I do love a wishlist so was delighted to be invited by Chelle (wearer of fabulous bling and co-founder of BrownGirlsFly travel blog) to take part in the last stop of the Travelling Brown Girls Carnival. I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to travel a far bit taking in five continents so far (yet to set foot on Antarctica and Oceania) but there’s still so much more of the world to see. My shower curtain is a world map so every day I look and dream of places I want to go next!
Here’s my (current) list of five places I’ve never been to and why I want to go.
JAPAN
Why? My friend spent a year there and HATED IT. He hated it because he thought everything was alien. Now to me that’s the VERY reason why i want to go.
ZANZIBAR
Why? Known as the ‘spice island’ the very name just conjures all all that I find delicious. I do know there’s so much more to it than that but it does get my tastebuds watering. Also Farrokh Bulsara aka Freddie Mercury was from there. And I specifically want to go to this restaurant. To be honest this restaurant is the real reason – is it wrong to plan a whole trip around sipping a cold drink and sizzling prawns on this spot?
BEIRUT
Why? My parents honeymooned here when it was known as the ‘Paris of the Middle East’ (everywhere seems to be the Paris of somewhere!) just before the civil war broke out. Growing up as a child in Lagos, there was a big expat Lebanese community so I was always hearing about the city and I still love eating Lebanese food. I hear it’s thriving so I would love to explore.
ETHIOPIA
Why? Birthplace of humanity (Lucy, the female fossil dating back 3.2 million years considered our oldest human ancestor was found here) and boasting one of the oldest civilisations. My inner Indiana Jones would love to see the archaeological treasures and get my Queen of Sheba on. Also it’s home to the World Laughter Master who runs laughter holidays (read about him here).
ISTANBUL
Why? Again it’s the spices. The history. The continent straddling. I hear from a Turkish friend the shopping is amazing too especially shoes and handbags. I know there are concerns about safety but the same could arguably apply anywhere.
Ask me tomorrow and I’ll probably name another five and the next day another five.
So where’s on your travel wish list?
Wonderlusting 