{my top three} dream trips

Most people have a dream destination or adventure lingering in the back of their mind. Most people also read one book at a time. I like to read 2 or 3 books at once, just as I like to juggle several dream trips in my fantasy world. Ever since the conception of my bucket list in Bogotá circa 2009, I have harbored grandiose plans for worldwide travel. 

The following are my top 3...for now.

Machu Picchu

I have a special place in my heart for South America. This continent’s tumultuous and fascinating past often goes untold in the classrooms of North America. What a shame! The mystery, betrayal, violence, adventure, and untold riches litter the pages of Sudamérica’s history books, rivaling the most spectacular blockbuster film or dramatic telenovela. The more I learn about the land of Simón Bolívar, the more I want to explore it. 

Specifically, Peru calls to me. Lima, Cusco, and Arequipa are on my list, but they would all be merely leading to the apex of the trip - Machu Picchu. Hiking and camping among one of history’s greatest mysteries is appealing to both my intellectual and outdoorsy sides. 

Spain to Morocco

As most students of the Spanish language, I would love to see the origin of the Castellano language. Specifically, my bucket list calls for sipping a glass of red wine, or vino tinto, in a plaza in Spain. Maybe on the patio of a restaurant, or a balcony overlooking the plaza - I’m not picky! I want the word vale to become a part of my everyday speech in Spanish, and I want to catch futbol fever. 

After exploring the motherland, it would only be a short ferry ride from Tarifa or Gibraltar to Tangiers. And my bucket list instructs me to repeat a line from Casablanca in Casablanca. So, here’s looking at you, outdoor markets, head scarfs, and desert sands! I’m coming for you, kid!

Buenos Aires

I can’t help it! I just can’t escape the draw of South America! First I would learn to dance the tango, followed by a dinner of steak and wine, followed by a night on the town putting my new tango skillz to work. I would explore the land of Evita and the desaparacidos from the Guerra Sucia - the dirty war. The European vibe of the city would make me feel sophisticated as I lounged in yet another plaza. 

After having my way with Buenos Aires, I would make my way to wine country, sipping my way from vineyard to vineyard. I would probably camp under the stars like a true gaucho or whatever. 

Apparently my bucket list is just a geographically organized ledger of plazas and patios from which to sip beverages, and also some places to hike. Cheers to that!