I say they're related, because now I prefer being transported to another world/country/place in a book, than actually travelling to the places. I know this may sound odd, but my health has deteriorated, which makes flying almost impossible; my anxiety knows no bounds when my brain lets it know that I'm boarding a plane; more importantly, my traveller needs are satisfied at the moment.
I wanted to talk about some of the places I've been. It can be hard not going on so many holidays a year now, so I like to remind myself of my favourite places on down days. Here are my top 6 holiday destinations (in no particular order).
1. Gambia, Africa.
I'm not sure why, but whenever someone asks me what my favourite holiday was as a child, this is always my answer. We had to have several injections and take medication to go, but I'd do it all again tomorrow. I have never felt as relaxed and carefree, as I did on that holiday. It was scorching hot, we couldn't really use the pool, we weren't supposed to leave the hotel for safety reasons - but it was fantastic. Mind you, that didn't stop my mum from taking me to a monkey sanctuary. We fed them nuts and had lunch with the locals, it was utterly fantastic, and a once in a lifetime experience.
2. New York, North America.
This is an easy one. I love cities. Even though I hate crowds, I hate busy places - cities are my favourite. Everyone that knows me always says how strange that is, but it's true. There was something so magical about New York. I think it helped that I went around Christmas time, and it snowed pretty much the whole time. I even went on a helicopter ride over New York City and sat at the front with the pilot, it was absolutely surreal.
3. (Disneyland) France, Europe.
I've been here 3 times now. Disneyland Paris is without doubt, my favourite place in the world. As I type this, I can feel tears stinging my eyes. I aim to go here at least once a year, even now - it's just my home. When I'm there, everything just feels right. My chronic illness doesn't play up, my anxiety lessens - it really has magical powers. And I love meeting Princesses; I'll never be too old for that.
4. Egypt, Africa.
When I was 13/14, I was lucky enough to go on a Nile Cruise. I was obsessed with Egyptology from a very young age and Anubis was probably my favourite person growing up. The Nile Cruise is something I remember so vividly. We saw so many amazing sights in Egypt, I couldn't possibly name them all - it was just beautiful. It was also the place I first tried broccoli - yay?
5. (Disneyworld) Florida, North America.
Again, I've been here 3 times. Seems to be the recurring thing for Disney. Twice with my dad and once with my god-mum. As much as I love Disneyworld, if you really think I'm sitting on a plane for 12 hours +, when I can hop on a 2 hour train to Disneyland - you're wrong. It was always magnificent though, Universal Studios is incredible and I'll never forget the first time I went on The Mummy Ride and realising how much I loved roller-coasters.
6. Turkey, Europe/Asia.
I couldn't not mention Turkey. As I said earlier, we had an apartment here, on a mountain, and it really was one of the most beautiful, remote places I'd ever been. Turkey wasn't a big tourist destination at the time, and some years it felt like I was in Turkey more than I was England. But I would never complain, the escapism to that apartment was glorious and selling it was awful. Especially as I left my Pokemon Yahtzee in the wardrobe.
I have been to so many more places; to name a few: Tunisia (Africa), Gulf of Mexico (America), Majorca (Europe), Mallorca, (Europe), Ibiza (Europe), Greece (Europe), Tenerife (Europe).
Don't get me wrong, I still go on holidays - they're just very close. The maximum I can do now is a 2 hour flight to Spain, or a 2 hour train to Paris - but that's okay. If I didn't have books helping to fill the travel void, I think I'd go crazy. I'm lucky that I can find true escapism in a book, and really feel as though I'm with the characters.
I'm hoping one day my health will miraculously get better and I can travel again to my heart's content. Japan and Egypt are two destinations I hope to visit in the years to come. And if not? I always have my books.
I went to Disneyland Paris with my (now ex) wife before we had kids, and I thought it would be all for her and I'd just have to bear it, but I absolutely loved it. Now she's planning on taking the kids next year, and I'm absolutely gutted I'll miss it.
ReplyDeleteI haven't been to any of these places. Japan is on my list too.
ReplyDeleteIt must be hard for you having the option taken out of your hands, but I'm pleased that books are helping you.