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TOP 10Backpacking through Europe, Asia and America promises to be a once in a lifetime experience and along the way we will see some amazing sights that will stay with us for the rest of our days.
We keep being asked what we are most looking forward to doing on our big trip. It is very difficult to choose but we have had a think and drawn up a list of the top ten sights, places and activities that excite us the most.
1. SWIMMING WITH DOLPHINS
On a recent TV show 50 things to do before you die, this came out on top and it is something that we have wanted to do for as long as we can remember. From what I have heard this is the most unbelievable and indescribable experience you can imagine and the anticipation of realising this dream in the Florida Keys is immense. We can not wait to tell you about it, if we can put the feeling into words.
2. THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA
Probably Asia's most famous tourist attraction, but 16th in the 50 things list. The Great Wall stretches c. 4000 miles from Shanhaiguan on the east coast to Jiayuguan in the Gobi Desert. Originally built during the Qin dynasty (221-207 BC) it is claimed that this is the only man made object visible from space with the naked eye. We won't walk its entire length but we are keen to see for ourselves what it is about this structure that made former US President Nixon say 'it sure is a great wall'.
3. THE GRAND CANYON
Having visited the canyon before I can vouch that this is truly a place of awesome beauty and deserved of the title of one of the greatest natural wonders of the world. Strange then that viewing the canyon, albeit in a helicopter, made only number 20 in the 50 things list. We aim to be two of the 5 million people who visit this attraction every year and plan to hike into the canyon and spend a night in its village. At its deepest point the canyon drops almost 1 mile and the panoramic views that this produces is breathtaking. I have witnessed it make people cry.
4. PARIS
Behind San Francisco, Paris is the second most popular tourist destination in the world and is arguably the most romantic. Despite being only 9.5km by 11km, the 20 districts that make up Paris houses possibly more landmarks than any other city in the world including the Louvre, Palais Royal, Champs-Elysees, Arc de Triomphe and of course the Eiffel Tower. Although right at the begining of our journey I am sure that Paris will provide one of the major highlights of our big trip.
5. NEW YORK
New York is arguably the most famous city in the world and visiting there (via concorde) was 3rd in the 50 things list. I have been to Manhatten twice and it is a great place, lively, vibrant, diverse and contrary to popular belief, full of friendly colourful characters.
New York is unlike any place I have ever experienced and I absolutely love it. Home to world famous attractions like the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, Central Park and Broadway, I am looking forward to seeing how The Big Apple has adapted to life post September 11th.
6. NORTHERN LIGHTS
The Northern Lights came out 10th in the 50 things list and my friend Kimmy in Canada tells me this is something that we should not miss. I hope that we will be lucky enough to see this when we visit her. Several people have waxed lyrical about this and we have seen pictures of the aurora borealis on television. It looked amazing then and we can not wait to see what it is like in the flesh.
7. THE OSLO-BERGEN RAILWAY
Ordinarily sitting on a train for 7 hours does not sound like the most appealing of activities, however the Oslo-Bergen Railway is reputedly one of the most scenic routes in the world. Connecting the 2 largest cities in Norway this journey will take us through some of the most striking natural scenery in Europe, passing through a majestic mix of forests, alpine villages, snow capped mountains, fjords, glaciers and lakes. Although this journey did not make the 50 things list it comes highly recommended and is supposed to be like travelling into a different world. We are very much looking forward to seeing this for ourselves.
8. NIAGARA FALLS
Wondering at a waterfall was 27th on the 50 things list and although I have been to Niagara Falls twice I am looking forward to sharing this experience with Cath. When I went there previously I was a little too young to truly appreciate this natural wonder and I hope to make up for it now. We are keen to get as close to the source as possible to truly experience its power although unlike others I do not think that we will be trying to tackle this landmark on a tightrope or in a barrel.
9. ROME
The Lonely Planet comments that Rome is a 'phenomenal concentration of history, legends and monuments'. For the traveller, attractions such as the Colosseum, the Vatican and the Baths of Caracalla simply make Rome a must see city. Strange then that it failed to make the 50 things list. With so much to see and do this promises to be one of the most fulfilling parts of our big trip. Not least when I realise my life long dream of eating an authentic Italian pizza!
10. AUSCHWITZ
It is hard to see Auschwitz as a tourist attraction given its macabre association with the holocaust. Nevertheless I believe that it is a place everyone should visit, if only to gain some first hand insight into one of the greatest human inflicted tragedies of all time and to recognise how lucky we are. Those who think it has no relevance to them or would rather just ignore it, are missing the point entirely.
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