From the first time I ever created a resume for myself, I added ”travel” as one of my interests and that hasn’t changed ever since. This was as far back as 2010. I believe travelling is a great way to really see the world, learn, explore and grow as a person.
I love adventures, I love meeting people, I love learning about other people’s cultures, I love old buildings (they are really beautiful), I love the views on the plane, I love discovering new places and sharing my experiences with the world. So you can imagine how long my travel bucket list is.
Last year, I decided to start visiting a country I have never been to before each year and I started with Kenya. Fortunately, I also visited Canada last year. This year, I have been to Mauritius and I hope to visit another new country before the end of the year. The five countries I am sharing with you today are on top of my list because of all the lovely Instagram pictures I have seen from these countries, the views from movies, the tales people that have been there shared and also, my curiosity.
1. PARIS
Of course, Paris has to be on the top of my list. I still can’t believe I haven’t been here and stopping over and walking around the airport certainly doesn’t count. I haven’t met anyone that doesn’t want to visit Paris. I’d very much like to take my own picture by the Eiffel tower, take an aesthetic photo of a gelato then eat it. Visit Musée du Lovre, Musée d’Orsay, Palais-Royal, Disneyland Paris, Palace of Versailles and make amazing memories to last a lifetime some day.
2. SINGAPORE
Since I watched Crazy Rich Asians, I’ve been curious about this country. I researched her history, culture and people and also watched some old Youtube videos from CNN‘s channel about her. The more I researched, the more I fell in love, and the more it moved up my bucket list. I want to walk around town and see all the huge skyscrapers with architecture that is out of this world. I want to try their food because it’s rare to find a restaurant that serves strictly Singaporean food. I also want to visit Sentosa Island and Singapore Chinatown.
3. CHINA
My Dad has been to China a number of times and I don’t know why he wouldn’t take me. Okay, maybe I haven’t really insisted because he goes for work and I only want to go for play. This is the only country that never stops intriguing me because of its growth. It’s the only country I want to visit solely because of curiosity. Besides the fact that it’s the world’s most populous country in the world, her advancement over the years is impressive and attractive. Well, I also want to see The Great Wall, The Forbidden City/The Imperial Palace in Beijing and take a photo on the stairs, buy human hair and a few things I probably wouldn’t need.
4. ITALY
When I do visit Italy, I want to go to Venice, Rome and Milan. Who wouldn’t want to visit the fashion capital of the world? definitely not me. The photos I see from these cities appear in my dreams and I am not exaggerating. I love how peaceful the country seems and I already told you that I love old buildings and there are lots of it in Italy. I know for sure that I will do a lot of shopping besides taking in the beautiful cites of the city . I love Italian food so I will like to experience its true taste. I hope y’all know that food tastes better in its country of origin right? I need to eat pasta and pizza and take photos of my food at the posh outdoor cafes and restaurants we see in movies.
5. SOUTH AFRICA
There are a lot of African countries on my list but right now, South Africa is at the top. Besides the fact that Cape Town is beautiful with breathtaking views (and I can’t believe I haven’t seen it yet), I also want to learn more about the country than what I have read in books and seen on TV. Yes, I want to go to Table Mountain and take a photo at the top. Yes, I want to visit the Apartheid Museum. Yes, I want to go to the Safari and see more animals because the ones I saw in Kenya are not enough. Yes, I want to see more of Africa.
It will be really nice if I didn’t have to first hustle to get visas to visit the places on my bucket list but I never let that stop me. I hope to strike one of these places out this year.
What five places are on the top of your travel bucket list?
Mariam Shittu
MARIAM SHITTU 
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