Travel to Mexico City, Hawaii and Dollywood Top My "Bucket List"

It occurred to me the other day that in the hustle and bustle of raising four children, I had stopped dreaming and setting goals for my self, other than getting one bill or another paid off. What were all those things I used to dream of doing? I sat down and made myself a list of the things I've missed that I wanted to do. With a list to remind me, who knows, I may get to do some of them yet.

One of the places I would truly like to visit is Dollywood. I've always loved amusement parks, and have visited several in California over the years, but Dollywood has always remained near the top of my list. You might ask, 'why Dollywood?'. Yes, I do hear the scorn in your voice as you envision Dolly Parton in a sequined jumpsuit and heavy make up. But Dolly Parton is actually a remarkable person if you take time to look at where she came from as a child; dirt poor, to fame and fortune. She also takes the time to encourage the children in the poverty stricken area that she grew up in and sends each one books to read on a regular basis. The Dollywood amusement park also has an excellent reputation, and very positive remarks from visitors. I hope that some day to be able to visit this particular park.

Next on my list is the home of Laura Ingalls Wilder and Almanzo Wilder at the Rocky Ridge Farm. As a child I read the series of books several times, and currently am reading them to my daughter. Many will wonder why I want to visit a home that really doesn't have any fun things to do, but I feel it's a part of history and I would like to walk through and see the place where one of my favorite authors lived with her family. As well as reading the children's series, many people don't realize that Mrs. Wilder also wrote for the Missouri Ruralist. Her articles are in an out of print book called: Little House in the Ozarks, and there is currently a revised edition of these articles with additional articles called: Laura Ingalls Wilder, Farm Journalist: Writings from the Ozarks. You would probably be surprised at how different Mrs. Wilder really was from the little girl growing up in the children's series.

Also on my list would be a visit to Hawaii. Although I don't surf or swim well, I would love to have a few weeks to travel around the island on a small scooter and see the sights. I've heard that life is slower on Hawaii, and I think it would be nice to slow down and enjoy the sights and sounds of the Islands. The thing that holds me back from visiting Hawaii the most is a fear of flying. You might find that silly of me, considering that I grew up flying in a small plane with my Dad, but large commercial planes make me nervous knowing so many people are responsible for their care and maintenance.

Another dream of mine is to go on a Disney Cruise. It would be so much fun to take my children, or even just me and my husband, on a Disney Cruise. I've often thought it would be nice to combine a cruise with a trip to Hawaii to avoid that dreadful plane trip. Maybe someday in the future I can make it happen.

Mexico City, Mexico is probably my most adventurous goal. I've always wanted to visit that city. The pictures that I've seen are extraordinary.

The one place I would like to visit for a second time is the Buchart Gardens in Victoria, British Columbia. Years ago, when my husband and I were dating, we visited Buchart Gardens. The gardens were one of the prettiest places I have ever been, and we strolled through all different types of gorgeous settings. In the evening, Buchart Gardens have lovely colored light shows. The gardens naturally change with the seasons, but no matter what time of year you go, there is always something beautiful to see.

Last but not least, I would like to visit Banff Castle, in Canada. The Castle has a Scottish heritage, and is a very impressive structure. Operating as a hotel, they also offer free tours. At the very least, a tour would be wonderful, but it would be nice to visit as a guest sometime in the future.

I may never get to visit any of the places I've described, but knowing that won't stop me from dreaming. Besides, don't most trips begin with a dream?

Links to some of these places:

Butchart Gardens: http://www.butchartgardens.com/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1

Dollywood: http://www.dollywood.com/

Laura Ingalls Wilder's Rocky Ridge Farm: http://www.dahoudek.com/LIW/RockyRidge.htm