As Culture Editor, you would think that I must travel the world often. The reality is that I’ve never traveled outside my country, for different factors, but mostly because I’m a student. I experience culture through languages, that’s my passion. I like reading what’s happening around the world, I like talking with people from other countries, this way I can vision the world and learn more about what to expect when I finally visit my dream destinations.
Here are my top 5 destinations that I will visit in the future (and I say will because I’m a strong believer of “If you can dream it, you can achieve it”)
China
Via Pinterest
Oh, my dear China. Since little I’ve had a fascination for Asian culture, but mostly for Chinese culture. There’s something in the colors in Chinese art, the patterns, the traditional clothes they use, that calls me every time. The façade of the historic buildings look so elegant, they make me want to be there. And as a language enthusiast, the way they write is so curious to me, how they literally gave meaning to drawings, how every tiny drawing is a syllable, how every word has a tone and at a slight difference in said tone you could be saying something completely different. I also had the opportunity to share with Chinese people while studying Mandarin and it was a very wholesome experience. Like in every culture, they each have a personality but overall, they are very polite and thankful every time you do or give something to them. They have a lot of ambitions and work really hard to achieve their goals, and I think that’s something everyone should imitate. I also got to participate in the celebration of the Chines New Year, one of the most magical experiences I’ve ever had. It’s beautiful to see how they bring a little piece of their country and how they are proud of it no matter where they are. Everything was decorated with red and gold, there were different presentations including Chinese Lions. While I’m aware that China isn’t as magical as the media paints it, I still want to visit, because there’s beauty in everything. 我想日后去中国!
India
When I say I want to visit India someday, people usually give me a weird look. Some have the misconception that India is very poor and dirty, and how wrong they are! Obviously, like in every country, there’s poverty, but India has a lot to offer. I fell in love with India when I started dancing Bollywood for my Quinceañera party. The movies were a plus. I would love to try their food and to wear their clothes. I just love the colors and details in every Saree, I hear the music and my body dances on its own. I would like to visit the wonderful Taj Mahal in Agra, I know is a cliché, but it has always been a dream to go there, ever since I saw Aladdin when I was a little girl. I would also like to visit Varanasi, one of the oldest cities of the world, and sail on the Ganges river while enjoying a colorful view.
Italy
Via Pinterest
My love for Italy bloomed when I started studying Italian in college. I never thought I would learn so much about their culture! Italy is more than pasta and pizza; the history of this country is one of the most interesting ones and you can see it all through their historical buildings and art. Vadi a Venezia e dopo puoi muori, it’s something my Italian professor used to say, and I believe this is why one of my biggest dreams is to visit Venice, this place holds a certain magic you can only witness while visiting. I’m a hopeless romantic and I love the idea of getting in a tiny boat to enjoy the city. As a fashion enthusiast, my dream is to visit Milan. The artist inside me tells me I definitely have to visit Rome. There’s so much I want to see and want to do in Italy that I literally don’t know what to write or choose first. I guess I’ll decide it when I’m finally there.
Japan
I want to visit Japan, and no, is not because I’m a weeb. Okay, fine, it has something to do with that but also Japan is a beautiful place. Imagine walking between the cherry blossoms! It’s gonna be like being in an anime! In Japan there are lots of exclusive stores such as the Pokemon Center, and as a collector and a pop culture geek I cannot miss the opportunity. I aspire to walk within the walls of the Fushimi Inari shrine wearing a colorful kimono and to experience the eternal autumn of the Toshogu Shrine. Japan is a lot about history and art; from just looking at pictures, you can feel all the stories and you can almost see the ancestors there, imagine if you can be present!
South Korea
South Korea is more than just K-Pop and K-Dramas, they are technology and modernity. Seoul, the capital city, is overflowing with modern architecture, and it is also the most urban place. Here is where most of the famous people and places are located, like the Seoul Tower, the Lotte World amusement park, and the Changdeokgung Palace. I cannot wait to visit the famous Jeju Island that everyone talks about, it’s a perfect place for a nature lover. Busan is the other city one must definitely visit because of their temples full of Korean history… and also their food. Getting a picture and enjoy the night view of the Gwang An Bridge is definitely a must! Wear a Hanbok while walking the streets must be really interesting too! And let’s not forget about watching the Han River and spill all my secrets there… There is so much to do in South Korea!
These are just a few of the places I want to visit someday, I have that hunger for exploring, be it accompanied or alone.
Awkwardly Vain 