China

One place that has many historic and very interesting landmarks is China. I would like to experience all of them. I would like to go to The Great Wall of China, The Terracotta Army, The Forbidden City, and the Stadiums that held the 2008 Olympic Games.

I would like to see The Great Wall of China to learn more about its rich history. I want to learn more about how, why and when it was built. I know that it was built to protect China, but I want to learn in more depth. I also know that it was built over many dynasties. It is amazing to think about this structure because it was built before modern machinery.  The Great Wall is a very recognizable monument that can even be seen from outer space.

The Terracotta Army is a large, life-size army made out of terracotta clay. It was built to be with Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s in his after life. When they were found in 1974, they were lined up in battle formation as a real army would. I think that it is interesting that the Chinese would make 7,000 clay soldiers for one person. I recently read  about how during the New Years celebration, people were burning paper iPads and iPhones to send to their deceased family members. These people have the same thinking as the people who made the Terracotta Army. They both want their deceased loved ones to be in peace in their afterlife.

The Forbidden City was home to 24 emperors and is 720,000 square meters in area. The Chinese supported their emperors and spared no expense to keep them as happy and safe as possible. The walls are thick enough to withstand cannonballs. I would like to see The Forbidden City for myself and all of the grand amenities the emperors were given.

As I said in my London blog, I love the summer Olympics. I would love to do nothing more than to see the astounding structures that housed the past summer Olympic Games. I am a big swimmer and the “Water Cube” is a beautiful facility that I dream of swimming in. I would love to swim in a pool where such amazing swimmers like Michael Phelps once swam.

So many things in China interest me and I hope to visit one day soon.

Disneyland

Now that I have talked about Disney World I cannot forget to reflect on my experience at Disneyland. Though many people like Disney World better, it is hard to compare the two. They are both very different. Disneyland is much smaller and older than Disney World but still has all of the magic. Disneyland was where the magic started. It opened in the 1950's and was mostly designed by Walt Disney himself. Disneyland may be smaller but it has features to it that Disney World will never have. For example, as a guest there are less lines and waits. Less waits means you can see more rides and attractions during your visit.  It will improve your entire experience.

One thing that I like to do at both parks is eat the junk food at main street USA. I remember vividly doing this at Disneyland. I loved eating a churro for breakfast and ice cream for lunch. At Disneyland I can do whatever I want and it seems ok.

I also like seeing the beautiful fireworks that Disneyland has to offer. For the 50^th anniversary tribute, Disney created a new and extravagant firework show. This display of fireworks represents the three parts of Disneyland. In the winter months the show ends with simulated snowfall. The best view of fireworks is on Main Street USA. From Main Street USA you can see all fireworks exploding over Sleeping Beauty’s castle and get the full experience.

If you find yourself in California, be sure to visit Disneyland and experience some of the magic that I’ve had the chance to see.

Mexico

Mexico is a place I’ve been but am not ready to  go back to. I went to Acapulco, Mexico several years ago and had a lot of fun. I swam with dolphins and explored the Mexican culture. I went spent much of my trip at the resort swimming in the pools, playing on the beach and participating in a sea turtle release. We also went into the local town to see the famous sites and shop. I enjoyed Mexico a lot.

During my trip I did many things that made my experience one to remember. My most memorable moment was when I swam with the dolphins. I have always found dolphins interesting because of their intelligence and grace. I loved swimming with them and felt very one with nature. During my experience I was able to kiss the dolphin and was pushed across the pool by them.

We stayed in Mexico for two full weeks and also experienced one of the most famous attractions in Acapulco, the cliff divers. Watching these men climb up a shear cliff and then dive into the water was scary and amazing to see. They need to time the waves just perfectly to have enough water to catch them. After the show the divers came and talked to all the people who were watching. 

Another thing that made my experience exciting was exploring the culture and towns around my hotel. I remember that most of the people were wearing very colorful clothes. They were different than what we wear in the US.  Another thing that I remember is a market place that we shopped at and bought many things that we still have today. Many of them remind me of the vibrant culture in Mexico.

Unfortunately, things have changed in Mexico for the worse. There are many gangs in Mexico that threaten the people living there and the tourists that visit. There are some parts that are safer than others but even Acapulco has become unsafe.  There is one event that I heard about that is unforgettable. At a market place where I once shopped, a gang pulled up in a van and threw the heads of murdered police officers into the market place. What is happening in Mexico now did not change my view on my vacation. I enjoyed my trip to Mexico and hope that one-day things change and I will be able to go back.

Washington DC

A map of the museums in DC

One place that I love to go to is Washington D.C. I have been there many times already and would love to go many more times. Every time I go to Washington DC there is something new and fun to do. There are many museums, some that are fun and some that are interesting but depressing. For example there is the Air and Space Museum but there is also the Holocaust Museum. All of these museums have a lot to offer and to learn. I have always liked Airplanes and the Air and Space Museum lets me learn more every time I visit. I really like learning about the evolution of the airplane. The Holocaust Museum  is a very somber place but there is a lot that can be learned. I enjoyed learning about Adolf Hitler’s rise and fall of power. Even though it was sad it was interesting to learn about how his ideology was believed by so many people.

