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Note: I’ll be traveling next week soaking up some much needed sun in Mexico. Also, I’m reformatting the newsletter date to be sent on Tuesdays from now on. Hope that works better with your schedules!
The number 8 is considered a lucky number in many cultures, but, I never knew the symbolism of the number until I researched it for this blurb. Apparently, it also represents the 13th dimension, or the ascended one, infinity, rebirth, it is also the number of magic, prosperity, abundance, power and more! The reason it is so important for us today is that 3 travel, adventure and culture snippets worthy of this newsletter have some link to the number 8:
Eight of the Most Exciting Travel Experiences in the World from CN Traveler. I mean it’s only things like diving between two continents, heli-skiing in Kamchatka, going to the edge of space, and attending a grand masked ball at Château Versailles. That’s all.
Eight places Liz Carlson, AKA the Young Adventuress, AKA Outside magazine contributor never gets sick of: “It’s practically a daily occurrence to have someone ask me where I love to travel to the most, so I knew it was only a matter of time until my editor did the same. What a question. How can a mother choose her favorite child? That being said, while I might not be able to pick one particular destination, I can easily select eight spots around the world that I love to pieces and would go back to in a heartbeat.”
And, last, but not least, 8 wild and beautiful places in Kyrgyzstan from National Geographic: “The cities of Kyrgyzstan are filled with Soviet-style buildings, sprawling markets, and ornate mosques. However, outside of the bustling, metropolitan streets of Bishkek and Osh, wonder awaits: A journey deeper into the wilder parts of Kyrgyzstan treats the senses with turquoise alpine lakes, towering snowcapped peaks, and sweeping walnut forests.”
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CAN’T LEAVE OUT 25
You see, the thing is the number 25 often gets jealous of the number 8. So, here we go, this is just for you, 25:
25 of the Best Hikes in the World Right Now, from Outside magazine: “Amazing hikes must all check off a few boxes to earn that label. A sweeping vista or two is essential, some unique flora and fauna is almost par for the course, and mesmerizing geological features like waterfalls or ice fields certainly don’t hurt. Add in a bit of isolation and you have a recipe for success. But whether it’s ancient temples, one-of-a-kind mountain peaks, a strong sense of history, or just truly epic landscapes, each bucket-list hike in this roundup has that extra something special it takes to stand above the rest. I’ve been a professional travel writer for most of my adulthood, and these are the all-time best places that have impressed me over the years.”
And, not to be outdone by hikes, bikes want in too. Here are the 25 Best Bike Rides in the World Right Now, also from Outside magazine (they’ve been having really good content lately): “…know that this roundup of the best rides on the planet—culled from my own personal experience of riding bikes for the past 30-plus years, as well as the advice of passionate cycling friends—is just gravy. My favorite rides have always been the ones that leave from my garage. But even though bikes are a great form of environmentally friendly recreation and transportation doesn’t mean we all don’t daydream about century-distance rides through the European countryside and fat-tire epics across the Mountain West.”
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AND LET’S NOT FORGET THE NUMBER 10!
I just got this one snippet. That’s all, don’t worry, but it’s promising to be a good one. You see, we’ve all probably heard about how amazing Croatia is, if we haven’t been there of course. And, more specifically, sounds like Dubrovnik is one of the most beautiful places in the world. From CN Traveler, 10 beautiful escapes on the Dubrovnik Riviera: “Dubrovnik, Europe’s most beautiful baroque citadel, is a marvel. Yet its fame overshadows the Dubrovnik Riviera. Within an hour of the town are sleepy harbours the colour of old ivory and pine-scrubbed islands where the focus is more on olive oil than tourism. Explore a little further and you can sample Croatia’s finest wines in a wine-maker’s cellar on the Pelješac peninsula or drop off the radar entirely on Lastovo, a wave-washed, star-lit island far out to sea.”
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LET’S FORGET NUMBERS FOR A SEC
I came across this article from Travel and Leisure that I thought provided relevant ideas not only for traveling introverts, but also for those who are just plain traveling solo: “When eating alone, I tend to go to casual places where people are in and out rather than in a group setting. This can feel less intimidating than being surrounded by diners who are lingering over long meals. Also, the choice of where to sit has an impact…Request to sit at the bar or near the kitchen, you’ll have access to the waitstaff who’ll be more than willing to chat you up, if that’s what you want. They can provide detailed knowledge of the city, give you more personalized service and won’t intrude on your space.” Not bad this advice…
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FINALLY, NUMBER 1
I had read about the amazing feats of Colin O’Brady, but never took the time to watch his TED Talk. If you have a goal you are trying to achieve. Remember that the obstacles are just a bunch of small rocks stacked on top of each other. Take that first step, then the next and the next after that. Achievement is for those who face their fears and don’t stop at the sight of a rock. I’m hoping all of this will make sense when you watch it.
Thanks,
Joe Naaman
Managing Editor, Waywinds
Keep Exploring!