Taoist in Training: Bucket List

A bucket list is a list of things you want to do before you die. The phrase refers to the saying "kick the bucket" or to die. The phrase itself was popularized by the movie The Bucket List.

Id thought I create my own bucket list, although I can't really think of anything to put on it but travel (other than the typical things everyone seeks like getting married or buying a house).

So Im going to make my travel bucket list, places I want to visit before I die. Here it goes! (In no particular order):

Nantucket - Not in it for the beaches. Nantucket is one of the most historically rich places in America. I want a true colonial New England experience. I love historical buildings, especially those from colonial times. I feel Nantucket would be a true pleasure to see. Despite its proximity to where I live, its a bitch to get to. There are no ferries that go from LI to Nantucket. You have to take multiple ferry rides or drive all the way around to Hyannis before you can get there. Flying is an option, but its not cost effective for such a short trip plus no car.

Vermont - I love the forest, and Vermont has some of the most beautiful and pristine forests in the Northeast. Especially in autumn when the trees turn in a rainbow of orange, red, and yellow. It would also be neat to make some maple syrup.

Appalachia - Appalachia is another historically rich region, but what makes it special is its coal mining history. Ive always seemed fascinated by late 19th century mining. The ruggedness and hardship people went through to extract precious minerals from the earth. No wonder I like amusement parks with mine theming, the natural caves throughout the region are another plus. Of course, I better see it before its all gone.

Florida Keys - The small town atmosphere combined with the Hawaii like beaches and weather makes the keys one of my most sought after destination for relaxation and just doing nothing.

St. Martin - In addition to it being a lovely Caribbean island, it is the worlds ultimate plane spotting location.

San Francisco - From what I hear, San Fran is probably the second greatest city in America (I ♡ NY). Its wonderful weather, Chinese-American community, its progressive government, Victorian historical districts and more. Id probably live there if I could.

Aruba - Just another nice Caribbean vacation.

Hawaii - Who wouldn't put this on a bucket list?

Seattle - Id love it for the climate more than anything else. Rainy, cool and wet? There is no climate I like better. Seriously, I love the rain and the cold, much more than a sunny day. It is also one of the most educated cities in America.

Colorado - Ever hear the question "do you like the beach or the mountains?" I prefer the mountains, and Colorado is mountain country. Probably one of few places left in America with so much pristine beauty as far as the eye can see.

Canadian Rockies - Same reason as above, but in a little different setting.

Vancouver - When I saw this city on the Olympics I thought, "is this where God would live?". Its like San Francisco, but better. It also has a large Asian population, wonderful climate, its in Canada, its a modern city, and is only minutes away from the US and the forests of the pacific northwest. It has been consistently ranked as one of the worlds most livable cities, and is known for having a very high standard of living. If heaven were a city, it would be modeled after Vancouver.

Sierra Nevada - One year I went to Palm Springs, were it gets over 90° in the day. I took the Air Tram up Mt. San Jacinto and when I got to the top it was snowing, and I feel into a great state of awe. Seeing the snow and forest was one of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen. I would have loved to go on a hike and explore more, but didn't have time. Id love to see more of the region.

New Orleans - Also known as "The Lost City of New Orleans". The Bayou has quite a lot of appeal to it, especially during Mardi Gras. All that food, booze and bare breasted women sounds too good to resist.

California Redwoods - Northern California has some of the worlds biggest trees. There size makes you feel like your in a forest in another world. Definitely a site I want to see.

Bermuda - Bermuda is one of few Caribbean Islands that isn't piss poor with people trying to sell you shit in the streets. Its unique climate, small towns and laid back atmosphere make it superb looking destination.

Amsterdam - You ever see those commercials for Amstel Light? The Dutch government ought be paying the people at Heineken for it. That, plus Amsterdam's reputation as Europe's party city make it look like one Dam good vacation.

Norway - Ive have always greatly admired Scandinavia. They went from a culture of Viking savages to having the highest standard of living in the world. Oslo looks like very nice old style city, and the endless fjords and natural landscapes give one plenty to see.

Germany - Es ist mein Vaterland. Ich bin eine zweite Generation deutsch-amerikanische. Meine Mütter wurde in Deutschland geboren und wir haben noch Familie dort.

Switzerland - Switzerland seems like Europe at its finest. The culture, the Alps, the society all seem to from together into a beautiful country.

Ireland - There's something about Scots-Irish culture I find interesting. It might be the history or the countries landscape, but either way I have always wanted to see it (and maybe catch a Leprechaun)

Australia - I thought if I followed the yellow brick road I would end up in Oz, but at the time I didn't know Oz was 8000 miles away and across an ocean. ~~Austria~~ Australia seems like its just blooming with adventure. The outback, the beaches, the reefs, the wildlife all make it a worthy contender for any bucket list.

New Zealand - New Zealand is like Canada. Its often overshadowed by its neighbor. New Zealand is a place of land and sea. From rolling plains on the countryside to Auckland harbor, it is a diverse and often forgotten land that sounds like the trip of a lifetime.

Singapore - This city looks like one giant office building/amusement park. Ive seen a lot pictures and Singapore looks like a tropical resort in the middle of NYC. It looks like a very unique place to see with plenty to do.

Hong Kong - I know HK is busy and crowded, but it really gives you a look into life in this modern Chinese city. HK sounds like a great place to experience.

Taiwan - I follow this Taiwanese photographer and I am mystified by natural beauty of the island that his pictures show. I plan to study abroad there later in college and it sounds like a wonderful place to live for someone like me.

Beijing - Its Beijing, the cultural center of China. Do I need an explanation?

Chengdu - Chengdu is the heart of western China and one of its most livable cities. Its cuisine, landscape, and culture earn it a high spot on my bucket list of Chinese cities.

Xian - Xian is one of the oldest and most historically important cities in all of China. It is home to the Terracodda army and is the eastern end of the silk road. It has served as the capital of China for over 1000 years.