My Top 5: Places to Visit

Even though I haven’t seen the movie, it seems that “The Bucket List” has influenced my thinking lately.  When I look back on my life, I want it to have meaning.  I want to follow my dreams and take time to do the things that are important to me.  So much of life is spent managing responsibilities.  It’s a shame.  If you aren’t careful, one day you will reach the end and realize it’s too late to do the things you put off until “later”.

Pablo Picasso said, “Only put off until tomorrow what you are willing to die having left undone.”  There are many things I still hope to accomplish and places I’d like to see before I die.  As such, I’m starting a new series that will appear periodically on my blog, “My Top 5”.  This series will cover a variety of topics, including my top 5 accomplishments, hopes, dreams, etc.  It will serve as a reminder of the things I still want to do with my life.  Maybe it will also inspire others to create a list and start checking things off.

Today’s blog entry focuses on the top 5 places I’d like to visit before I die.  I’ve already marked a few places off the list (Hawaii, Rome, Florence, London, Paris), but there are a few elusive locations that always seem to be out of reach or too difficult or too dangerous:

1.  Jerusalem — this is the all-time, #1 destination of my dreams.  As a Christian, it would be the most amazing experience to tread the city I’ve read about my entire life.  Being able to visit the place where Jesus walked and the hill on which He died — unreal. 

2.  Egypt — for a long-time, I’ve been fascinated with Egyptian history.  Visiting this country and seeing the pyramids and temples would be an amazing experience.  Riding a camel might be fun too…smelly, but fun.

3.  Greece — Athens and the Greek Isles…need I say more?

4. New York — I have to admit that I visited NYC once, but it was a long time ago.  I was sixteen and went with a group from school.  We participated in a national competition held at Rutgers University.  The funny thing is I haven’t been back since then.  As much as I travel for business, I thought I would have gone back by now.  I’ve had trips scheduled to NYC, but something always happens to prevent me from going. 

5.  Australia — I’ve had two opportunities to visit Australia for business, but that’s not really the way I want to see this country.  I want to visit it with Gary, and I think it would be awesome to dive near the Great Barrier Reef.  Maybe I can get my scuba certification soon, and then we can go.

Well, that’s my “Top 5” for today.  What are your “Top 5s”?

NOTE:  Today’s blog is dedicated to my Mom who celebrated her birthday today.  Love Ya, Mom! 🙂