on globetrotting.

Though I've never been out of the United States, the urge to travel is etched in my being. I love my home, and sometimes the best part of traveling is coming home, but man alive, how I want to see the world. When I realize how small I am in the grand scope of earth, there just seems to be no other logical solution than to pack up my bags and go. (I am not opposed to a backpacking trip.) There is so much in this world to see, so much to learn from other people and cultures, so much more that God has created than just my little piece of Oklahoma red dirt. I want to learn how other people live and work, I want to adopt their slang and way of talking, I want to see places I've only gazed at in pictures, I want to try new foods ('cuz I'll be honest, food and I have an amazing relationship). And hey, if I can do the Lord's work and spread His truth in other countries and on other continents just as well as I can do it here, then I am definitely all for it. I just want to see it all, peoples.

Buuuut as it is highly unlikely that I will live long enough or have the time (and money, heh) to see every speck of land on planet earth, here are a few places I feel I must see (in no particular order):

1. England
To anyone who knows me even the tiniest bit, this will come as no surprise. I'm a self-proclaimed Anglophile (don't judge me) and lover of all things British. (You should see my room. Union Jacks abound.) England has such a rich history and legendary cities and places, how could it not be calling the name of this wanderlust-stricken gal. London would be one of the first places I'd go, and seeing a play on the West End is certainly on the agenda. Ever since I fell in love with the life and story of William Wilberforce, I have wanted to visit Westminster Abbey and see his grave, and the fact that Charles Dickens is also buried there doesn't hurt either. Everything about England draws me: the scenery, the history, the towns and cities, the people, the accents (oh heavens, the accents), the tea, all the tiny details that make me want to be all Britishly.

2. Scotland/Ireland
Yes, I'm counting them as one. Sue me. To speak honestly, Scotland has drawn me even longer than England has. Have you seen pictures of the place? It's gorgeous and rich in a way that could never be photoshopped. The moors and hills are exploding with color and life. To go to Scotland and be surrounded by all that beauty and history and castles and kilts and Scottish accents... just sign me up already. Edinburgh is calling me. And hey, Ireland the Irresistible is right there, too, so I'll just pop on over, aye?

3. New York City
For someone who has lived and breathed country life ever since I was born, I admit this is a surprising choice, but I'm dying to see NYC. Times Square is enthralling, and I would totally go just to drink copious amounts of coffee (I must try all the coffee shops, of course) while taking pictures with all the costumed people. And hello, Broadway (Phantom of the Opera, here I come!). Chinatown looks amazing, and I'd love to try out my bartering skills. And a picnic in Central Park? Yes. I don't think I could ever live anywhere as crazy and chaotic as NYC, but a week there would be so full of win. Shopping! Musicals! People! Oh my!

4. New Zealand
This one might be on the list because it's all a certain someone can talk about. But I've done the research. New Zealand is worth visiting. The towns. The ocean (even though you could never get me to swim in the ocean even if you paid me in books and bribed me with coffee). The mountains. Oh, those mountains look glorious. And I've heard the weather is exquisite. New Zealand looks so wild and untamed. When I get there, whether I'm in a city or in the middle of fresh air, I want to just sling a backpack over my shoulder and start walking. Who knows what I'll find?

5. Africa
Oh, Africa, how you tempt me. Knowing several people who have gone to Africa on missions trips and such, it has held a particular regard in my mind for quite some time. Whether I go there myself on a mission trip or just because doesn't matter to me, I'd just like to get there. It has such a mysteriously exotic beauty to it, with its deserts and jungles and eclectic variety of wildlife. And the people there seem so beautiful and interesting. I'd love to sit down with an African family and just let them talk. Tell me everything about everything. Because I seriously want to know.

6. Iceland
Don't expect an explanation for this one because it doesn't exist. Maybe it's because it looks like such a beautifully simple country. Maybe it's because I'm guessing a lot of my preconceived ideas about Iceland being a barren place are totally askew, and I want to find out what I'm missing. Maybe it's because I love Of Monsters & Men. Whatever the reasoning, Iceland makes the list. Besides, if it is as cold there as the name suggests, then it's right up my alley.

7. Paris, France
The Eiffel Tower. Enough said. Nah, there's more to it than that. Though I haven't always been interested in France as a whole, the thought of Paris has always excited me. Even amongst all the glamour, it just seems like one of those places that emphasizes quality over quantity, something that is sorely lacking here in America. And those Parisians know what fashion is. Besides, if anyone can teach this French-botching girl how to actually pronounce those slippery words, who better than a Parisian?  

8. Copenhagen, Denmark
Out of all the places on this list, Copenhagen is the one I know the least about. But in all my imagining of my future travels, it's always hovering in the back of my mind. Once I researched Copenhagen just for fun, and I instantly fell in love with the bright colors and bustling streets. Besides, someone once told me that out of all their European travels, Copenhagen was their favourite, between the friendliness of the people, the tasty food, and the breathtaking sights.

What's on your travel list?