Places I Must Visit: Portbelo, Panama

 



Portobelo is a port city in Colon Province, Panama. It is home to not one but two Black Christ statues. This city was ironically discovered and named by Christopher Columbus. I am inclined to believe that this city existed before he "found" it just like America but I digress. I have seen some really gorgeous pictures of the beaches here, the houses and the lifestyle there. All of it makes me excited to see it. But, the main attraction for me are the two Black Christs. I have read the Bible enough to know that Jesus is not the blond haired, blue eyed White man that many depict him as. "Hair like wool and feet like bronze" does not equate a White man to me. I have never accepted the image of Jesus that has been shoved down our throats via the church and mainstream media. From the pictures alone, I can tell that this is something I need to see with my own eyes. I have only recently learned of this place and its history. I cannot wait to go there. It has moved it's way up to the top 5 destination spots. Get into it.



Places I Must Visit: Belize

Belize is one of the places on my list that I don't know a whole lot about. But, from the pictures I've seen and the articles I've read it deserves to be on my list. It is a gorgeous place. I want to be anywhere that is near or surrounded by water. I would love to just walk along the beaches in Belize while taking in the bluest water I've ever seen. There is an incredible zoo there which is a must see. Belize is known for its restaurants and scenery. Just absolutely breathtaking. I am quite enamored with it. Belize is a new entry on my list. Must make it there ASAPtually. I have to. 

#31WriteNow: Places I Must Visit

 

San Francisco, California is a new addition to my places to visit. I do not know anyone that lives here but I do have fam in Northern Cali. I am in love with the architecture of this city. I want to ride their trolleys and go to an open house here. Crossing the Golden Gate Bridge is a must when visiting San Fran. I love all of the pictures I have seen of the bridge all lit up at night. It is gorgeous. Also, visiting Alcatraz, the Exploratorium and Fisherman's Wharf are a must. I have a special place in my heart for California anyway. It's a place that I really wouldn't mind living again. I also have to explore Northern Cali because people say it's a totally different world from SoCal. 

 

"As the shimmering "City by the Bay," San Francisco’s distinctive terrain – water on one side, hills on the other – leads to spectacular views and experiences that could only happen here. The city’s wide array of attractions, activities, and personality-infused neighborhoods appeal to visitors of all ages." - via City Pass

From pictures, San Fran seems to have a New Orleans-esque feel to it. The cable cars and the carriages are all things synonymous with the N.O. There are a plethora of restaurants and landmarks that I need to see and photograph. And, anywhere near water is a win for me. I think I was born to live near water. It keeps calling my name. Which is strange because I cannot swim but I love it anyway. San Fran has a famous farmer's market that I def want to visit. It's just such a beautiful city. It just seems like a great place to visit. It has moved up to my top ten places to visit. Cannot wait to get there. 

Places I Must Visit: Cabo and Punta Cana and Barcelona

In honor of Cinco de Drinko (nee Cinco de Mayo), I decided to choose a couple of Spanish speaking countries. I have always wanted to go to  Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; Punta Cana, Dominican Republic; and Barcelona, Spain. All beautiful countries in their own right. While I won't be out celebrating Cinco de Mayo, I will have a margarita in honor of the holiday. Let's discuss my three places I must visit in this lifetime.

I've wanted to go to a tourist city in Mexico for a while. I have just decided that Cabo is that place. All the pictures I've ever seen of this city are gorgeous. From the hotels to the restaurants to the beaches, Cabo San Lucas looks like a fun time to be had by all. I would def indulge in plenty margaritas on every available beach there. It is def on my short list of places to go soon.

Second on my list is Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. Breathtakingly beautiful. I want to go here for the beaches and the sunsets. This is a vacation destination hot spot. I have friends that have been before. They all say it is the place to go. The more I hear about it, the more I ache to go.

Last but not least is Barcelona, Spain. I am a fan of old buildings with history. Barcelona has this. Museums, restaurants, hotels and historic art are all reasons that I need to visit here. The city is so gorgeous at night all lit up. The history of the city is very interesting. I cannot wait to make my way there and explore all it has to offer. Hope you guys are enjoying this fine Sunday. Have a drink or three for me! Feliz Cinco de Mayo!

