Wanting to See the World....

In the words of J.R.R Tolkien

"Not all who

wander are lost"

Since I was a kid, I've always wanted to see the world. Thanks to mum and dad who when I was no more than 4 years old, saved up their money to get us our very first Encyclopaedia collectio

n. I remember vaguely... 12 sets ranging from Cities around the world to buildings, science, space... gosh you name it and it was all there. I was often intrigued and remember even back then, I dreamt and imagined being inside the pages and standing next to the buildings. I think I actually

pictured myself being inside the Hanging Gardens of Babylon...

Many of us have dreams of travel, everyone want's to see the world, get on a plane, experience new things, boast about being in a foreign land, to seek new adventures... whatever the reasons maybe it's in all of us. To some, travelling to somewhere far is a luxury that one may not afford, and I admit, it's not something that everyone can afford... but to those who can almost make it, travelling is not about being luxurious but instead its an adventure. If you're young and adventurous... forget Monaco and Casino Royale and 5 star accommodation... think youth hostels, budget travel, packed sandwiches for lunch, taking free walking tours.. there's so much to go by with and it doesn't require a whole load of money. Heck, even if you are planning on local holidays.. plan ahead..thanks to Air Asia, now everyone can fly.. plan and book early. Easier said then done

though. I for one should talk! But let's leave that for another entry.

My dream was to have travelled to at least most of the continents by the time I reach 30, but now at the age of 32, I've only done I guess 4% of the world. Well, I guess it's better than nothing right? Wanting to experience the culture, the food to talk the talk and to walk the walk... knowing the locals... the history. My passion for travel is so deep that I took Spanish and French in University, just so that when I travel I could mix with the locals!

My dream is to head back to Europe this time to spend more time travelling to Spain, Italy, Rome, Vatican City and of course Portugal.... where my family is originated. Israel, Jerusalem, Egypt, French Polynesia, Hawaii..... those will have to wait, 'cos for now my biggest dream is to head to Brazil.

I've prepared for this trip and I now eat, sleep, drive, dream and talk Brazil. I've been taking up the language (thought not very good eu nao falor mais portuguese) thanks to some very good friends online who have been so kind to share their language with me, their lives and their families. Warm as they are, they have told me so much about their lives and their country that I feel that I've lived in it! My heart is there. I've read, I've researched, I've planned. Now all I need is to find the date and the time and of course my ticket in hand. Time seem to past so slowly and I look forward to the day that I head to the airport to make my journey....

Meus amigos de Sao Paulo; Sergio, Felipe & MM e meu amigo de Minas; Everthon...

Eu estou ansiosa pela minha viagem ao Brazil.

Again a quote from a travel page I read.. "Adventure is a path. Real adventure – self-determined, self-motivated, often risky – forces you to have firsthand encounters with the world. The world the way it is, not the way you imagine it. Your body will collide with the earth and you will bear witness. In this way you will be compelled to grapple with the limitless kindness and bottomless cruelty of humankind – and perhaps realize that you yourself are capable of both. This will change you. Nothing will ever again be black-and-white.” – Mark Jenkins