#4: Places on My List

Day 4 of  30 days writing challenge.

Places on My List

Been obsessed with these places, and wished the pandemic soon to be over so that we can go there and enjoy life and love to the fullest.

Cambodia

I don't know why, been dreaming on going to Siem Reap for about two years now. The thoughts of going there seemed exquisitely charming and the old temples--although some said similar to what we have in Jogja--look mysterious. 

Ancient stone faces of Bayon temple, Angkor, Cambodia. Photo: iStock (https://www.traveller.com.au/siem-reap-cambodia-things-to-do-expert-tips-from-an-expat-h1ju19)

Maybe i'm a bit influenced by Tomb Raider and Indiana Jones, always love those kinds of movies (and games). I remember when I was a child, there's this TV show about treasure-hunt and stuff (I forgot the title, sorry) where the main character flew a seaplane in a tropical island looking for treasures, some in ancient ruins. I also preoccupied by One Piece, a superb manga created by Eiichiro Oda-sensei, where there's this character called Nico Robin who's both an anthropologist and philologist for the Straw Hat Pirates crew. Some part of the show also detailed on ancient ruins and it's surprisingly on point.

And there's also a bit of historical fact that once Cambodia and Sumatera had a really close relationship, you can actually tell by ethnicity and by nature we looked similar as well. And my idol, Tan Malaka, once roamed the forests of Cambodia. I'd like to see the footprints he made, in spite of the infamous Khmer Rouge that were probably his ideological pupils (but not particularly similar in terms of theology).

Nonetheless, Cambodia is the first in my bucket list. 

Ireland

Next on list is Ireland. Have been curious about this country since I don't know when. The fact that Westlife came from there only adds up to my keen interest of it. Last time, didn't get the chance to visit 'cause apparently we need another visa to visit (different from UK visa and Schengen). 

https://thekittchen.com/self-guided-game-thrones-tour-northern-ireland/

And also, you can find parts of Westeros here (if you're a GoT fans). It will be a dream come true to be able to visit the natural settings of the show.

There's another historical fact that probably puzzling to most people. Ireland and Ottoman had a unique relationship, despite having so many differences, and I'm eager to see the truth there.

Gorontalo

Finally, local spot! Yeay. Gorontalo is the only province in my country that hadn't been visited by me. My sis said that the scenery is beautiful, as many other places in Indonesia. And you know what makes me want to visit there more: the sea!

https://voinews.id/indonesian/index.php/component/k2/item/715-wisata-hiu-paus-di-gorontalo

I forgot to mention before that I love to swim! Swimming makes me happy, and I love to snorkel. Had a diving license but never used it, and then the pandemic came. Been spending almost 8 months since I last swam despite the swimming pool is just there at the 2nd floor but closed due to pandemic.

By the way, Gorontalo has a famous spot for swimming with whale shark! I'm totally in love with this beauty! Whale shark is monstrously huge, but a darling. Hopefully someday I can meet them (and swim with them). 

South of France

Van Gogh said that he found heaven in South of France. Haven't been to the country (only passing by through Euro Star) and have been curious about it.

A lot of painters were memerised by the beauty of it. Some of Monet's paintings originally inspired by the landscape in South of France.

Edwin Tan/Getty Images (https://www.departures.com/travel/south-france-most-beautiful-towns)

Some of the famous cities already well-known, such as Cannes and Marseille. It will be a super romantic place to visit. Obviously a bucket list material.

Russia

Of course Mother Russia is on my list. Катюша/Katyusha is indeed a really spirited song, which might inspired people to go to Russia. You can pictured a red-cheeked beautiful girl smiles at you.

St. Petersburg is one of my top list city to visit in Russia. My cousin said, it was a beautiful, classic, orthodox city. 

www.christophefaugere.com / Getty Images (https://www.tripsavvy.com/st-petersburg-russia-1502258)

Though one of my top concern is maybe safety, is it safe in Russia? But maybe I have unreasonable worries, since even Western Europe nowadays is not as safe as they used to be, probably. They said in France there's so many refugees and immigrants and things are a bit messed up. So maybe anywhere is the same. Don't let worries bring you down.

My cousin also said that Russians are tough and really outspoken (a total opposite of Britons. Lol). Maybe the climate and nature made them that way.

America, the Land of the Free

Wow, the list is getting longer. Lol. America is obviously on the list. Though I'm scared of the gun issues and islamophobia there, but still, it's a wishlist. 

I grew up watching American movies and of course some really rooted deep. Cities that are on the list are San Fransisco, Chicago, New York, and Maine. It will be a whole new chapter just to discuss about America, because I love the country, but the idea of racism scares me. I hope the world will be a better place for people of colour.

DayOwl/Shutterstock.com (https://ny.curbed.com/2017/4/10/15244544/statue-of-liberty-empire-state-building-tour-tickets)

Mecca and Medina

Last but not least (I can still list some other countries or cities, but it'll be super long) is the Holly City of Mecca and Medina. I've been there for umrah but not for hajj. The ambience is really divine and pure. Too bad Mecca's cityscape nowadays is ruined by skyscrapers.

https://www.google.nl/amp/s/theprint.in/india/governance/a-look-at-medina-of-7th-century-that-imran-khan-wants-to-model-pakistan-on/89599/%3famp

Hopefully someday I can go there to perform hajj with my spouse. It will be both a bliss and a spiritual lift up.