As part of my Countdown to 40, I’m revising my list of things I want to do before I die. I’ve checked off a LOT of things, which is pretty amazing. And I’ve done some stuff I never would have even thought to dream of. I held a baby panda at the Panda Research Base in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China. I was welcomed by an entire school of kids in a traditional p?whiri ceremony in New Zealand. I spoke at the ’96 Multi-Racial Solidarity March on Washington. I’ve been spelunking and rapelling in Northern Maryland. I toured the St. Genevieve historic site in a spontaneous road trip to Graceland. I spent a week learning how to make paper at Augusta Heritage. I rode a pony up the side of an active volcano (Taal Volcano) in the Philippines. I got to pet a wallaby at the Taronga Zoo in Sydney, Australia. I was invited to (and attended) a ceremony at the White House.
I have plenty of other things checked off, as well, but most of those that most stand out are related to travel. I love exploring new places and I have a particular fondness for unusual and out-of-the-way spots that create an extra-special memory. I thought I’d reach out to readers and the blogosphere in general to ask: What are the places I MUST see before I die? Please be specific. Is there a particular waterfall that stands out above others? A restaurant with the best food you’ve ever eaten? A museum with a crazy exhibit that must be seen to be believed? A roller coaster that I must ride? The locations don’t need to be exotic, so share your best travel ideas.
I don’t think I could ever top a baby panda, but I compiled a great list a few years ago, based on reader suggestions.
http://mayberrymom.com/2007/10/17/lets-go-spanning-the-world/
Thanks! I’m not trying to top the panda… I’m trying to add to it. =}
Christy,
Love this post. You have done so many amazing things! Question I have is HOW did all of these things come about (or has that already been answered in another post?) Also, it made me smile that Ste. Genevieve was on your list. That is in MY old neck of the woods. :)
So…I know it sounds cliched…but you MUST see Paris. I thought so too and really never had a desire to go there. But circumstances led to a trip there anyway, and it certainly lived up to all the hype. I LOVED it! I wish I could spend weeks and weeks exploring Paris. You would never run out of things to see and do! London is a pretty neat place too, but the atmosphere isn’t quite the same.
On a more local level…and this is really biased…you should take your kids to see the St. Louis Zoo. I think it is the best zoo in the U.S. I don’t know how to explain it…it’s more than just a zoo. It’s a park, it’s a historical site, it’s a collection of museums. It’s the most wonderful and relaxing way to spend a day. And it’s free! Zoos in New England can’t compare. While you’re in St. Louis, you can also go up to the top of the Gateway Arch…the tallest man-made monument in the U.S. Good stuff. ;)
Kate,
Thanks for your reply! I have been to Paris (briefly!) and I did love it. But my favorite spot in France so far is Chateau Chenonceau. So beautiful! I have been to the Gateway Arch as well (East St. Louis was the origination point of the road trip to Graceland). I didn’t know St. Louis had a zoo, though. If I’m ever back in that area, I will definitely check it out. That’s exactly the sort of recommendation I love… things you might never consider otherwise.
My last job before kids required 60% travel. I worked for the Boston Museum of Science as Program Manager for their Computer Clubhouse program. My sites were Pittsburgh, East St. Louis, NYC, the Philippines, Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan, and China. I was lucky enough to be able to visit all of my sites and my local hosts were so wonderful! And sometimes the kids would show me around. I also visited some of our other sites in Georgia and California. Then, Hubby and I took a Mediterranean cruise for our honeymoon, so we also visited Monaco, Croatia, Greece, Italy, Spain and France. I love visiting new places.
But the reason my experiences are a bit over the top is because I research as much as possible before I go, and then stay open to the possibilities while I’m there. I usually try to find at least one really interesting or wacky thing everywhere I go.