This blog is fairly new in the grand scheme of internet blogging and I had been traveling long before we decided to chronicle our adventures. My constant wanderlusting around (before the word was trendy) and traveling the globe is what pushed so many of my friends to suggest I start a blog. And finally after a few years of nagging I gave in. And here we are. With so many trips not written about so I thought I would to do a throwback to some of my favorite pre-CircaWanderlust trips!
Favorite Trip Locations
Turkey
I spent a did a study abroad program in Istanbul, Turkey my super-senior year of college. For as long as I can remember and especially so after Mama Martinez’ Art History class, I had wanted to visit Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. That yearning to see Constantinople was revamped when my Ancient Greek and Roman history classes came into my curriculum via Hot Dr. Perry’s lectures. A land of history, rich spices, and culture that took my breath away. I still get goosebumps when I think of the time I spent in Taksim Square.
For me, Turkey was about falling in love not with a person, but with a culture and history. Even though part of my study abroad program was a class on Turkish culture and history, nothing really painted a true picture of what Turkey was truly like. Maybe I was completely fixated on Turkey’s past when I arrived, but within minutes I was pulled through a modern and progressive present that was nothing like I had expected. History, museums, fascinating culture, and beautiful mosaics aside, Turkey is a very unique place and anyone who knows me will tell you it isn’t surprising to see it pop up on a list of my favorite trip locations.
Savannah
Oh Savannah! I’ve never actually stayed over night in Savannah but every major road trip I’ve taken has taken me through the charming Georgia town! I’ve walked the streets at all hours of the day and night, had breakfast, lunch, and dinner while on my way to another place and still Savannah’s personality makes it memorable even though it wasn’t the final destination. Its turned into a joke that at this point we should never really stay over night but I promise we have plans to stay for a few days this year.
If you’ve never been, I recommend visiting the Historic District! It is full of cute cafes, restaurants, bars, and shops for you to explore. As the name suggests, it is known for historic structures and instagram-able spots! You will see beautiful parks and green spaces, spot a few horse drawn carriages, and see beautiful examples of antebellum architecture.
Paris
My first time in Paris was monumental for timing: I had just broken up with my college boyfriend, I was half flunking college, and Paris saved me. It was the first time that I traveled internationally alone, to a completely new place. Every trip before that had been with family or as a group and if I did travel alone it was to a known destination. I barely spoke the language too. A city like Paris requires you to give yourself over entirely to its people, its culture, and its romance.
Paris has a timeless and unique familiarity for first-time visitors as the images we’ve seen of the iconic city are right before your eyes. Paris is always a good idea with instantly recognizable architectural icons,amzingly exquisite cuisine, chic boutiques and priceless artistic treasures I don’t see how you could go to the city of Love and not have it change you.
Toronto, Canada
My trip to Toronto was a total spur of the moment decision when I realized that I had no plans one spring break. When the initial plan to fly to NYC and meet up with a bunch of online friends fell apart, JMan and I decided I should just come visit her in Toronto. There was poutine, lots of poutine, and a great vacation spent in the great north! I got to finally IRL meet JMan after years and years of digital friendship. We had seen the days of LiveJournal, MySpace, Facebook, and AIM. My purse may have gotten stolen, my suitcase may have fallen apart due to manhandling from the airline, and I might have gotten lost at the Minneapolis airport but I still had a great time!
My favorite part of the trip? When JMan’s grandmother made a traditional Chinese meal!
Marietta, Ohio
If you are new to the blog, you might not know how important this little town is to the CircaWanderlust story. It is the one that started it all with dusty floors in antique malls and river front streets paved with old bricks. Marietta has become one of our favorite trip locations that we visit year after year. Of all of the places on this list, Marietta makes it on here for very different reasons. Family is really important to Tim and I so being able to visit where his family is from is really special. And don’t let this sleepy town fool you! It is packed full of things to do, great placed to eat, history, and awesome events throughout the year.
The town has a brewery that serves some amazing local brews! It is also home to down-home celebration of paddling, road & mountain biking, and fine local ales. Even though we have been numerous times we always find something new to explore and do.
