After the year 2020, we all need an escape. If I could escape the planet for a moment that would be wonderful, but I know that will never happen since I still get butterflies when an airplane takes off. Rocket ship...yeah, not happening for me. If someone could just invent teleporting, then I am all in as long as there is no takeoff. I digress.
When I get into a rut, or face a prolonged stressful situation, I must escape. Sometimes that includes just getting out of the house for a walk or a breath of fresh air, or it means running an errand and listening to my favorite tunes. Sometimes I hop on my computer and start looking at airline tickets because I tell myself I am getting out of here for a bit. I know, I do get butterflies, but that doesn't prevent me from flying because I have prayer which always calms me down.
As I was sitting at my computer about to look up my next getaway, I stopped for a moment to look at the captivating image on it. Whenever my computer sleeps or logs out, before I must sign back in, I am shown an image. The computer asks me if I like it or not. Most times, I tell my computer that I like the image which encourages it to show more images like that. Lately, the images have been exotic places in the world.
I take the few minutes before signing into my computer to mentally escape for a moment to that beautiful place and imagine what I would be doing if I were there. I daydream about how the colors I would see, the aromas I would smell, and what pictures I would take to capture the moment. I imagine what the people look like, what they wear, what beauty is in their culture, and what traditions that they may have that are similar to my values.
Doing this has helped me to create a list of places that I would love to travel to. I am partial to lush greenery, rocks, mountains, and oceans. Although, I did fall in love with the cactus when I traveled to San Diego. I didn't realize how interesting they were, so I would have to add that I love places with unique looking trees and plants.
Here is my top 10 list for the most beautiful places in the world that I have either visited, or escaped to mentally:
1. Santorini, Greece
Image by Michelle Maria from Pixabay
I remember as a child, my dad took me to a local restaurant called, Santorini. I walked in, saw an atmosphere similar to this and I was mesmerized. I said that I will travel there one day. Santorini is an island located in the southern Aegean sea, southeast of mainland Greece. Santorini is the largest island of a small circular archipelago (meaning a group of islands on a stretch of water). I escape to this place often in my mind and I would love to wake up to this scene during a vacation.
2. Lord Howe Island, New South Wales
I haven't been here or escaped mentally, but I will. It's the blueness in sky for me. I'm coming for you, Lord Howe Island.
3. Kravice Waterfalls, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Image by Michal Jarmoluk from Pixabay
I have never been here either, but the picture had me and I imagined listening to the soothing sounds of multiple waterfalls, feeling the mist on my face, and smelling the scent of fresh water.
4. Ekiti, Nigeria
Image by Lekan Oyekanmi from Pixabay
I have traveled to Nigeria multiple times, but not to Ekiti yet. If you have ever been to Nigeria, there is a special feeling that you get when your feet touch the red clay earth. When I am there I feel like I am in another place, but still connected to home. This scene of Ekiti road captures the essence of my collective memories of Nigeria. On this road you will see people talking to eachother, greeting their neighbors, you'll hear horns honking, and happy music blaring from houses. The escape to this place brings you to a sense of community, togetherness, all struggling together, and helping each other out.
5. Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria
I have traveled to Ikeja, and this picture captures my feeling when being there. A sunrise in ikeja. Close your eyes, you are almost there.
6. Bali
It's Bali, no futher explanation needed. I escape there mentally on a weekly basis.
7. Shimla, India
8. San Diego, CA
Above images are from my trip to San Diego with hubby. No filter. San Diego has the bluest sky I have ever seen, and the beach was within 45 minutes of where we stayed. I am not a tree hugger but I hug trees that I love and I love the trees in San Diego. They are so interesting. I love San Diego so much that I am giving it two picture blocks. I was meant to be born in San Diego. I escape here physically and mentally frequently.
8. Grand Tetons, Wyoming
Image by Jill Wellington from Pixabay
Majestic mountains always captivate me and give me a sense of protection. I would love to the Grand Tetons in person.
9. Seychelles
10. Zanzibar, Tanznia
The last image just encapsulates the whole idea of escaping. I have never been to Zanzibar, but this is definitely on my list for visting. This picture just makes me you feel relaxed and puts your mind at ease.