This entry is inspired by
Puff Pieces, a blog I chanced upon as I was browsing the net. It's written by Australia-based homemaker Ami Streeter. She didn't exactly write her to-do list before getting married but she did share the 10 things she "doesn't have the guts to do". It's an enlightening read about being married and having a family. It's lighthearted, realistic and humorous.
Anyway, her post reminded me of this bucket list that I've been meaning to write about, even before I started this wedding blog. I have done some items from this list already, hence, I crossed them out. But for the purpose of this blog, I am including everything from my original list. So, here goes:
1) Go parasailing.
I guess I'm glad I don't have fear of heights. The first and only time I've tried this was in Phuket, Thailand, in August 2010. My fiance and I celebrated his birthday, took a short break to Phuket and Koh Phi Phi, and had a fabulous time. He didn't want to go parasailing so it was just me. Seeing the beach and the little people from way up there was amazing, an unusual view that you don't always get to enjoy. I didn't want it to end. It felt really good to fly!
When I ran back to my fiance to gush about the experience, an Australian couple beside our beach chair was listening and laughing with us. And the woman excitedly said to me, "Yes! Women rule! Woohoo!" Our guys just laughed. They probably figured that out already: we (women) rule.
2) Travel solo.
Traveling solo used to be a concept only applicable to men, simply because of safety concerns and what-not. But now, women traveling solo has become an open concept that's being embraced by women in their 20s and 30s. I've seen a lot of women travelers without companions during my last trip to Europe, armed with rheir cameras, maps and backpacks or large cabin bags. I was one of them.
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| Zara, Passeig de Gracia branch |
I traveled alone for the first time in 2011 when I flew to Barcelona, Spain, for business. I was alone for three days before some of my colleagues flew in from Singapore. I explored the city, ate tapas at restaurants, marveled at the beauty of this Spanish city, and tried in vain to take self-portraits against historical backdrops. Not to mention, approached fellow travelers and strangers to take my picture as I take theirs.
By the time my colleagues had arrived, I already knew the way around the city, educated them about the metro and took them shopping at my favourite Zara branch along Passeig de Gracia.
After the Congress, I decided to visit Italy (since it's a dream destination) and take in the wonders of Rome and Vatican City all by myself. My friends and siblings reminded me to be extra careful because I'd be alone the whole time (some colleagues went to Paris, another extended his stay in Barcelona while the rest headed back to Singapore).
Glad I did it! I didn't rush and simply took all the time that I needed to absorb Italy's culture, sights, food, beautiful people and its mysteries. I imagined what it was like to live when Romans conquered the world.
Il Colosseo was beyond words! And Vatican City? I felt like I was in a dream!
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| Yup, that's where gladiators fought to death to entertain spectators in ancient Roman times. |
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| Can't believe I'm in Vatican City! |
A short side trip to London before flying back to Singapore made this trip even more memorable.
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| Windsor Castle |
Needless to say, I had the most awesome time alone. I fell in love with Europe in a heartbeat and somehow, it became my most favourite place on the planet. It was truly rewarding for the heart and soul, and the experience was liberating. If I had a million dollars, I'd spend all of it exploring Europe. Really.
3) Sky dive!
Movies make sky-diving worth trying. And I would like to try it, too! Problem is, I don't know where to sky-dive in Asia. I mean, it would be a dream come true to try it in the US but, with all the costs involved, I definitely cannot afford it. So, yeah, it'll remain a dream.
4) See Mona Lisa in person.
Who wouldn't want to see the world's most photographed piece of art? Crossing this off of my list when I visited Paris a few months back (March 2012). I spent my first day in Paris inside the "ginormous" Louvre museum, got lost inside and stood in awe in front of countless art pieces. Yes, I had my picture taken with Mona Lisa.
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| The famous pyramid entrance of Louvre |
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| La Joconde, popularly known as The Mona Lisa, by Leonardo da Vinci |
5) Climb the Eiffel Tower.
I literally did this. I didn't take the lift from the ground up. It's not that I didn't want to pay the extra Euros to take the lift, but there was an unbelievably long queue. The "stairs-and-lift" combo had shorter line so I purchased a ticket and spent the grueling 20 minutes or so doing cardio and braving the cold. I panted my way up, was tempted to go down, was sweating and feeling cold at the same time, but it was all worth it. I reached the very top, the observation platform, and looked out over Paris, the famous Seine River and the city's very well structured buildings. It was surreal! Me? On top of the Eiffel Tower? Somebody pinch me!
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| World-recognised landmark - the Eiffel Tower |
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I'm in Paris!
During the same trip (February to March, 2012), I climbed the leaning tower of Pisa before the Eiffel tower (from BCN to PSA to CDG). It was a bonus. What can I say? Something simply pulls me back to Italy. Visiting it the first time last year was not enough. And this trip was all about walking, museums, towers, castles and cathedrals. I barely had the time to eat, which was a good thing because I shed a few pounds.
The leaning tower of Pisa
On top of the Pisa tower
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6) Get mesmerised by Prague.
Have you ever wondered how fairy tales would look like? It would be Prague, hands down! Castles, towers, an old bridge, cobblestones, trams and a language I'm not familiar with (obviously). The allure of Prague lies in its old quarters, something non-Europeans like me are extremely fascinated with. It's like traveling back in time, walking the streets of a medieval city and seeing knights in shining armors. Love, love Prague!
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| St Vitus Cathedral |
My second time in Europe. Planned my itinerary. Traveled solo. Had an absolutely amazing time! If given the chance, I'd do it again!
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| I'm in Prague! |
7) Bake a cake.
Yes, a cake and not just brownies, cupcakes or cookies. I would like to bake a two-tier fondant cake with modern-design flowers and patterns, much like
Carlo's Bakery's Groovy Girl fondant cake.
8) Celebrate my birthday with street children or orphans.
When was the last time I did something selfless? Er, never (?). The last time I did something for a cause was in school, during those outreach programmes and visits to orphanages. We distributed food, clothing, toys, school supplies and entertained the kids. Other than that, I can't recall doing something for a worthy cause on my own. My friends and I planned something like this to celebrate Christmas or a birthday, but we never really got to the part of actually doing it, sad to say.
Looks like I won't be able to do this anymore because the wedding comes before my birthday this year. However, it's not going to stop me from including it in my next list (
10 Things to Do After "I Do").
9) Scuba dive.
I don't know how to dive. I just want to experience the underwater world and be amazed by marine life. It's something we don't see everyday and what better way to explore what's out there than scuba diving.
I saw this apt sign at a diving shop in Phi Phi islands: how can you call yourself a world traveler when 70% of the world is covered with water?
10) Learn photography.
I've always admired photographers who take moving pictures; those that tell a story or capture beauty in the most unpredictable situations. I want to learn how to take photographs, how to capture the emotion of a specific moment and immortalise a place I've been to. If photography were not expensive, it would've been my perfect stress reliever.
How about you? What are the things in your to-do list before getting hitched?
