One Place To Visit Before I Die
Travel by Chris Guillebeau
If we live truly, we shall see truly. - Ralph Waldo Emerson
Not everyone wants to travel the world, but most people can identify at least one place in the world they’d like to visit before they die. Where is that place for you, and what will you do to make sure you get there?
(Author: Chris Guillebeau)
My immediate response to this question is Ireland. After further pondering, it's still Ireland. Sure, I'd love to go to Russia, China, Australia and most of Europe but Ireland is where my roots are. Both sides of my family can be traced back there (along with a lot of other places as I'm a true American mutt) but it's the one place where I think I'd feel most at home. Well, that and Switzerland as my German-Swiss genes make me a militant rule follower.
The funny thing is that I've talked about going for years with a lot of different people but have yet to actually make the trip. Part of that is because I use so much vacation for Parrot Head events and other annual pilgrimages with my friends that I don't (choose not to?) have the ten days to two weeks that I think I'd need to fully explore the country.
It's also the money. Airfare, hotel, bus and train passes (no way am I driving when I'm there), food and drink. It can add up to a lot more than one of my week long cruises. I keep hoping The Rocket Scientist gets sent there for work so I can tag along and at least save on the hotel. But, he's not making that happen.
What will I do to make sure I get there? Hmmm. I guess it would take forsaking some of my traditional trips for a year to save both vacation time and money. And, finding the right companion(s) to travel with. My dream itinerary is rather simple. Guinness Brewery, of course, Waterford to see where my people came from. Visit as many castles and museums as I can fit in.
But, mostly, allow for plenty of pub time. I dream of hanging with the locals, enjoying a few draughts, maybe throwing some darts and soaking in the current culture and environment. And, I hope I'm not the ugly American in the process.
My travel schedule for 2012 is nearly fully booked. I know, we're not even through half of 2011 yet but that's how it works in my world. I'll look at 2013 and see what events I can take a year off from and start putting some funds into a travel account with the strict rule that it's only an Ireland travel account.
We'll see how it goes.
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