While I am still waiting for a vaccine and for borders to open, there is a lot of time to dream about all the places I want to go and things I want to do. So off the top of my head, (I’m always open to new ideas) here are 10 things I want to do in my lifetime.
1. Travel overland from Japan to England
This has been my dream ever since I moved to Japan. My current thoughts are to get a ferry from Osaka to Shanghai, then travel by train and the Siberian Express to Europe, stopping off as much as possible on the way. I am so torn which season to go in though. I think spring/summer makes more sense in terms of having better weather to look around places on the way, but the thought of crossing the wintery Siberian landscape also strongly appeals.
As for all that train time, well I plan on reading, journaling, writing and meeting other travellers.
2. Explore Scandinavia
I cannot even narrow this down. I want to go everywhere, even Svalbard, a remote Norwegian archipelago in the Arctic. The stunning photos I’ve seen of the rugged landscapes and the fact that Iceland is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited are what pull me to this part of the world. I’m fascinated with the languages of Scandinavia too and am currently studying a little Norwegian and Finnish.
3. See an opera in Vienna
I visited Vienna a few years ago, but it was right around New Year so it wasn’t the best time to book to see an opera. I did get to watch an intimate piano performance of some of Mozart’s sonatas in a beautiful venue underneath a church. It was more like a salon concert and had a really intimate feel. I am looking forward to one day seeing an opera again in Europe though. I saw Carmen in Verona, at the open air arena there and it left a lasting impression on me.
4. See the aurora
I suppose I could link this up with visiting Scandinavia, but I think it deserves its own special mention. It’s probably on a lot of people’s bucket lists to be honest though. Not sure if I need to explain this dream much.
5. Fly first class long-haul
I have actually been randomly bumped up to first class on a flight from Japan to South Korea before. I thought I’d been given the wrong boarding card when I got on the plane and realised where my seat was. Unfortunately, that has never happened since – I believe partly as I’ve always been traveling with kids. I would like to be able to just book a first class ticket though, without worrying about the frivolity of it. Feet up, glass of champagne, a nice steak. Now surely that is the way to travel?
6. See my book on display
I think it would be pretty cool to walk into a bookshop and see one (or more) of my books on display there. I am planning to start with self-publishing, but one day I hope to find a publisher and make this dream a reality.
7. Do a real life escape the room game
A Japanese friend introduced me to “The Crimson room” years ago and I was hooked. I think it was one of the first in the escape the room genre actually. It would be great fun to do this in real life though, with some friends. I used to play these online games a lot with my daughter. Maybe she would enjoy doing it with me too one day?
Actually, I haven’t done one for a while now. I think I am going to have to look one up later now!
8. Ride in a dogsled.
I think this is actually possible in Hokkaido, in northern Japan, but maybe this is another one to tick off while I am touring Scandinavia. I have no idea why, but this just sounds like the most amazing fun and I can’t wait to try.
9. See Fazil Say in concert
I really like this Turkish pianist. I find him exciting to listen to and very original and vibrant. I hope one day to go and see him play live. There are plenty of other pianists too that I want to hear. I can’t believe how few times I’ve actually been to concerts, given how much I love piano. I definitely want to change that!
10. Have a professional makeover, including a wardrobe stylist.
I have watched all of the Queer Eye episodes, and while I am not overly keen on the idea of being featured on TV like that, I would absolutely love to have someone like them come and “sort me out” so to speak. I tend to spend most of my money on traveling rather than on fashion, so most of my clothes are functional – and second hand. I would love to dress more chic and sexy and have a more glamourous presence on occasion.
Of course at home I’ll be sticking to my favourite attire: my pyjamas.