Good afternoon S! It's Monday, July 14th!
[I thought I'd get a head start...haha]I have been spending every monday to friday (when I'm not throwing up) at CTrim this summer, lately, I've been getting bored. So bored, in fact, that I am really looking forward to the job hunt when my father moves, and I can't get rides into work anymore. I think I'm putting grunt work jobs on a pedestal because its something active, and something that, if I do a good, consistant job, I can get complimented on (like K... best lot associate ever). Also, I'm currently spending all my time on a computer, gaining weight, being bored and obtaining bad posture. Because of this dear S, I've decided that doing something is better than sitting at a computer all day. And although I'm currently stuck here, I can plan for where I eventually want to go! And thanks to my penchant for research, I found a lovely blog which had a "A to Z: Anywhere but here" post, which I decided to copy! Thanks Shoeism! [I warn you, this is quite long!]
EDIT: I narrowed down my list, and started to write it all out and decided that its much too long for one blog post! And so, my A-Z list will be posted 5 letters at a time instead :)
NOTE: All of these commentaries are copied from various travel websites and tourist organisations geared to reflect the wonderful qualities that each location. In no way am I trying to plagerize this information. Thanks!
A is for
AntiguaAntigua is an island in the West Indies, Leeward Islands in the 
Caribbean region, the main island of the country of Antigua and Barbuda. It is also known as Wadadli, which means approximately "our own". Most Antiguans are of African lineage, descendants of slaves brought to the island centuries ago to labor in the sugarcane fields. However, Antigua's history of habitation extends as far back as two and a half millenia before Christ. For many years now, Antigua's economy is reliant upon tourism, and it markets itself as a luxury Caribbean escape. Many hotels and resorts are located around the coastline, and the island's single airport is serviced by several major airlines. Upon my search, I discovered: St. John's (the capital) is where all the cruisers dock so it's always a busy tourist place, and an easy place to be swindled. If you want a peaceful vacation: skip it.
B is for Bali
The reason I chose Bali is because of the book 'Eat, Pray, Love', which outlines a single woman's year long trip to Italy, India and Bali. Bali is one of over 13,000 islands in the Indonesian 
archipelago and is located just over 2 kilometres from the eastern tip of the island of Java and west of the island of Lombok. The word paradise is used a lot in Bali, and not without reason. The combination of friendly, hospitable people, a magnificently visual culture infused with spirituality and (not least) spectacular beaches with great surfing and diving have made Bali Indonesia's unparalleled number one tourist attraction. The friendly people and the absence of any serious criminal activities guarantee visitors a totally relaxing stay.Unlike any other island in largely Muslim Indonesia, Bali is a pocket of Hindu religion and culture, although Balinese Hinduism is so far removed from the original Indian variety that the casual eye will be hard put to spot any similarities.
Upon my search, I discovered: A lot of Bali happens to be seriously Westernized. Staying at the Hard Rock Hotel and gorging on big macs isn't a real Balinese experience. Rent a bike, go to a cultural performance and avoid all things Disney.
C is for Chicago, Illinois, USA
Chicago has been my favourite place in the United States since I 
visited it with my parents in 2004. It's a city that wears its American heart proudly on its sleeve. Chicago's diverse population has built a city with an unrivalled tradition of jazz and blues, an astonishing architecture, an appetite for hearty food, award-winning newspapers, universities full of Nobel laureates and some of the most die-hard sports fans you'll ever meet. Its super easy to get around as a tourist, people are very friendly and usually inclined to help you, and the museums are INCREDIBLE. Go down the Magnificent Mile, take a ride on the free trolley to Water Tower place and visit the Navy Pier to see spectacular fireworks in the summer. Upon my search, I discovered: the ultimate pizza in Chicago, as chosen by citysearch.com, is Ed & Joe's Restaurant, on south Oak Park Avenue.
D is for Dublin, Ireland
Dublin is the capital of the Republic of Ireland and sits on the eastern coast, on the Irish sea
, which separates Ireland from Great Britain. The Liffey is the main river running through the city, traditionally splitting it into the north and the southside. Famous for its literary tradition, Ireland's capital has been home to writers from Jonathan Swift to William Butler Yeats and James Joyce. A visit to Dublin allows you to explore both the historical and the hip, from castles and churches to cafés and clubs. Those in search of the perfect pint need look no further than one of Dublin's thousand pubs. The vibrant city life brims with traditional Irish culture and trendy European cool - all set against the backdrop of its stunning coastline. Dublin has undergone a complete metamorphosis since the 1980's and has truly been reborn with a new tram system and some very exciting development in the former derelict Docks area. Upon my search, I discovered: 48% of Dublin ’s population is under thirty five years of age.
E is for Egypt
An enigmatic treasure trove of almost unimaginable archaeological and cultural riches, it's hard not to think of Egypt without imagining the Sphinx, the pyramids at Giza, Luxor, the Valley of the Kings and the Nile. As well as being the world's largest open-air museum, Egypt also offers a slew of luxurious Red Sea resorts, many within reach of spectacular snorkeling, diving and windsurfing. Whether you see it by riverboat, from camelback or from just above the coral, Egypt's sights are unforgettable.
Upon my search, I discovered: Hello – "Ahlan wa sahlan"
Hope you liked my choices, S. I know you wanted Colorado on there, but I hope I made up for it with Egypt. It was seriously hard chosing places! Some were tough because nothing started with that letter, while others it was too hard to chose one place. Blah.
Don't forget to be awesome (feel better!)
-xo
For more information on the locations listed in this post, feel free to visit:
picture hes taking of a location... so for instance, a miniature figuring of Don Quixote is placed among windmills in Spain. All you see of this guy throughout the pictures is his hand holding up various items. Super awesome and random. You'll like it I promise (click title of post for link to his account).