Places I Must Visit: Cape Town, South Africa

I had to admit something. I am a Black woman who has never wanted to travel to Africa. Ever. Until recently. I'm not fond of long flights. Or going anywhere where I have to get a gang of shots to travel there. I hate needles and shots. Those were my two major complaints. Also, I've never felt connected to Africa. Yes, I know my ancestors are from there. I've just never been concerned about seeing the continent. I follow Demetria Lucas on Twitter. She is a relationship writer. She is in Africa right now. Her tweets have inspired me to look up more about the Motherland. And, from reading and seeing pictures, I have decided that Cape Town, South Africa is a place I must visit.

The pictures of Cape Town are gorgeous. I want to go on an African safari. I want to experience the life of the locals. I want to just be there. I have not researched my family lineage. I don't have a real urge to. But, I would love to see Africa. Just to say I've experienced it. Africa is gorgeous in pictures. The stories and articles that I've read about the country are all glowing endorsements. Africa is a place I need to see, yearn to see. This is why it has finally made it to my list of places I must see.

Places I Must Visit: Toronto, Canada

Toronto is gorgeous in pictures. I want to see it for myself. I think the city would be a great tourist spot. I have a thing about zoo's and Toronto is known for theirs. The Skydome is simply a site to see. I want to go there. The city is famous for its Harbourfront. It is known for its art galleries, shops, craft boutique restaurants, theaters and hotels. I would definitely want to stay at a hotel in this area. I would want to go in the winter because I am fascinated by snow. Being from the south, it is something that I am not used to. I would have to visit the Toronto islands as well. I did not know that these existed until I was researching the city. Toronto's "Wonderland" is known for its rides, roller coasters and water park. This would be a great family outing as well. Toronto seems to be a city that has a lot to offer. I want to explore it. That is why this city is on my list.

Places I Must Visit: Aspen, Colorado

The snow capped mountains of Aspen, Colorado are enticing to me. I wanna go there. No, I cannot ski. Yes, I have a fear of heights. But, I still need to go there. There is something appealing about being in a ski town in front of a roaring fire drinking hot cocoa in ski gear with my guy. That sounds like a great way to spend a weekend. One could partake in horse riding, ice skating, fly fishing, rafting, as well as skiing and snowboarding. There are also these incredible gondolas there that take you to the tops of the mountains. I would love to go up in one of those. I have been slowly conquering my fear of heights. This would work well for me.

Aspen is know for its bubbling nightlife and restaurants. There are a wide array of clubs and hot spots there. Wine bars are a commodity that I would have to indulge in. Wine tastings are always a great look in my world. Aspen is also know for their festivals. They have to do with art, literature, film and food. What more could one want from a city? This seems like a place I would enjoy every second of. These are just a few reasons why Aspen has been added to my list. It's a new addition. But one I cannot wait to see.

Places I Must Visit: Napa Valley, California

California is a place I love. I lived in Southern California for about a year. It was lovely. I frequented San Diego and Los Angelos often. Loved both for totally different reasons. I am sad that I was never able to get to northern Cali. I would love to visit San Francisco and Napa Valley. Napa seems like such a touch of heaven for a wine lover such as myself. The appeal of touring a vineyard is what Napa is all about. The city, from what I have seen in pictures, is gorgeous. I want to go on the hay rides through the vineyards and experience the wine tastings. This would be a perfect vacation for me. It would be a great girls trip or sweetheart trip for any one.

Tamera Mowry-Housley, of "Sister, Sister" & "Tia & Tamera" fame, had a bachelorette party at a vineyard on her reality show. A vineyard party was also featured on "The Real Housewives of New Jersey" this season. Both parties seemed like so much fun. I would even be open to the stomping of the grapes to make my own wine. It's an experience I wouldn't want to pass up when I make it there. There are loads of bed & breakfast spots in Napa. It would be the perfect place for a get away. The restaurants there are renowned. This is why Napa has made my list of "Places I must visit."

