Oh, the places you’ll go

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 28/03/2016 (3724 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

This column — my 100th Travelations — is a milestone! Since June of 2013, I’ve written more than 50,000 words dedicated to travel, and have been fortunate to visit dozens of fascinating locations.

Thinking about this makes me realize there are countless destinations yet to visit, and many more adventures to pursue.

In Canada alone, my travel bucket list is lengthy — with Newfoundland on top. From what I’ve seen in other media, Newfoundland appears rugged and romantic, and is teeming with tradition and adventure. It also has lobster, what more can I say? Finally, my sister in law comes from Newfoundland, so if the rest of the people are anything like her, it will be pretty fun.

Another Canadian locale is Montreal. As kids in Manitoba’s Interlake, we had an aunt and uncle from Montreal who’d visit us with their two children. Our Montreal cousins could only speak French. We only spoke English. Yet somehow we managed to communicate and become friends. Until I was 10 years old, Montreal seemed like the most foreign place I ever sort-of knew.

I also have to pick Whitehorse, for no other reason than the fact that every time I see a picture taken in Whitehorse, it looks spectacular. It’s skirted by mountains and lakes, surrounded by vast northern tundra, and the sunsets look like they last forever. It strikes me as a landscape I would find great inspiration in.

Hawaii is another place I was aware of growing up — likely because of TV shows — and it’s always seemed exotic. With palm trees, beaches, coconuts, and pineapples, I’m pretty sure Gilligan could have survived there. Hawaii has real volcanos, too, which is something I’ve yet to see. I think I’d also enjoy the whole hula culture thing, especially now that I’ve recently begun hula hooping. There must be similarities.

It would be a great disservice to all my years as a fan of The Beatles to not get on their tourist train. So, one day, I will go to England, see the Liverpool shipping yards, stop in at the Cavern Club, visit other landmarks frequented by the Fab Four, and top it off with a stroll across Abbey Road. I’d also like to do some cycling in the British countryside, maybe make my way to Stonehenge for a celestial ceremony, then afterwards, end up in London to watch the world famous Henley Regatta.

Oh, where else? There are so many more places, and not enough space to write about them! I’d like to stay overnight in a Transylvanian castle, and tour the pyramids of Egypt. I want to hike to the top of Machu Picchu, and trek to Mount Everest’s Base Camp. I’d love to travel as much El Camino de Santiago as possible. From any starting point.

The real point is… the world is a wondrous place for those who seek to find it. So here’s hoping I’ll get to share 100 more columns, and many more adventures, with all of you. Most of all, here’s wishing you many happy trails of your own.

RoseAnna Schick is an avid traveller who seeks inspiration wherever she goes. Email her at rascreative@yahoo.ca