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99.9% of people in the world dream of places they want to visit. It may stem from an image they saw online, something on television or even a picture in a magazine. Unfortunately, most of these people will never have the opportunity to make these dreams a reality. That is the harsh reality of the situation. For a lucky few though, myself included, these dreams can and will become a reality. I consider myself lucky, not only because I come from a place where I can earn money and support myself financially on the road. Also because I have the attitude to go out and grab what I want. I obsess over making my travel dreams a reality. I am not willing to wait for some sunny day in the future where it will all fall in my lap. My plan is to realise these dreams as soon as possible.
A blessing and a curse of realising these travel dreams are that the list never ends. I may want to visit somewhere, but I also want to visit everywhere. Of course, I’d rather see some places more than others. Then there are the special places in your head and in your heart, the select few. The landmarks, the countries, the cities that you want to see and visit above all else. People who don’t travel long term or often might only have these places on their bucket list. They might tick off these places over the years, without seeing other places in between.
I always get nervous before I visit somewhere I have always dreamt about. That feeling of, “this is it!” comes over me. What happens if it doesn’t live up to my expectations? What if I have wasted months or years, and it wasn’t what I imagined it to be? Thankfully, these fears have always been unwarranted. I haven’t been let down yet. What I have experienced is that feeling of immense pride at achieving one of my life goals. Those first steps on the Great Wall of China, watching the sunset over the Taj Mahal, taking that first trip to the other side of the world. All very different times in very different places, all giving me that feeling of “I’ve done it!” Nothing else matters for those few moments, and why should it? I have worked for this and I should get the chance to enjoy it.
I don’t know why these things are on my bucket list, and I don’t think there needs to be a reason. Surely I don’t need to explain myself. I desperately want to go there because I desperately want to go there. Sometimes they might be the most obvious places in the world. Other times they might be an idea that is special in my mind but in no one else’s. It is my journey though.
Very soon I will realise a dream that should have become a reality a long time ago. One that is closer to home. A dream that might seem strange to a lot of people. It is not a landmark or a wonder of the world but a city, Istanbul.
Why do I want to visit Istanbul so much? I have no idea. For as long as I can remember the idea of visiting this city has excited me. I never had a reason for this. Maybe it’s the idea of East meets West. The fact that half of the city is in Asia and the other half is in Europe. Realistically, it is more than likely the food that is pulling me there. All that matters now is, I am going. I was stupidly talked out of visiting there a couple of years ago. I have visited so many towns and cities before Istanbul, the majority of which lacked any sort of significance to me before being there. But now, at last, my dream will become a reality. Not that this will fulfil any sort of bucket list that I have. I still obsess over visiting Petra and Jordan or camping in Iceland. As soon as I visit Istanbul, I’m sure some other place will come into my mind and I won’t be fulfilled until I visit there also.
For now, though, I still have a couple of weeks seeing what Sri Lanka is all about. Then I will make my way to Istanbul, Turkey, not knowing what to expect. For someone that has always wanted to go there, I know very little about the city or the country. That’s what it is all about though, isn’t it? Exploring with fresh eyes, not a skewed vision. To see a place for what it is, not what I think it should be. I’m expecting some great food, some architecturally stunning buildings, maybe some shisha and a city, unlike anything I have ever seen before. But who knows? Whether or not Istanbul lives up to my very high expectations still remains to be seen. What I do know is that I’m excited! This has been a long time coming and in 2 short weeks, this dream will become a reality!
I almost think it’s better to go in with no expectations sometimes, you never know what you might find when you get there. Looking forward to posts from Istanbul!
Megan // https://pixieskiesblog.wordpress.com
It can be a very rewarding experience. It is always a great feeling when some place surprises you and turns out to be awesome.
We are currently in the preparation and planning stages of long-term travel. We plan to leave in 2020. I have the same fear, that we’re going to do this and the long dreamed of destinations will not be what we were hoping. That reality will not be as good as we have imagined. I’m glad to hear I’m not alone and that it has not been the case for you. So happy for you to be living your dreams!
Thank you for your commebt Crystal. I think everyone has some doubts before making such a drastic lifestyle change. I think regardless of whether it lives up to your expectations, you will never regret it. Where do you plan on travelling to?
It certainly exudes some intrigue does Istanbul. I think from the first we heard of the melodic Constantinople it’s been in a lot of our minds to visit. I’ve heard people say it’s the best city they have ever visited. If so you have a wonderful trip ahead. Enjoy
Istanbul (in fact, all of Turkey) is absolutely brilliant, so I hope it lives up to your expectations. It has so much to offer, including, of course, some downright amazing food! Enjoy your time there!