Countries to Visit?

What countries do you want to visit?

I was going to begin with a list of places I did not want to visit, but thought that sounded negative, so I’ll begin with the positive “where I do want to go” places.

Since we already have a trip to the UK planned for this fall (England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales, this list completed with the Oxford comma), I won’t include them here, although I am looking forward to it. After that I would place Greece at the top of my list. The birthplace of Western theatre and the chance to stand on an Ancient Greek stage if even for a moment? Sign me up!

Also in the Mediterranean: Italy, the second country of the southern lands (along with Greece) that inspired Goethe and Schiller to evolve German sturm und drang into the Romantik of Weimar Classicism. Not to mention the birthplace of the Renaissance, as I have always striven to be a Renaissance person (but sorry, Machiavelli, I’ll probably put off the fencing and horseback riding for the moment).

For an entirely different inspiration, I’d like to venture to nearby Morocco, certainly for the culture, but also to check out Casablanca and see the place invoked by the 1942 Bogart film. And to really time-travel, Egypt for the pyramids and sphinx. (Every time I get to San Jose I like to admire the architecture at the Rosicrucian Museum.)

Also internationally: Russia, because I have been told it’s amazing, but that’s on a long hold with quiet music because of the ridiculous war; here’s hoping that Putin will relinquish his hold on power before pressing the nuke button. Japan, because of a long-time fascination, especially with the theatre, but also because of the culture (but not anime; I just don’t get anime). Australia, because, well, who doesn’t want to go where the hobbits were? And the continent seems amazing in its own right, historically and topographically.

I’m sure there are a few others (Montreal, Canada, among them), but those above are the really must-sees. I’m also strongly inclined to visit Roswell, New Mexico—having written those plays about aliens, why not go to the source? And have a coffee at the Little A’Le’Inn?

Places I don’t feel compelled to go to? South America (okay, except for Manchu Picchu in Peru) and most of Africa. No need to put myself in the path of an anaconda or tiger. China; I’m surrounded by the goods and don’t need to see that source. And likely anyplace else I haven’t mentioned above.

But: I highly recommend travel. For much of my life I didn’t have the money, and when I did, I didn’t have the time. Now in retirement I have both and want to experience the rest of the world as much as I can.

Your thoughts on travel or my choices? Let me know in the comments, and please like and follow!