Why travel?

With all this writing on the many possible destinations across the globe I want to step back and recognize the importance of travel.

We live in a time when you can truly learn anything you want about particular topic thanks to the internet, but nothing compares to actually seeing, feeling, smelling and experiencing the world firsthand. 

Travel opens your mind, it allows you to experience other cultures. Travel is a great learning experience, learning that can not be taught, but only experienced. 

I developed the urge to travel from the following shows.

- No Reservations with Anthony Bourdain-- check out his blog

a retired and cynical smart-mouthed chef from NYC travels the globe discovering culture of the world through their food. 

- Discover Atlas 

this show features many countries from Australia to Italy  Japan to Mexico, Brazil and Mexico 

- The Amazing Race

The CBS show that sends individuals around the world in the longest adventure race ever. 

The urge to travel is an urge to learn, and have fun while learning through experience. 

G'day Mate

The land down under has always fascinated me. It's the first place I think of when discussing world travel. 

The "Land down under" that is Australia is home to the kangaroo, boomerangs and Foster, but it is much more than that. 

It seems many more than just me are fascinated by Australia. The new Movie "Australia" featuring Hugh Jackman, and Nicole Kidman takes the viewer back in time to the day of WWII in Australia. 

The land of Australia offers many different scenes. Land of the great outback, and beautiful coasts. There is something for everyone. 

The Outback- Check out these great destinations 

- Ayers rock- discover this magnificent red rock formation by air or by land. 

 After Ayers check out the rest of the park that houses Ayers 

- Uluru-Kata Tiuta National Park

If the outback does not appeal to you try the beautiful beaches

Coastal regions.

If you like the beach be sure to check out these great sites

- The Gold coast

A great place for relaxing beach days

Surfers paradise as it is know is home to some of the best surfers in the world

- The Great Barrier Reef 

after surfing on top of the water, go below to the calm tranquil, colorful reef. 

So what is next ?

Well I've not yet taken my first to Spain, but already I am planning my next overseas adventure. 

My next trip currently hangs in the balance. But it is looking like a trip back to Europe, but this time to Italy, and with the whole family.

The rest of my family is processing their passports for their first international trip. All looks well and the passport process is quite speedy at the time. Mine came in only 22 days... not bad considering only about a year previous it was taking almost 9 months.  

So back to the trip... the itinerary is limited because it is essentially a consulting trip for my dad, but hey it's Italy. 

The town of Milano is the destination. The fashion capitol of the world, and home to Leo Da Vinci's masterpiece. 

Quick hits of the Milano's Top 5--

1. Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie

home to the masterpiece-- the last supper

2. Piazza del Duomo

the four masterpieces of renaissance architecture

3. Museo Nazionale della Scienza e della Tecnica 

home to many of Da Vinci's inventions

4. street cafes

Milano and all of Italy have the best espresso and baked goods

5. A.C. Milan-- San Siro

The season lasts from Aug.- May.

Where in the World is Morocco?

Marrakash Morocco -- old school to the max!!

So along with my trip to the south of Spain we will be visiting Marrakash, Morocco. Check out this great short video. 

Located on the northwestern coast of Africa, Morocco is a throw back to the days of outdoor markets and village life. 

The single day excursion to Morocco will put me in Marrakash. From what I've read it will be a loud, crowded, and colorful experience. 

Perhaps the single most important travel experience to be had here are the markets. Marrakesh's most crowded and oldest market is called the Djemaa el-Fna-- the life blood of the city. As seen below.

 It is said you can buy anything in the markets of Marrakesh, but I am most excited about the tailored suits for only about 70 dollars US. The berbers are said to have some of the best cloth and I am in the market for a new suit. 

And since Morocco is indeed a land of the desert, and the dromedary is indeed a creature of the sand, the trip would not be complete without saddling up upon the spitting and vile camel.  

Costa Del Sol- Spain

So after visiting a place of great history (Madrid) it's time to relax on the beach in Costa Del Sol-- "for those of you who don't "hablo espanol that means " 'coast of the sun'. " 

According to travelers of Europe, the best way to travel is by train. No, not an old fashoned locomotove, but rather one traveling on air tracks, and reaching speeds in excess of 200 mph. Known as the Talgo train, it travels throughout southern Spain and offers luxury similar to first class on an airplane. The trip from Madrid to Costa del Sol-- about 550 miles-- takes only a few hours--with stops. 

Upon arrival at the Costa del Sol we will begin discovering the beauty of the Mediterranean sea from the south of Spain in the city of Malaga.  The coast has become a major tourist destination for its warm beaches, great seafood, host to the home to Pablo Picasso. 

Malaga has become modern, however it was originally a small fishing town, and is still a great place to spend sometime at sea trolling for a giant tuna or red spanish mackerel. I plan to charter a boat to do some deep sea fishing for a relaxing day in the Mediterranean.  

Next up my: Where in the world is Morocco? 

Spain 2009

So I am going to Spain, but what is in Spain besides bull fighting and Real Madrid FC?

 

Well just to give you some idea of the sights and tastes to be held in Spain; in my 8 crazy days in Spain I will spend time in only two major cities. Today I will focus on Madrid. And while my days will be jam-packed full of sight-seeing I will only experience about 20 percent of this great country. Well just another excuse to revisit. 

So which 20 percent of Spain WILL I see? 

Well we arrive in Madrid, capitol city of Spain, at 9 am and hit the ground running... ok i plan on walking... point being it going to be hectic. 

MADRID-- 

Epicenter of history in Spain and the epicenter of the night life in all of Europe. Here we will visit Puerta Del Sol-- the living room of Spain, Plaza Mayor- place of 19th century executions-- now the Times Square of Madrid. And many more hidden sights still to be discovered.

Also I plan to check out the infamous night life of Madrid. Starting with Tapas- small bar snacks enjoyed prior to your midnight dinner.  And the check out a Real Madrid futbol match.  

Take-off 09

January, 5 2009-- I will be leaving the United States for the first time in my life. I have had the urge to travel since high school, but never had the opportunity, and did not want to "find myself" in Europe like many backpacking through Europe between high school and college. But now, my Junior year in college I have the opportunity to spend 8 days in Spain. 

Check out this quick 2 minute video on Madrid, capital of  Spain. 

I will be traveling alongside 20 other students from Lindenwood while we study the difference between the criminal justice systems in America and Spain. 

I am ready and excited to experience a new culture in a land unknown to me. I have always been interested in foreign cultures, and travel is the best way to experience another culture.  I hope to share with you in my next post my plans for my fist trip outside of the U.S. in Spain. 

Follow "The Eventual Traveler" for more on my upcoming trip to Spain, and the plans I'm hatching for my next trip to the home of haggis and the bagpipe.