Around the World in 80 Treasures

March 19, 2014 posted by Stephanie in Dot Dot Dot

The Treasury in the ancient Nabataean City of Petra in Jordan, photo from www.travelfeatured.com

Last year was such an incredible blessing. From being married to the love of my life to going on amazing trips and sojourns around the world en amoureux, with friends or for work. There was not one whole month where I stayed put and my passport got more consecutive stamps than it ever had. I started the year in Germany making my way through Singapore, Bali, Misibis Bay, Sri Lanka, The Maldives, Tubbataha, Boracay, Paris, Corsica, back to Paris, Beijing, Shanxi, Paris (again!), Balesin, San Francisco, New York, Bangkok, Iloilo, back to Boracay… Wow. I wish every year could be like that one!

When I found out last October that I was pregnant, it was probably one of the happiest moments of my life. Now THAT was a true blessing. It did however mean that all this moving around would have to slow down. 26 weeks into my pregnancy, I’ve managed to keep sane and truly enjoy every minute of it. I went from happy disbelief to absolute nesting being lucky enough to have lots of energy and being spared any morning sickness whatsoever. We had a Babymoon planned early this year to Japan which fell through, but it didn’t matter, I was happy in my element choosing wallpaper for the nursery. With my third trimester just around the corner, that final long stretch before our bundle of joy arrives, I’m beginning to get itchy feet. Call me spoiled. I will admit to it. But I haven’t gone this long without leaving the Philippines in ages. My husband has a business trip to Phnom Penh this early April and I must say I’m so jealous that he won’t let me go. He is however making up for it by taking me to paradise this weekend and for Easter break to Singapore to eat to my heart’s content. I do however long to see something new, the wanderlust in me bubbling away ready to burst. I want to see the exotic, get lost in mysterious markets, feel really small and tiny next to some spectacular ancient ruin that holds secrets within its walls.

The Taj Mahal, in Agra, India – a testament to undying love by Shah Jahan to his wife Mumtaz Mahal

In the meantime I have been biding my time traveling from the fluffy comforts of my bed with Dan Cruickshank holding my hand as he takes me Around the World in 80 Treasures. A spectacular 10 part series by the BBC that I purchased some time ago looking for DVD’s that would feed my brain and my soul but never really had the time to watch it. With pregnancy hindering my production of brain cells and my energy being so precious and limited, it’s been the perfect time to sit, explore and absorb.

Top Right, Palenque Ruins in Mexico photo from visitmexico.com and Bottom Right, Ancient City of Polonnaruwa in Sri Lanka photo from flashpackforty.com

Not quite finished with the series yet but having made it through North America, South America, Polynesia, Australia, East and South Asia coming into Central Asia and the Middle East, I have realized the things I love the most. Ruins, temples and markets. Testaments to human civilization. Proof of the greatness that we can accomplish when impassioned by something. I imagine myself a modern day Indiana Jones, exploring, discovering, trying to recreate scenes from a people passed.

Chan-Chan, the Largest Pre-Columbian City in South America in Peru built entirely out of mud, photo from loopytrip.com; The mysterious Moai in Rapa Nui; Mysterious Nazca Lines in Peru; Machu Pichu in Peru; El Templo del Sol Palenque in Mexico

Here are some of my favorite places that have been added on to my every growing bucket list. I am especially fascinated with the cities of the Silk Road and saddened by the fact that some places like Damascus in Syria, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, and Persepolis in Iran are extremely difficult to get to nowadays due to armed conflict and political instability. Here’s to hoping one day, these nations will be able to live in peace and harmony.

Love and light,

Stephanie

The Silk Road City of Bukhara in Uzbekistan; The Hamidia Market in Damascus, Syria; the Ancient City of Persepolis in Iran sadly destroyed by Alexander the Great

A stunning photo of the mesmerizing Tiles of Samarkand in Uzbekistan by Natasha vin Geldern from her blog www.worldwanderingkiwi.com