What Travel Means to Me

What does it mean to travel? Technically the dictionary defines it as "going from one place to another, as by car, train, plane, or ship. For me it means so much more then going from point A to point B. Travel is synonymous with change and change involves adventure.

 

“The world is a book and those who do
not travel read only one page.” – St. Augustine

 

Traveling is an opportunity to feel freedom from the repetition of our own lives. It means immersing yourself  in the lives and customs of others and understanding the possibilities and potential outside of our insulated environment. It allows us a chance to change how we perceive the world and how the world perceives us. It isn't the destination but more about the journey and adventure.

 

“One’s destination is never a place,
but a new way of seeing things.” – Henry Miller

 

Simply going somewhere new gives you an opportunity to throw caution to the wind and allow yourself to break free from the routine of daily life. It opens a person up to the endless possibilities and chance encounters that would otherwise be missed.

 

“People travel to faraway places to watch, in fascination, t
he kind of people they ignore at home.” – Dagobert D. Runes 

 

One of the most exciting things about traveling is meeting new people who don't know you or your past. Its a chance to start new and be whoever you want to be. It puts you on an even playing field to decide what position you are best suited for where there are no preconceived conceptions in place. It opens your eyes to how others live in a way you could never imagine.

 

 “To travel is to discover that everyone is
wrong about other countries.” – Aldous Huxley

  

Meeting new people and going to new places always carries a bit of the unknown and it is the unexpected that brings an excitement to the process. It's a way to open your eyes to the world and see beyond what we know. It's a chance to talk to those you would never otherwise interact with. It's an opportunity to make memories.

I always come home with a renewed vigor and energy I certainly lacked before leaving. It leaves me refreshed and longing for the next trip to someplace new and unknown. It causes my mind to swell in new found knowledge and try to take some of what I have seen and apply it to my every day life.

 

“Travel and change of place impart
new vigor to the mind.” – Seneca

 

As a child my parents always encouraged my brother and I to leave our comfort zone and spread our wings. It was that encouragement that has always been the driving force in my life to see and experience as much as I can. If life allowed I would circle the globe time and time again looking for that next amazing experience.

China: Things to Do and See

Things to See in China

Things to see in Beijing:

1. Forbidden City: Lying at the city center it was the imperial palace for twenty-four emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It was first built throughout 14 years during the reign of Emperor Chengzu  in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Ancient Chinese Astronomers believed that the Purple Star (Polaris) was in the center of heaven and the Heavenly Emperor lived in the Purple Palace. The Palace for the emperor on earth was so called the Purple City. It was forbidden to enter without special permission of the emperor. Hence its name 'The Purple Forbidden City', usually 'The Forbidden City'.
2. Qianmen Street: It has history of more than 570 years. It was called Zhengyangmen Street during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, and finally got the present name in 1965. During the Qing Dynasty, there were many specialized outlets on either side of it, such as a meat market, cloth market and jewelry market. And there were also many craftsman workshops, warehouses and theatres in the Hutongs nearby. After more than one year's renovation, it was reopened on August 7th before the 2008 Beijing Olympics. It is a symbol of genuine local culture. It has many of China's time-honored names. Visitors can enjoy a traditional Chinese way of life.
3. Tianaman Square: Located at the center of Beijing City is the remarkable Tiananmen Square, where you can visit the Tiananmen Tower, Monument to the People's Heroes, Great Hall of the People, Chairman Mao Zedong Memorial Hall and see the national flag raising ceremony. Thousands of people come to the Square every day.
4. Summer Palace: Situated in northwest Beijing, Summer Palace is 9 miles from central Beijing. Being the largest and most well-preserved royal park in China, it greatly influences Chinese horticulture and landscape with its famous natural views and cultural interests, which also has long been recognized as 'The Museum of Royal Gardens'. The construction started in 1750 as a luxurious royal garden for royal families to rest and entertain during the hot summer months. It later became the main residence of royal members in the end of the Qing Dynasty.
5. Great Wall - Badaling Section: Badaling Great Wall, the most representative part, was promoted as a key national cultural relic, protected under the approval of the State Council in 1961. In 1988, it was enlisted in the World Cultural Heritage Directory by UNESCO. On July 7, 2007, it gained the worldwide reputation once again: it was listed among the New Seven Wonders of the World.
6. Ming Tombs & Sacred Way: Located at the foot of Tianshou Mountain, is the Ming Tombs Scenic Area, where lie the mausoleums of thirteen emperors of the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644). Since 1409 when Zhu Di, the first emperor of the Ming Dynasty, built his Changling Tomb here, the succeeding twelve emperors had their tombs built around Changling during the next 230 years, covering a total area of over 120 square kilometers (46.3 square miles). This is the best preserved tomb area with the most emperors buried.
7. National Stadium (Bird's Nest): Affectionately known as Bird's Nest, it is situated in Olympic Green Village. It was designed as the main stadium of 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. The Olympic events of track and field, football, gavelock, weight throw and discus were held there. After the Olympics ended, it has been opened as a tourist attraction. Now, it's the center of international or domestic sports competition and recreation activities. In 2022, the opening and closing ceremonies of another important sport event, Winter Olympic Games will be held here.
8. Temple of Heaven: Emperors of the Ming Dynasty and Qing Dynasty held the Heaven Worship Ceremony. It is China's largest and most representative existing masterpiece among China’s ancient sacrificial buildings. First built in 1420, the 18th year of the reign of Emperor Yongle of the Ming Dynasty, it was enlarged and rebuilt during the reigns of the Ming emperor Jiajing and the Qing emperor Qianlong. In 1988, it was opened to the public as a park, showing ancient philosophy, history and religion.

