I have always been a gypsy at heart but after marriage I settled down, built my family and have been happy and satisfied around it. But sometimes the itch starts, I know a lot of moms say that enjoy your kid’s childhood, make your memories around them and I agree with them completely. But certain things in life I want to experience with myself or with my girlfriends. That has it’s own standing and is like oxygen for me. With friendship day approaching I am being drawn more and more to the idea.
I am not denying my kids anything by doing that, a few days in a year to take off by myself doesn’t mean I miss out on their development or am not around for them. Ofcourse being a mom I can’t just leave off one day. All these holidays are planned for months, school calendars are matched, grandparents are sought after, dad is told to not travel when I am away. Kids are also explained and at times bribed with promises of new toys :). Last year I went on a five day trip to Sweden to see the Northern Lights with my college friends and trust me the dad and the boys coped beautifully. If you ask me, they had a great bonding time.
Now that dearies, I have hopefully put all your inhibitions to rest :), lets see what are the next destinations on my wish list which I would like to explore with my girlfriends;
Great Wall in China
Being a newly founded fitness geek, the first thing that comes on my list is doing the Great Wall Marathon. Not only is it making history, but this marathon is supposed to be a challenging one. With a participation of over 2500 runners from over 60 nations, it is one of the most sought after run. I have always been fascinated by China and the Great wall. This holiday will mean a mix of sightseeing, exploring a new country and cities with my fitness pals and running. I can’t think of a better combination for me.
Antartica Cruise
I know most destinations on my top lists are a little different from regular girlie choices, but then what’s the fun is doing the already done :)! Antarctica has a general impression of being totally covered by snow, but actually it’s got beautiful scenic patches. Some of my friends went a few years back and their stories of snow shoeing,mountaineering, sliding down the icy slopes, skiing , paddle boarding and it has been on my wishlist since then. Sharing few pictures from their travels and you will know why :).
Explore Turkey
I have always been fascinated with history and Turkey, seems to have a lot of it. I have been told by my friends that a visit to Gallipoli is a must. A city where thousands gave their lives during WWI in the battle. Then there is the world-famous city of Troy, the famous white cliffs of Pamukkale and the ancient site of Hierapolis. Apart from these there is Cappadocia and the city’s landscape is unlike anything I have ever seen, full of caves . Infact, my brother stayed in a cave hotel during his visit to the city and the idea fascinates me since then. Last but not the least Istanbul with it’s beautiful ceramic ware and cultural diversity has always attracted me.
Morocco
Morocco is called the ‘Kingdom of God’. The Medina market, Marrakesh’s Djemma El Fna square with it’s exotic performers, Moroccan chefs cooking in open air food stands, small shops welcoming you into the Marrakesh Medina, distinctly Moroccan cafes and high-end Moroccan restaurant. It’s food like the tagine which is a quintessential dish that is baked in closed clay pot over a fire, the mosque in Casablanca. the Hassan II Mosque, Fes (See our Fez city guide) is an ancient relic of Morocco. Morocco as a destination is full of history and character, something I look forward to backpacking with my besties.
Party in Paris
This one is a definite girlie choice being one of the fashion capital in the world and having studied fashion, I have always been wanting to visit Paris. But what has made it to my top list is the places to explore mentioned by Dan Brown is his book, ‘Angels and Demons’. The Louvre ( which has the most famous painting of Monalisa), Eiffel Tower, the Pantheon and the famous Moulin Rouge show beckons me to visit Paris.
This is my wishlist, what’s yours? Would love to add a few more places to my list. Even if you have visited a city already and have been enamoured by it, do let me know. I also came across thebackpacker.co who organises these kind of girlie trips, customised to our needs. One such trip would be backpacking in Italy with your girlfriends, a must do if you love history. The Vatican, the Roman Collosseum, the Pantheon in Rome. The statue of David in Florence and beautiful city on water, Venice, top my list. Since I have already explored these, it has not made it to my list.
The second one which is highly recommended by backpacker.co, if you are a beer drinker, is the Oktoberfest. Held every year in the city of Munich, it is the Mecca of beer drinkers. It’s a German tradition and millions of people from all over the world come to Munich to attend it. Just the sound of it makes me want to go visiting, though sadly I am not a beer drinker.
Hey, with so many ideas that I have suggested, who all are already planning on their next trip 🙂 ?
