Friday, November 7, 2014

Vacation Spot: Not


Photo from google search

Today's post is a NaBloPoMo* prompt with the following questions, "Where is the one place you would never want to go on vacation that other people seem to love?"

Forgive me dear readers for 'cheating' - it feels to me - a bit due to the time element of blogging a post today. I wasn't home long before I stepped out to head to an all candidates meeting for the upcoming political election in the City of North Vancouver where I live. I felt it was important for me to do so to become acquainted with the current representatives, issues, and viewpoints.

The theme for today on vacation is an interesting one for me: I haven't travelled extensively. Though I have been abroad to my homeland twice, i.e., The Netherlands (nicknamed 'Holland') and my Mom's home country, Austria - beautiful countries in different ways - I have only travelled through the States to Utah from Toronto where I lived for a number of years plus surrounding suburbs, visited Calgary on two occasions, been to Point Roberts, and Bellingham, Washington in the States (U.S.A.).

When I think of it, I haven't even travelled in BC (British Columbia) that much either. I have gone however as far north as Whistler and the Sunshine Coast area, as far south as Delta where the ferries take you to Vancouver Island, as far east as Harrison Hot Springs, and as far west as Tofino, a community renowned for storm watching and surf riding – on the western part of Vancouver Island. That’s not too bad, except that I have lived in Vancouver and area for over 20 years: Wow! Already!

With respect to the original question above as I got sidetracked, the first place that comes to mind is China, and another is Mexico City and other parts of Mexico.

I equate China with overpopulation, pollution, communism, and a lack of security due to lack of communication. Cultural history may be of importance and of a curious nature, but other than that perhaps, I consider myself far removed emotionally and mentally to consider ever landing there. On the other hand, from a young age, my only nephew has had a strong interest and passion for China, even as far as to teach English as a Second Language (ESL) there.

The other place I would never want to go on vacation that other people seem to love is Mexico, at least the capital for similar reasons to above: polluted and overpopulated, and I also would feel safer elsewhere than where drugs and crime go hand in hand.

Where would I want to travel you may wonder? First and foremost the Yukon as well as Alaska to experience the pristine wilderness, wildlife, and the Northern Lights; Italy for their lyrical language, culture (primarily the arts), and cuisine (foods and wine); and India to experience devotion and spirituality through kirtans in Sanskrit, and their rich history and culture.

Check out http://www.elephantjournal.com/2011/07/spiritual-ecstasy-through-the-ancient-art-of-kirtan-steven-j-rosen-satyaraya-das/ or http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kirtan for information about kirtan.

My favourite female kirtan singer is Snatam Kaur...more about her in a future post (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snatam_Kaur). Here she starts off translating I assume in English followed by Sanskrit.



Where would you not wish to travel and where would you? And why?

I am linking this to NaBloPoMo and Write Tribe Bloggers.

16 comments:

  1. Do visit India, Elly and hope you enjoy our rich and diverse cultural heritage, history and geographical diversity,traditions, food and people! And hope we meet too :)

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    1. I would love to and hope to some day Shilpa. It would be great to meet you and my other Indie blogger friends! ;) <3

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  2. Somehow China never appealed to me ever. I dont know if I could stand that much of an oppressive attitude...

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    1. Yes, I agree for me too and I think for the same reason in part Roshan. I don't at all blame you! :) <3

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  3. Most of Africa is on my list of places not to travel to. There's just something about the continent and the negative political situations there that put me off. The Middle East gives me the same feelings, and I wouldn't put that part of the world on my wish list either. China on the other hand really does appeal to me, but only for a short visit. Same with Japan :)

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    1. That makes sense regarding the 'negative political situations' as you say Lexi. No worries. I think China would be intriguing in terms of their Great Wall...is that what appeals to you? ;) <3

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  4. Hmm well I think I can never go to Pakistan...Just don't feel safe somehow...I loved Netherlands by the way...So beautiful! Do come to India, you'll love it!


    Random Thoughts Naba - Writing the 'Uneasy' Out...

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    1. Yes, which is why I prefer not to go to Mexico, at least certain areas and other countries do fit that bill though I didn't mention them all. ;) Yes, the Netherlands is rather picturesque...whereabouts did you go? I was born in the southeastern most part; however, lived in Amsterdam before we moved to Canada. I hope India will become a reality some day... :) <3

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  5. Interesting post... I usually have this loong list of places that I do want to travel to. But let me think... I guess the north and south pole are not on my list and many places in south-America and Africa too...

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    1. I think the poles, other than the cold, would be an extremely intriguing place to visit with its remote wilderness and wildlife. And South America and parts of Africa with its colourful heritage; however, I can see why it may not appeal to you Eli. Rather, travel to places that call you! :) <3

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  6. I left you a response this morning, and thought maybe it went to moderation, but I still don't see it. I hesitate to say there is somewhere I don't want to go. I really thought about that prompt. I couldn't bring myself to say I don't want to travel somewhere. Yes, there I places I wouldn't want to reside, but I love to travel and learn about other cultures.

    I HIGHLY recommend Italy. When I toured Europe during high school it was one of our stops. It was the one place I wasn't excited about going, and the one place that I absolutely fell in love with. I can't wait to return some day!!!!

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    1. In future, probably best to type your comment, copy it, then paste it 'cause that happens a lot - the comment just disappears! It's certainly great to learn about other cultures through travel, probably the best way! And yes, Italy would be a dream for me too! ;) Forgive me for noting Carrie, but your last name does have the word 'trip' in it so perhaps you are destined to travel? ;) <3

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  7. Hey come on over Elly. I think you'll love it here in India. Umm I've been to Italy once but it was too short a trip. I think I'd like to do Rome and Venice and Florence - all over again. Specially Rome.

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    1. Thanks Tulika, I'm sure I would love it and same with Italy. ;) <3

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  8. I would love if you come to India. You will love New Delhi. There is so much to see in Delhi. You have an open invitation to stay with me. We have a big house.My son's friends from all over the world stay with us, when ever they come to India.

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    1. I would love if I do too Usha, though I don't think it's anytime soon. And you are SO sweet and kind to invite me to be a guest in your home. If things change, I will certainly let you know! ;) <3

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