Things to See in Xian:

1. Terracotta Warriors of Xi'an: This subterranean life-size army of thousands of terracotta warriors has silently stood guard over the soul of China’s first emperor for over two millennia. Either Qin Shi Huang was terrified of the vanquished spirits awaiting him in the afterlife, or, as most archaeologists believe, he expected his rule to continue in death as it had in life (and needed terracotta muscle). Visit the aircraft hangar-sized Pit 1: it contains 6000 warriors and horses, all facing east and ready for battle.
2. Xian City Wall: The City Wall of Xian is an ancient capital of China, represent one of the oldest and best preserved Chinese city walls. Construction of the first city wall of Chang'an began in 194 BCE and lasted for four years. That wall measured 8.54 mi in length, 39–52 ft in thickness at the base. The area within the wall was roughly 14 sq mi. The existing wall was started by the Ming Dynasty in 1370. It encircles a much smaller city of 5.4 sq mi. The wall measures 8.5 mi in circumference, 39 ft in height, and 49–59 ft in thickness at the base.:
3. Wild Goose Pagoda: As the symbol of the old-line Xian, Big Wild Goose Pagoda (also called Giant Wild Goose Pagoda) is a well-preserved ancient building and a holy place for Buddhists. Originally built in 652 during the reign of Emperor Gaozong of the Tang Dynasty (618-907), it functioned to collect Buddhist materials that were taken from India by the hierarch Xuanzang.
4. Tang Dynasty Dinner Show: The Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show, a wonderful performance of the ancient music and dance, is a must when you visit Xian. The city, which was formerly known as Chang'an has a very long history, and was the imperial capital during 13 dynastic periods. Of these, the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907) was the most prosperous and glorious of all. The Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show is an outstanding exponent of this ancient stable and prosperous society, keeping alive its splendid culture and providing an insight into the peaceful life style of the period.

Things to See in Shanghai:

1. Shanghai Museum: is a large museum of ancient Chinese art. Its style and presentation surround visitors with artifacts demonstrating ancient wisdom and philosophy. The exterior design of the round dome and the square base symbolizes the ancient idea of a round heaven and a square land.The museum is divided into eleven galleries and three exhibition halls. The eleven Galleries cover most of the major categories of Chinese art: Ancient Bronze, Ancient Ceramics, Paintings, Calligraphy, Ancient Sculpture, Ancient Jade, Coins, Ming and Qing Furniture, Seals, and Minority Nationalities.
2. The Bund: one of city’s most recognizable architectural symbols and a representation of both old and new Shanghai. Located on the west bank of the Huangpu River, the 1 mile-long (1.5 km) waterfront boulevard was the site of some of the earliest foreign settlements. From here you can see sweeping view of the Lujiazui Finance and Trade Development Zone including the 2nd 7th tallest buildings in the world, Shanghai Tower and Shanghai World Financial Center.
3. The Bull: The Shanghai Bull, the Bund Financial Bull or the Bund Bull are monikers associated with a derivative of Arturo Di Modica's Charging Bull installed in late April 2010 and unveiled on The Bund in Shanghai on May 15, 2010. The 5,000-pound (2,300 kg) work of art is said to have the same height, length and weight as the New York City Charging Bull.
4. Huangpu River Cruise: Cruise along the city's main shipping artery, the Huangpu River, and enjoy sweeping views of Shanghai's cityscapes. Colonial buildings along the Bund and gleaming skyscrapers in Pudong.
5. Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe Show: founded in 1951 has performed around the globe and is a wonderful night out for visitors to Shanghai. Their movement is art - tightly choreographed and rehearsed endlessly. Acrobats display stunning feats of physical strength, balance, and skill as they juggle large porcelain urns with their feet, spin stacks of plates with ease, and tumble through the air. With a mission to bring back the grandeur and pageantry to the circus, the Shanghai Acrobatics Troupe dedicated themselves to pushing the boundaries of acrobatic technique.
6. Suzhou No.1 Silk Mill: China is known for its silk and Suzhou is most famous place for silk producing. No.1 Silk Factory in Suzhou founded in 1926 is a state-owned factory. First you can get the knowledge of the whole life of a silkworm. What is so amazing about the silk-making process is that the silkworm creates its cocoon out of a single silk thread that is continuous for approximately 3,600 feet.
7. Suzhou Grand Canal Cruise: The Grand Canal, about 1,200 miles in length, is the longest man-made waterway as well as being the greatest in ancient China, far surpassing the next two of the world: the Suez and Panama Canals. With 27 sections and 58 historical sites, it has been successfully inscribed in the World Heritage List of UNESCO in 2014. Take a cruise from Shuishang Lvyou Wharf departing every 30 minutes.
8. Garden of the Master of Nets: It is the smallest of the Suzhou residential gardens, yet it is the most impressive because of its use of space which creates the illusion of an area that is much greater than its actual size. Even more than the architectural achievement is the mood of tranquility and harmony that it embodies. This exquisite garden was first designed during the Song Dynasty as part of a residence. It was later restored and became the residence of a government official from whom the garden got its name. It is said that in a moment of frustration with bureaucracy he declared that he would rather be a fisherman than a bureaucrat.