Another reason I like visiting Washington DC is that my aunt lives in the area. I rarely see my aunt, so when I do get to see her I try to spend as much time as I can with her. My aunt also has a dog, Phin. I love him too. He is such a sweet dog and always wants to play. My aunt just got engaged and with her upcoming wedding I can’t wait to be a part of it. I love my aunt so much, and when I get to see her, I cherish every moment.

The National Mall

One last thing that I would like to do is to see all of the monuments on the mall. I have been to a few of the monuments but I would like to eventually go to all of them. I have been to the Washington Monument and the Lincoln memorial. I would like to see each monument.  Each one is a trip in itself so I will only be able to see a few each visit. I hope to see and learn about each monument and the rich history of Washington DC.

Haiti

Earthquake destruction in Port Au Prince

Almost two years ago a horrible earthquake hit Haiti. Since then, I have been inspired by all of the people that have gone to help. One day I would like to help too. I recently read a story about a doctor that has gone to Haiti and had a very traumatic experience. Doctor H. Lee Kagan was sent to work at an E.R. which was out of his expertise and a challenge in itself. He had not seen the confusion of the E.R. since medical school that was decades ago. Late one night a rape victim was brought in to the hospital. It had been years since Doctor H Lee Kagan had encountered this type of situation. This made him feel vey uncomfortable and anxious. When given a chance to let someone else do the job, he was happy to agree. The nurse performing the exam was not sympathetic to the victim’s feelings. Doctor H Lee Kagan froze up and was unable to step in and make the patient feel better. He was ashamed that he wasn’t lending a helping hand, but could not push himself to help. Later in the night he couldn’t sleep because of his inaction. He used his tablet computer to stream live webcams around the world. For that moment he escaped the horrors that surrounded him.

The cover for a song made to raise money
for Haiti after the earthquake

This heart-wrenching story has made me want to experience Haiti for myself. I am inspired to see all of the rebuilding efforts in Haiti. I know Haiti is not a wealthy country but I hope after the construction workers go home, they will have helped make a new Haiti with less poverty. I also hope to try to help in some way. Even if it is something that is easily unnoticed like donating money. I know that it can make a big difference in someone’s life. It would also be nice to help rebuild a house or building. It would be great to look at something that you built and know that it will help so many people. Haiti is a very interesting place to go and learn. I hope to go one day.

The Big Apple

Me in NYC with the Empire State Building behind me

One place that I have been, but would like to go again and to try new things, is New York City. The Big Apple has so many fun things to do that it is impossible to do a fraction of them during a day trip. I would love to spend a full week in New York City. When I go I would like to go in the Empire State Building, take a bus tour, and go on a helicopter tour.

The Empire State Building is one of the most iconic buildings in New York.   I think it would be exciting to take a tour and see what so many have already seen. The first thing that I would do is go to the observation deck. I would love to see the panoramic views from this famous building. I would like to look out through binoculars and see the Hudson River, Ground Zero, and Times Square. I would also like to see the new exhibit on the 80^th floor called, Dare to Dream. The exhibit is a tribute to everyone who helped build the tower. I have always been interested in architecture and construction. I would love to learn about how the building was constructed so quickly and so beautifully.

I would also like to experience a Hop On/Off bus tour. This would allow me to explore the city.  You can get off one bus and then hop on the next one when you are finished at a tourist attraction.  During the tour I could get off at the Empire State Building and look around for a while and then get back on a different bus and go to Times Square.  I would be able to see whatever I want whenever I want to.

Another thing that sounds interesting and fun is a helicopter tour of New York. This would give me another viewpoint of The Big Apple. During the tour I would see New York through a birds eyes. I would be able to see how tall the buildings in the city really are. I would be able to see the scale of the buildings and how they compare to their surroundings.

Antarctica

Antarctica's mountains

I have never been one for the cold, but after reading about Antarctica, I have a new opinion.

I have always liked to ski and would like to ski in Antarctica. I would not like to ski down the mountains of Antarctica because the mountains are very large and icy. However, kite skiing sounds fun.  Kite skiing is when you are skiing on a flat surface, but pulled by a kite. It would be fun to ski with the power of the wind. At the same time it would be fun to see the beautiful and exotic landscape that makes Antarctica famous. I would also like to go dogsledding. Dogsledding is when dogs are pulling you over  flat ground. I have seen people do it in movies and think that it would be neat to try. I love dogs too. It would be interesting to learn how the dogs live in such remote climates.

Accomodations 

In the article I read, it described Antarctica as, “ Still remote and exotic. Now luxurious too.” It would be cool to experience Antarctica with all the comforts of a normal hotel. It would be nice to overlook the cold and rugged landscape, but at the same time be in a heated room. To travel to Antarctica you can take a plane or a cruise.  If you plan to stay, you could stay at a camp such as the Antarctic Ice Camp  . While there you stay in a comfy tent that is naturally heated by the sunlight. The camp is only accessible by air. This seems like a fun option.  It lets you enjoy Antarctica naturally.

How you arrive

One last thing that I would like to do, is to go on a long hike around Antarctica. I would like to spend a day wandering around and seeing everything Antarctica has to offer. I would like to see the mountains, and the animals, and see how they live in such cold conditions. Antarctica seems like a fun place to go and is much different from other places that I have visited in the past. I hope to be able to enjoy it one day.