Inspired by my recent article on Travel Awaits, I thought I’d put together a list of some of my favorites from around the world. 

Favorite Foods

I think “weird and different” got my attention as I’ve traveled. A few of my favorites have been:

• llama in Argentina, especially the stew
• alpaca in Peru, most noteably at Soncollay
• black scabbardfish with banana in Madeira, Portugal
• lamb chops in Uruguay
• ostrich and kudu steak in South Africa

Favorite Scenery

This is a tough one because I have seen some beautiful places in the past few years. Here’s a list of some of my favorites:

The Highlands, Scotland. This truly is countryside that looks like it was painted by God. Rolling hills, Highland cows, some of the most picturesque and wholesome scenery I ever saw.

La Fortuna, Costa Rica. Though very touristy, the nature around the town is worth the trip. From hanging gardens to the Arenal volcano and waterfalls, and just plain nature, I loved living among it all.

Cali, Colombia. Here, again, there are rolling hills that take the breath away, but now you have the Andes in the background and it’s spectacular. From remote farms to driving between them, my mouth hung open, a lot.

Patagonia, Argentina. Another region with beautiful scenery, I was most drawn to the glaciers in El Calafate and the beautiful blue lakes in Bariloche.

Atacama Desert, Chile. The combination of high altitude, blue skies, and desert colors make this one of the most impossible looking places in the world. It’s desolate and beautiful all at the same time.

Namibia, Africa. Gazing upon acre after acre of uninhabited land where animals roam freely was unlike anything I ever saw. From the dead acacia tree forest to the sand dunes near Swapkupmond to the nothingness along the road, one of the most fascinating places I ever saw.

Cape Town, South Africa. I loved the blend of mountains and sea, of cliffs to penguins to colorful houses. This city has some of the biggest diversity I’ve ever experienced.

Most Interesting Things I Saw So Far

Moai, Easter Island, Chile. What makes them fascinating is imagining how on earth they are possible. By today’s technology, they would be difficult to build, and nearly impossible to drag to their resting places. All the debate and questions around their origins and existence make them one of the most fascinating things I have ever seen.

Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The entire city of Rio de Janeiro, to be honest, is probably the most fascinating place I’ve ever seen. It seems impossible – I don’t know who ever thought of turning mountains into a city, but it’s amazing. The beaches give a view onto those mountains, and when I looked out to where Christ the Redeemer is, I thought, “how on earth are we getting up there?” When we did, I couldn’t believe it and though the weather can become cloudy very quickly, it’s an amazing experience to be in the presence of this particular Christ. I’m not religious, but you can feel the love, and it’s quite amazing that the creators not only found their way up to that spot, but that they built it, as well.

Machu Pichu, Peru. Peru actually scared me for a variety of reasons, so I almost didn’t go at all. What a mistake that would have been! While Machu Pichu has way too many tourists, it’s still astounding to see this and wonder how the Incas had so much wisdom so long ago and that so much remains standing today. In fact, tourists threaten the future of Machu Pichu more than weather and time! If you go, there’s a bus up and down, or, you might want to walk at least one way which will allow you some time in nature.

Favorite Wildlife

Favorite Wine

Favorite Activities