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 South Asia I hold a very special place in my heart for this part of the world because I have a new connection with some of these sites I visited. It meant something more than just having fun trip, but rather it was more about what these places hold in historical value.  Site 1 : The Mother house of Missionaries. This house was built in Kolkata, India and the Missionaries of Charity were founded here by Mother Teresa. Her tomb remains here along with many of her former belongings that people can observe. She was made a Saint a few years ago after performing numerous great deeds for her God. However, the person she was and how she impacted the world, especially India, is recognized by more than just the religious. Personally, she was my confirmation saint and is my role model in life. My priest knew her when he was a boy growing up in Kolkata and has told me a lot about her, so I found it very cool to be standing in the same place she once did.  https://www.tripadvisor.com...

 East Asia I've been to many areas of the world, but nowhere seems to become any duller. The people, the culture, and the nature of each corner in this circular planet encourages me grow in knowledge, experience, and as a person. I thank East Asia for doing all this and more with these amazing places. Site 1: Namsan Tower. This certainly is a tower. I would compare it to the Space Needle in Seattle if I had to compare it to somewhere in the U.S. This tower is located in Seoul, South Korea, and is surrounded by tourist places and restaurants. What captured my attention were the thousands of love locks hooked to the railings of the tower, most forever. It became a symbol of a couple's or family's never-ending devotion and love to one each other to place a lock on this tower and throw away the key. I heard of this place from a movie, and I knew it would be a great place to study all the different kinds of locks people choose. Before it was a famous love lock tower, it was bui...

 Central Asia Now this is a slice of the world I've never heard about too much or ever put much thought into, but it is an underrated place. I will recommend people like you, my readers, check Central Asia out sometime. You won't regret it.  Site 1: Kaindy Lake. This site is special because it was formed by an earthquake in 1911. The earthquake rumbled up some of the Shan Mountain's surface and created a huge landslide that became Lake Kaindy's dam and birthplace. Rain eventually filled in the pot, and the trees are still standing underwater. The most turquoise water you'll ever see. Since this lake is close to Almaty, the largest city in Kazakhstan, it is unusual to find a place with its' serenity untarnished, this lake is one of few. I loved having a quiet place to enjoy the natural awe a mountain with surrounding turquoise waters provides.  https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/kaindy-lake Site 2: The National Library of Tajikistan. I wanted to throw something...

  Eurasia  I've seen places in over half the world, but I never cease to be amazed. Every new site offers something incredible. Something to be learned, and cultures to dive into and dig up. History, tradition, and a new meaning to a place that won't be forgotten.  Site 1: St. Basil's Cathedral. Built in the mid 1500's, this special cathedral is famous for its extravagant colors, design, and shape. Ivan the Terrible ordered it to be built with nine temples within it. Many rulers have since wanted it to be theirs to transport wherever they go, such as Napoleon, because of the power its beauty has on a person. When looked down upon from the 156 foot top, a religious star is formed by the collection of domes. Just like any other antique building, it has been through many fires and loots but has always been restored. I could have stared, studying the design of this magnificent cathedral for days; it is a great idea for a trip to Moscow, Russia to stop here.  https://ree...

  Europe Europe. This area has been on my bucket list for a while. There were so many choices in each of the European countries it was hard to choose. It was beautiful in many different ways, and there was such a variety of landscape to see.  Site 1: The Parthenon was a wonderful choice, not only because it is a crazy cool temple that has survived for thousands of years, but also because its in Greece! Greece has the bluest water and whitest marble buildings, which were inspired by the Parthenon. The temple was dedicated to the Goddess Athena, that provided wisdom to the people of Greece in their tales. https://www.google.com/travel/things-to-do/see-all Site 2: The Sistine Chapel in the Vatican City is a special place to go because of its beautifully painted ceilings. They were painted by Michelangelo in the 1500's. The Vatican City is the smallest country in the world because it is in Rome, but governed by the pope of the Catholic church. This place is surrounded by old, tr...

 Southwest Asia and Northern Africa This trip is taking a step further to the other side of the world. Southwest Asia and Northern Africa make up an unique area. I think that there are quite a few misconceptions when it comes to this part of the planet. Visiting these places helped me to realize its real beauty and style. Site 1: The Tabatabai House was built at the time of the Qajar dynasty, which was in  the late 19th century. I thought this house was a remarkably detailed work of art. There were 40 rooms, four courtyards and basements, along with many gardens. It was a pleasurable tour with lots to look at. I love how many places and homes in Iran have a certain style of tradition and design to be recognized by.  https://apochi.com/attractions/kashan/tabatabaei-house/   Site 2: The Mount of Olives. This particular spot is where Christians believe Jesus rose into heaven, also known as the ascension. Lots of history is contained on this hill. Now days, there are f...

 Sub-Saharan Africa   Africa's unique topography and wildlife has always interested me. This trip was mind-blowing, and such a learning experience for me. I'll never look at this region the same.  Site 1: Thebes, Egypt. The temple of Luxor. I never thought of Africa as a historical area, but the history there is so rich. The Egyptians temples and tombs along with traces of their civilization are everywhere in Egypt, and along the Nile. Dating back to as early as 1939 BCE, these detailed structures and works of art are crazy to imagine such early peoples building.  https://www.britannica.com/list/7-amazing-historical-sites-in-africa          Site 2: Of course, after imaging the wildlife I've heard so much about in Africa, I had to see it for myself somehow. I found Kruger National Park, the largest game reserve in South Africa, and knew it would be perfect. Paul Kruger started this reserve in efforts to protect some of the wildl...