1. Spain. I've wanted to go to Spain ever since I saw a documentary on PBS about the area the Moors conquered hundreds of years ago. There's so much history to see, buildings with color and interesting architecture, the sea, diverse culture, and great food. The documentary didn't really go into the food, but around that same time, there was a cooking show also on PBS with a Spanish chef that would travel around Spain and cook regional dishes while showing the local cultures and history.
2. England. Sure, I'd like to see London and all its sites, but I'm mostly interested in traveling the countryside. I want to see the villages and all the old churches! Also, my husband's mom is from England and he's lived there twice in his life, once as a kid and once while stationed there in the Air Force. I want to go to the village his mom's family is from and look up his ancestors in the local cemetery. I love old cemeteries! Also on my to-do list in England, go to a curry shop. I love curry and in all the British shows I enjoy, they always go out for a curry.
3. Denmark. My mom's family is from Denmark, practically all of her ancestors, in fact. Again, I think it would be neat to look up the grave sites of some of my ancestors while over there. Also, I've heard Denmark, and Copenhagen in particular, is really amazing. If I had my druthers, I'd spend half my time there in Copenhagen and half the time exploring the countryside.
4. Sweden and Norway. Years ago, I watched a cooking show on PBS called New Scandinavian Cooking. One season, the male chef was Norwegian and cooked all over Norway, showcasing different local attractions and cuisines. The next season, the female chef was Swedish and did the same thing but in Sweden. I liked how I got to see the different dishes and a little bit of the countries. Both countries look beautiful and I'd love a long time to explore both!
5. Japan. My older brother spent two years in northern Japan and came back with wonderful stories and pictures. The ones that intrigued me the most were of the Cherry Blossom Festivals that take place all over the island every Spring. Ever since, I've wanted to go see them myself since I love the beauty and fragrance of cherry blossoms. Luckily, Steve has always wanted to visit Japan, too!
6. France. For a long time, Paris was at the top of my list of places I wanted to visit. I finally accomplished it a few years ago (yay!) but there's still a lot of France that I'd like to see. First of all, I'd like to go in the Spring or Summer instead of in the dead of winter. I'd like to tour the countryside and see the chateaux and churches and village markets. I want to eat fresh bread, cheese, and chocolate, sitting on a blanket in meadow while wearing a colorful summer dress, sunglasses, and big hat. I want to speak French to waiters so they'll be nice to me (always my experience when I was in Paris, by the way). I want to read French newspapers and books and magazines. This one may never come true, quite honestly, since Steve is typically military and English in his dislike of the French. If he ever went with me to France, it would be very begrudgingly. Maybe someday, I'll go with girlfriends on a girls only trip????
7. China. I want to see the Gum Drop mountains and the Great Wall and rice patties.
8. Germany and Austria. Steve lived in Germany while in the Air Force and speaks highly of it. I'd also like to explore the castles and go to Oktoberfest (although I don't drink beer). Both Germany and Austria have so many historical sites I'd like to visit, although I don't really think I could handle Auschwitz, one I'd like to see but don't think ever will. I'm a wuss.
9. Australia/New Zealand. I'd love to see an opera or any other type of show in the Sydney Opera House, to explore the Outback, to see a live kangaroo not in a zoo, and to come home calling everyone "Mate". I know people who know what's cool to see in Australia and would totally hit them up for suggestions before I go.
10. Any Tropical Island. I'm talking perfect sandy beaches, perfect weather, huts on the beach, high-caliber resort and restaurant, alcohol-free fruity drinks after a swim in the salty water and sun bathing, and a romantic dinner on the beach with my hubby followed by dancing the night away. Teehee. I totally can't Steve ever going for this, but you never know. A girl can dream, right???