I have been writing a lot of travel articles these days and, in turn, ignoring my own blog. However, I thought that since it was the end of the year, I would enter my last post of my own travel favorites.
Yes, while others are out doing great New Year’s things, I am at home with my dogs writing up a storm. But it’s not all that boring. I am doing it with a glass of wine…my excuse if things stop making sense.
I have quite a few memorable places stashed away in the back of my mind’s eye, all memorable for their own reasons, but there are three places that come to mind in a heartbeat. In no particular order, I would have to list my personal top three favorite traveled-to places as:
This is me on a camel trek heading to a local village along the River Nile in Aswan
Aswan is a large and very beautiful place. The city is located along the Nile, as is every other city in Egypt, but this particular part of the river is dotted with islands that add a distinctiveness to the area. Aswan offered me a much needed slower pace after spending weeks traveling to other parts of Egypt. Their calm(er) daily life made this overly populated country finally feel bearable. The plethora of fluccas that can be seen up and down the Nile also adds a different feel of personableness to the air. Aswan was where I rode on camel-back to a small local village. It was also where I enjoyed my first donkey-driven buggy ride to a local market, and where I experienced my first flucca adventure.
Hanging with Stratford's Jester
I rented a flat for five days and ended up staying for two weeks. Stratford-upon-Avon has it all. It’s usually sunny, at least it was during my visit, and has a lot to offer the wandering traveler. It’s clean, fun and absolutely beautiful…and it’s not all Shakespearian. There are many historical sites to see, adventures to be had and relaxing afternoons to enjoy with a good book along the River Avon…which I did, usually with an ice cream.
A communist moment
My most influential city to date is Berlin. It is a city I recommend to everyone. In a different way it too, has it all. Every block is full of post-war history and every corner tells a sad story, yet the city is vibrant and full of life. It is fun, filled with sites, sounds and heaps of adventure. People are friendly, the food is to die for and the local brews are worth writing home about. There’s more to see and do than you will accomplish so a second trip will definitely be necessary.