Egypt: Things to Do and See

Things to See in Egypt

1. Pyramids of Giza: Egypt’s a country rich in both World Heritage sites and tourist clichés, and at the Pyramids of Giza you hit pay dirt on both. The sole survivor of the ancient Seven Wonders of the World, these pyramids still live up to more than 4000 years of hype. Their extraordinary shape, geometry and age render them somehow alien and their construction remains almost unfathomable. Visit at sunrise and be dumbstruck.

Jordan: Things to Do and See

Things to See in Jordan

1. Petra: Feel the anticipation as you walk the Siq, the long, dramatic chasm that links the ancient city of Petra with the outside world. Your magical introduction to the site comes with a glimpse of the Treasury, and it’s here that most visitors fall in love with the Rose-red City. As the sun makes its daily passage over the site, the colours glow from the facades of Petra’s great temples and tombs, carved out of rose-coloured rock. If you have the time, don’t miss the candle-lit night tour.

England: Things to Do and See

Things to See in England:

1. Hadrian's Wall: Named in honour of the Roman emperor who ordered it built, Hadrian’s Wall was constructed over 117km of northern England to keep the Romans (ie, subdued Brits) in, and the hairy Pictish barbarian louts from Scotland out. Close to 2000 years after the first stone was laid (in AD 122), the still-standing sections are a testament to the Roman knack for building things that last. If you fancy an epic walk in the footsteps of the legions, the weeklong Hadrian’s Wall Walk offers enough ramparts, towers and fortlets to wear your sandals out.
2. Stonehenge: People arrive at Stonehenge hoping to tap into the site’s spooky mysticism and/or marvel at the ancient engineering system that brought these huge, 4-ton blocks from a Welsh quarry up to 5000 years ago. Who built this compelling ring of rock, how, and above all, why? Theories abound – the huge upright slabs and dramatic triliths (two vertical stones topped by a horizontal one) could constitute an ancient celestial timepiece or place of sacrificial worship. Despite the noisy nearby traffic and hordes of would-be druids, it retains its monolithic power.

Mexico: Things to Do and See

Things to See in Mexico:

1. Teotihuacán: The best retreat into the ancient past from the nearby modern urban jungle of Mexico City is the stunning complex of Teotihuacán. This site, set amid what was once the greatest metropolis in Mesoamerica, is known for its two vast pyramids: Pirámide del Sol (the world’s third largest pyramid, built around AD 100 and painted bright red in its heyday) and Pirámide de la Luna (smaller and more gracefully proportioned than its sunny counterpart). Urban planners, take note: the city’s grid plan was plotted in the early parts of the 1st century AD.

Italy: Things to Do and See

Things to See in Italy

1. Pompeii: Although former residents might not think so, the Mt Vesuvius explosion in AD 79 was one of the best things that ever happened to Roman archaeology. On 24 August, the world’s most famous volcano erupted, leaving behind fascinating ruins that provide insight into the daily life of ancient Romans, perfectly preserved under 6m of ash. On Pompeii’s ancient streets, the excavated ruins are a profound and pitiful mix of the monumental and the mundane.
2. Ancient Rome: If the past is indeed a foreign country, please let its capital be Rome.  Merely the name Rome conjures up 2700 years of Western civilisation, iconic from the perfect dome topping the Pantheon to the crumbling might of the bloodstained Colosseum, by way of the ruinous Roman Forum or the catacombs of Via Appia Antica. And we can’t heap enough praise on a city that gives us la dolce vita to revel in after bringing such history lessons to life.