents grew up and the family still living there. I could compare how my parents were raised to how I was and see just how close to tradition they stayed. Visiting Bangladesh would be more about personal ties than sightseeing or experience so I'm not going to list the places I want to visit. But we have so many more to go....


   

Part VI: The Netherlands

           
             The Netherlands is a very interesting place. The culture and attitude of the people seem a lot more freeing than what I'm used to. You always hear so much about this country but yet I don't think people truly know all that much about it. The Netherlands is more than just its reputation.

             The Netherlands is a northern European country that consists of 12 provinces and 3 islands. It's referred to as Holland and its capital city is Amsterdam. Amsterdam is a major tourist spot that is well known for its leniency on the use of marijuana. However, there are other sites to see besides Amsterdam in the Netherlands. Three places I want to visit in the Netherlands are:

1. the Anne Frank Museum: Dedicated to the victims of the Holocaust, visitors are able to see how Anne Frank and her family hid from the Nazis. The museum provides a sense of poignancy as we remeber one of the ugliest parts of European history. 


2. the Rijksmuseum: A museum of arts, the Rijksmuseum is for art lovers and admirers. Tourists get to view numerous amount of paintings. The collection includes works of many famous artists such as Rembrandt, Frans Hals, and Johannes Vermeer. It also has thousands of historical objects from years 1200 to 2000.

 

3. the Keukenhof: Believed to be the most beautiful spring garden in the world, Keukenhof provides a sense of being one with nature. Observers are able to admire the simple elegance of the garden while being awed by the brightness of the colors. The Keukenhof is something you have to see when coming to the Netherlands.

Part V: Belgium

          On this wishlist, I'll show interest in traveling to countries that no one ever really expresses a desire to travel to. But I hope to visit these places to get a more enriching experience. 
         
          Belgium is a western European country surrounded by the Netherlands and Luxembourg. It's a small country that's big in entertainment and culture. Belgium has a rich history that is appealing to many. Not only does it have beautiful sites to visit, but there are thousands of things to do. Three places I want to visit in Belgium are

1. Mini- Europe: Famous for its mini monuments, mini- Europe shows the different landmarks that show the essence of the continent. No other country has a tourist attraction that captures the presence of Europe as this one. It will inspire you to travel even more to Europe.


2. the Belvue Museum: Purely for history buffs, the Belvue Museum is for those interested in history of Belgium. It offers you many tours and events in which you could feel that you're passing through history yourself. It's also known as the center for democracy for all the politic lovers out there.


3. the Belfry of Bruges: For those who want to look at medieval architecture, the Belfry of Bruges is the place for you. Its history dates all the way back to 1240 and is a symbol of the spirit of Belgium. Visitors can also climb all the way to the top for a breathtaking view of the country.

Part IV: France

       
              It seems that every time someone mentions traveling, they want to go to France. France has everything to offer with well known attraction with delicious food and its open people. If you don't mind traveling to a country constantly being bombarded with tourists, France is a must see.

               France is located in western Europe. Its known as the top tourist attracting country in the world. It can be romantic for couples, fun for kids and adults, and beautiful for all. There is so much that attracts people to France but three spots that attract me are:

1. the Catacombs of Paris: Consisting of bones, the Catacombs are there for those interested in the macabre. Its creepy,eerie feel only provides to the fascinating vision of death. The pile of skulls is an image that is truly unforgettable.


2. the Notre Dame de Paris: Known as an architectural wonder, the Notre Dame is a sight to see. Home to many significant events, it has a rich history filled with well known composers and art that everyone needs to see. It is also sacred to those who are religious. Literature lovers will also love to see exactly what the Hunchback of Notre Dame alluded to.



3. the French Riviera: Located on the coastline of France, the French Riviera is the perfect place to go to relax. Known as the blue coast, it is a major boating and yacht area. Even if it is a beach, it also has a complex history just like the rest of France.