Not the only language

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I grew up moving around a lot.  I’ve written about that before.  There were a great many privileges to this childhood, and one of them is that we traveled.  Hilary and I wrote our names on the Berlin Wall, saw more cathedrals than I can count, and visited far-flung corners of the United Kingdom like Northern Ireland and the Isle of Jersey.  There are still a lot of places that I want to go, though. There are also places that I have been but want to go with Grace and Whit, because I want them to experience them or because they were important spots for me (London, where Matt and I both lived for periods of time [separately], is near the top of this second list).

I’ve written before about my deep desire that Grace and Whit see the world. Whatever I can do to help with that, I will.  By traveling and seeing the grand sweep of this planet, I believe we understand both the enormity that we’re a part of and the tiny place we have in it.  We learn, both literally and figuratively, that ours is not the only language in this world.

Years ago, at a birthday dinner, the man of honor asked people to go around the table and say the one place they hadn’t been and really wanted to go.  It was a great question for a group, and I’m curious how you would answer, too.  What’s the one place you are most eager to travel to?  My list is below.  #1 is what I answered at that birthday dinner, and it’s still #1 today.

Istanbul

Saint Petersburg

Egypt

Alaska

Where do you want to go?

 

11 thoughts on “Not the only language”

  1. We want to go to Istanbul with you! I also would love to go to Egypt and Alaska. I think my trip to St. Petersburg (Leningrad) in 1991 started my travel addiction…
    My list also has: Namibia, South Africa (both hopefully next summer), Peru, Belize, Thailand

  2. So many places but the current list:

    New Zealand
    Cuba
    Turkey
    Israel
    Egypt
    Bora Bora or Bali
    Galapagos
    Rome and Milan (anywhere in Italy other than Tuscany where I’ve been)
    Prague & Central Europe
    Scandinavian summer cruise that ends up in St Petersburg

  3. Iceland, Belize, Peru, New Zealand, Hawaii, Alaska, and Japan are all in my top ten (this from the woman who doesn’t like to fly haha). Perhaps Poland too (my family roots). Between this post and being hooked on Anthony Bourdain’s CNN travel/culinary show, I’m getting the itch to go to one of these soon!

  4. Spain (I regret not going a few years back while visiting England)
    New Zealand
    Japan
    Bora, Bora

  5. Scandanavia esp Norway
    Greece esp the islands
    Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island
    Scotland
    Italy (I’ve been once but so much to see)

    Thanks for the chance to daydream!

  6. Ohhh I love this question, and browsing through the answers. On my list:

    A road trip through Morocco
    Japan
    Portugal
    Florence, Italy
    Bolivian Salt Flats
    Patagonia

  7. The Lakes District in England
    The Scottish Highlands
    Acadia National Park

    We went to Istanbul two years ago and it is simply amazing. There is a stone ramp in Hagia Sophia that takes you from the ground floor to the “balcony” level. It’s low ceilinged and rutted with the feet of centuries of worshippers. You can almost feel the ghosts of times past. The bazaar is teeming with people and spices. And the food….

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