Summer travel
It's that time of the year again
I landed at home in New York this week, and suddenly it’s summer. Seasons changed. And everyone’s out and living. Which inevitably means people are about to head out: for road trips upstate, venturings straight to the beaches across the planet, on flights to literally everywhere, and maybe some rail trips to the unexplored. Well I suppose some are going to space (maybe they should stay there permanently?), or under the depths of the ocean, or simply trying to find a spot where nobody is going. It’s going to be hot, humid and heavenly out in the complicated world. Summer love I am ready for your fondle.
Here are some places I have been thinking about visiting this summer, that I have yet to spend any time in:
Rapid City, South Dakota
Sure, it’s the “city of presidents” because Mount Rushmore is there. But there are also six national parks nearby (including the Badlands which I just like the name) plus some serious Native American arts and culture. I am inspired by our Secretary of Interior (read the very recent New Yorker profile here) to learn more about the native Americans tribes across the country - so why not start right here.
Sierre Leone
I would love to surf somewhere totally different to the usual spots I like to frequent (not that I am good in any stretch of the imagination, but I love being out there in the ocean nevertheless). And the country is known for its white sandy beaches, which by the sounds of things are not very busy. Also I hear the spice-heavy cassava leaf soup (more of a stew) is delicious and is served with fried plantains. So a little tropical vibes paired with beach life, I mean, sign me up.
Guyana
For starters it’s quiet, with just a few thousands tourists visiting annually. But the capital Georgetown now has new direct flights from the US, so I have been dreaming of what it looks like over there. They have nine indigenous tribes that reside there and are supposedly nomads who arrived from Siberia 20,000 years ago. So instead of mainstream hotel brands, you an easily do a home stay and learn about these ancient cultures. Meanwhile today the contemporary culture is a mix of African, Indian, Amerindian, British, Portuguese, Chinese, Creole, and Dutch cultures (all those colonial influences).
Jeju island
It’s South Korea’s biggest island (just south of the Korean Peninsula). And it was formed by the eruption of an underwater volcano approximately 2 million years ago. So what do I want to do there you ask? Rent a bike and just cruise around. Starting with Seongsan Ilchulbong Tuff Cone, rising 180 meters above sea level, which is a geological wonder shaped by ancient magma flows beneath the sea over 5,000 years ago. Oh and Snoopy garden (inspired y the Peanuts cartoon). And then I’ll drag my friend Sarah from Tea Huntress with me to the Osulloc Tea Museum.
Montgomery, Alabama
Travel is political, whether you believe it to be or not. This year in particular is probably a very good time to head to Montgomery to visit the Legacy Sites - which is a museum, memorial, and monument that document our country's history of racial injustice. I saw Origin and read Isabel Wilkerson’s Caste and thus am thinking about how important it is to vote in this year’s elections no matter where you live on the planet. Although a vote in the US this year will affect the world in big and small ways…so get to it. Please https://vote.gov
Bay of Islands, New Zealand
I heard about The Landing recently from a Kiwi friend. And now I am thinking of how to switch off, get off the phone and analog it for a little trip to this part of the world. White beaches, a quiet swim…read my book and just find some peace. Who’s coming with me?
Oman
I heard it called the Norway of Arabia, I mean that needs to be understood so why not. Ok so I have also wanted to explore Muscat’s old city, dune board over the Wahiba sands plus see the turtles nest at Ras Al Jinz. So best I head to Oman. Also the Mizwa mountains and ancient forts. They talk about the fresh sea air in Oman, so why not, that sounds like a holiday. Audley Travel has a whole personalized itinerary for Oman, looks more than promising.
Ok where else…
Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is a sacred fig tree - and it’s probably the oldest human-planted tree in the world. Although we don’t know the date. The story goes as follows: roughly 2,600 years ago, Lord Gautama Buddha sat with his back against an Esathu tree on the banks of the Neranjana River in Bodhgaya, India. It was at this moment, as he sat against the tree, that the Buddha is said to have achieved enlightenment. And thus in doing so, the tree also gained a venerated status. It became known as the Bodhi tree, and pilgrims came to see it even within the lifetime of the Buddha. I’ve traveled the world and this has been on my mind for decades. Audley Travel has a Sri Lanka specialist, who may just know more spiritual secrets I can uncover very soon.
Brisbane
Never been, why not? No clue. But I am ready now. I mean who doesn’t want to cuddle a koala? But really I hear it has an underground music scene worth exploring - dating back to the 70s. So what can I find there? Well I heard the Hard-Ons performing at a curry shop was the business. Let’s go find out.
Faroe Islands (but technically I am already heading there in June, so).
Guess what, Icelandair now flies there so I guess I have no choice but to visit. The Faroe Islands is a self-governing archipelago, part of the Kingdom of Denmark. It comprises 18 rocky, volcanic islands between Iceland and Norway - so much to explore right? In particular I loved KOKS in Greenland (a two star Michelin restaurant with some of my favorite foraged ingredients of all time) but KOKS is actually normally based on the Faroe Islands and currently rebuilding their home there, ready for opening soonest.
Upstate NY
And for something a little closer I have been dreaming of a spa long long long weekend at The Hemlock Neversink that my friend Sims opened not so long ago. They have goat therapy with Hemlock’s resident goats of Frederick Farm Goat Sanctuary, mosaic-making workshops, fireside drum circles, stargazing and cloud spotting, honey & tea tasting, terrarium workshops and some. And that Wes Anderson-esque swimming pool already called me by my name. So, why not.
