I'd Rather Be In...

Just two weeks ago, we were complaining that the weather was not warm enough for May, and that we hadn't had much of a spring. Suddenly, we're huffing and puffing with temperatures and humidity we don't see until July and August. Like many other people, I am not ready for it at all! This is the time when we're supposed to be out and about enjoying the outdoors! Not stuck with A/C indoors, unable to even enjoy our newly cleaned or polished outdoor furniture, brushed and prepared grill, and newly planted flowers. As opposed to the previous years, we can't even go to the mall, because we are afraid of spending money at shopping, or even worse, on the way to shopping with gas prices reaching $4 per gallon (not that I've ever been a big fan of malls, but it is a good option for many people when they can no loner stand watching the fan on the ceiling).

Normally, I don't like to travel with the crowds during peak travel times and since heat signifies peak holidays, busy airports, full planes, cranky kids, and tired airline/hotel employees to me, heat always meant staying behind and dreaming of places I'd rather be, or making plans for the fall. However, since the heat is here earlier than usual, I've started my travel dreams earlier than usual as well... Here is what is on top of my "I'd rather be in..." list:

- Thailand and New Zealand: I love both of those countries and how much they offer, so I am always interested in going back in any kind of weather, economic, or political situation... I'd rather be in Thailand or New Zealand...

- Colorado: Two years ago when I quit my job in June and was looking for a place to get back to my own self, a friend of mine suggested Colorado, which turned out to be the perfect place in the whole planet. I loved the open spaces, the big blue sky, the mountains, the dry and comfortable temperatures, all the activities one can get involved in from biking to water rafting, and of course the people - the friendly, approachable, active, happy people. I think for the rest of my life, I will crave for Colorado in June since I know how amazing it is. And also because I owe so much to every person, every tree, every river, every mountain and every rock for making me feel so alive once again. I'd rather be in Colorado now...

- Belgium: This little country also has a special place in my heart as it was the first foreign county I visited. Even though I went back twice after my first trip, I've never seen Belgium in the summer, and I'd love to see the Grand Place full with people, with at least some sun shining on the buildings and its wonderful people. I'd rather be in Belgium eating mussels, frites, fondue, waffles, waterzooi, and drinking wonderful Belgian beer...

- Amsterdam: This city has always fascinated me. What inspiress so many great artists? What starts such a great trading company that goes to the edges of the world in search of goods not found anywhere else? What makes people so creative and inquisitive, and possibly so civilized and thoughtful? And of course, how does it feel to look at a Dutch masters' brush stroke and see how a simple stroke comes together with others to form a unique masterpiece? I'd rather be in Amsterdam now...

- Peru: I will be fascinated by Peru and how mystical it is until I go there and see it with my own eyes. The modern life in Lima, the history in Cuzco, the natural beauty combined with the unknown in Macchu Picchu, the local market in Pisac, the trails, roads and rivers that tie it all together, and the indigenous culture that surrounds it all makes Peru a unique place on my list. When you add the local cuisine (did you know potatoes originate in Peru? They even have a Potato Museum in Lima), which is considered the best in South America, on top of everything else, I am ready to fly tomorrow! I'd rather be in Peru...

- Ireland and Scotland: Rain makes those two countries green, but I understand they are not as much fun to visit under the rain, especially when you are driving on the left-hand side of the road looking for a tiny sign that is not in English! I'm an outdoors person, and from what I know, I'd like exploring Ireland and Scotland by walking the castles, cliffs, gardens, small towns, and cities without having to hide under a hood or an umbrella. Summer also seems to be the best time for locals to be out and about, going at it in their own ways, and enjoying the "craic." Therefore, I'd rather be in Ireland... and I'd rather be in Scotland.

The list is by far not complete... As a matter of fact, there probably are about 180 more countries to add, but for now, I think I am ready to focus on where my heart lies and where I can see more of a local life without large amounts of tourists. So, it is time to dream about what I'll do when I get to these places. Until then, good night Thailand... Good night New Zealand... Good Night Colorado... Good Night Belgium... Good night Amsterdam... Good Night Peru... Good Night Ireland... Good Night Scotland...