I've always been intrigued by the notion of traveling outside of the United States. I don't know why it is, but there would be so much more to see and do. Living in a different country has always seemed interesting to me, as well. After all, we are a melting pot of cultures here in America, and it would be just as interesting abroad. Not to mention, there are so many different flavors of foods over there. I love eating and would like to try everything. Besides, I'd like to learn how to speak other languages, which will also be a bonus. There's so much more out there, and it seems like it would be a real adventure. Since I was a young kid, I've always wanted to travel abroad. However, my parents have yet to see the reality of doing so. However, I still have that dream; it may never leave me.
So I decided to start planning my travels to each of these countries. Sure, the United States has so much to see and do in my short time here, but I can still go somewhere else and learn something new. I've narrowed my list down to 5 places I would like to visit, and it is hard because there are so many different places worldwide. However, I want to see many of them, and going to 1 per year sounds good. Here is my list. I've taken out all the countries in North America and only the continents of South America, Africa, Europe, and Asia.
1. South Africa
I want to go to South Africa because I've heard that the people there are very kind. Due to their history of slavery and racism, I think that they would be very welcoming. Also, it feels like a place with an African culture predominant in different regions. Some of the prominent cultures of South Africa include the Khoikhoi and San, Ndebele, Xhosa, Sotho, and Zulu, among others. Their food comprises Biltong, a dried meat seasoned with coriander seeds and salt. Gesmoorde vis is salted cod or snoek with potatoes and tomato sauce, sometimes served with grapes, apricot, or Braai, their form of barbecue and trendy food, and it's their national meal.
2. Wales Wales
It's a country in Western Europe, one of the four countries I'd like to see outside the United States. I love how they play their own football over there and have two different teams from each city. Welsh dishes include bara brith, laverbread, cawl, a seaweed dish, a rich broth, and a traditional cake which are traditional dishes served on special occasions. Some Welsh foods are slightly different because of the different kinds of trees, like the sweet chestnut, which is very good mixed with other nuts.
3. China
It is located in East Asia, the world's most populous country. It would be a fantastic place to visit. I want to visit China because I've always been fascinated by their culture, which are virtue, etiquette, traditions of Asia, music, dance, literature, martial arts, cuisine, visual arts, philosophy, and business etiquette. They have so much history and beautiful architecture. Also, I would like to visit the Great Wall of China one day and step on the wall while I'm there. I also hear that they have delicious food as rice dumplings for the Dragon Boat Festival, dumplings for the Spring Festival, and moon cakes for the Mid-autumn Festival, but The most popular foods are noodles and rice and eggs, which make up a large part of their diet. China is also known for its many beautiful landscapes like Yellow Mountains, Yangtze River, and many other mountains.
4. Switzerland
It's located in the center of Europe and is the perfect place for skiing, hiking, and mountaineering. It has so many lakes, rivers, and glaciers to explore. I want to visit this country to see all the snow. Many ski resorts in Switzerland are located in different areas at different altitudes. Their food consists of cheese, chocolate, and wine. Switzerland often uses milk as an essential ingredient. Cream and butter are classic ingredients in Swiss cuisine. Birchermüesli is a breakfast or snack consisting of cereal (oat) flakes, chopped fruit, and milk. While Rösti is fried potato cake served as a main course or side dish, and Fondue is a dish prepared using hard cheeses, such as Emmental and Gruyère, which are eaten hot with bread and melted with white wine, is their national dish. Also, I would love to hike the Matterhorn because it is so beautiful.
5. France
It's one of the oldest countries in Europe, and it has so many beautiful places to see. I want to visit the Eiffel Tower, the Mona Lisa and other museums there. These classic French dishes boeuf bourguignon is a stew made of beef braised in red wine, onions and mushrooms, beef broth and seasoned with garlic and coq au vin, a dish made with chicken, Burgundy wine, lardons, onions, and optional garlic, and button mushrooms. French culture is commonly associated with Paris, a center of fashion, art, cuisine, and architecture, and was influenced by Celtic and Gallo-Roman cultures as well as the Franks, a Germanic tribe. France is also known for their wines, which are produced in 60 different regions and remain the leading exporter of wine in the world.
I plan to travel to these five places someday and see all the beautiful things they offer. There are so many other places that I can visit, but these are some of my favorites. Every country has a culture that is very different from the others. After traveling to all of them, there will be a lot more on my list that I want to see. There will be a lot of different foods and sights, but it will be worth it in the end.