Places I Must Visit: Jamaica

Jamaica. This island has got to be on everyone's wish list. It seems to be the perfect vacation getaway spot. It's on my list for many reasons: the land, the food, the people and the overall experience. I remember reading an Urban Lit book a long time ago where the main characters took a trip to Ocho Rios, Jamaica. Ever since then, I have wanted to got there. Ocho Rios means "eight rivers" in Spanish. I remember being enthralled with the description of this place in that book. There are a few places in Jamaica I would want to go. Negril, Montego Bay, and Kingston are all on the list. I would, of course want to do the tourist thing. But, I would want to experience the native Jamaica as well. I want to eat at the local spots that have the best Jamaican food. The places that most tourists would never venture off in to. I want an authentic Jamaican experience. Yes, I want to stay in a nice hotel with a great room. But, I would also want all that Jamaica has to offer. The pictures that I've seen of this island look warm and inviting. Also, Jamaica has been on my list since "Stella Got Her Groove Back." That movie made Jamaica seem like this mythical, magical hidden treasure. I want to discover it on my own.

#30in30: Places I Must Visit: New York City

I decided to go domestically with this pick. I'm always choosing other continents for these posts. One place on my list has to be New York City. I've wanted to explore this city for years. I've never had a reason to go. Nor did I ever have anyone to go with. I do not believe that NYC is the type of city one visits alone. I do not think I could live there. I am not interested in taking the subway at all. I just want to walk the streets of the city. Would love to just get lost in the city for a few days. Soak in everything that NYC has to offer me. 

Of course, I want to do all of the tourist things. I want to see the sights. The Statute of Liberty, Times Square, the Empire State Building are among the sights I have to see. I especially want to see what Brooklyn 's like. I want to eat at the most authentic New York spots. Oh, I definitely want to have dollar pizza and Shake Shack. I want to experience the NYC nightlife. SOB's, 40/40, Greenhouse (if it ever reopens) have been mentioned to me. I want to walk through Central Park during the day. I want to walk through Harlem. I want to see Wall Street and see a play on Broadway.

Mainly, I just want take in the hustle that is NYC. I'm sure that it is so different than my city. New York is the Big Apple where everything is fast. While New Orleans is the Big Easy, where everything is laid back and easy. No matter, I need to see it for myself. It's the place in the U.S. I've wanted to visit for as long as I could remember. As a college student, I was planning a trip that my Mom promptedly nixed. She was not having it. Now,that I'm older, I feel like this trip is long overdue. So, soon NYC needs to see me.

Places I Must Visit: Paris, France

Paris, France has been depicted as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It seems to be the destination spot of many people, myself included. I want to go there. From the national monuments to the local restaurants, everything about the city seems magical. It appears to be a city that you can't help but love. I love movies and books about Paris. It is so far removed from my daily life. I'm quite enthralled with Paris. I loved the last two episodes of "Sex & the City" for that reason alone. Paris is definitely top five on my list.



París is the city of love. I want to go there and be deeply in love. I want to walk around the city holding my Love's hand. I want to sit at the outdoor cafe's and sip cappuccinos and take in the sights. I want to explore every inch of the Lourve. Museums are so interesting to me. I want to sit in the grass next to him in front of the Eiffel Tower. I want to see the city all lit up at night. I want to drink French wine and get drunk I am this city. I want to eat rich French food. I want to have a variety of cheeses, breads & grapes for brunch. I want to speak French with the locals. I need to fully immerse myself into this city for days. This is why Paris is a place I have to visit.

Places I Must Visit: Turks & Caicos

From the white sandy beaches to the clear blue waters, there is just something about the islands of Turks & Caicos. The 40 islands are located south of Miami in the Atlantic Ocean. The weather there is basically perfect from June to October. It stays between 85-90. It's the kind of weather that lends itself to days and nights spent on those beautiful beaches. In an average year, Turks & Caicos has 350 days of sunshine. The islands boast over 230 miles of beaches. All of the pictures I have ever seen of the islands are beautiful. It's been on my list for some time now. It is definitely top 5 for me. Check out this & this to get more fun facts about the islands. Turks & Caicos seems to be just about a perfect place to visit.

Places I Must Visit: Venice, Italy

Venice, Italy. I've been enamored with this city since the first time I saw pictures of the beautiful buildings that line the rivers and the gondolas. I was amazed that the people traveled so frequently by the waterways. Gondolas and the gondoliers have always seemed very romantic to me. I love how old the buildings look and how colorful the city is. Venice is the city that makes you believe in magic. Cars are banned here so the only way to travel is by foot or by water. How old school is that? It seems like the city of Venice is a perfect place for lovers to visit. I am sure that this is why it's high on my list of places that I have to visit.

Places I Must Visit: Thailand

Thailand has been on my radar for a few years now. It started with my introduction to Thai food. Which, by the way, was purely accidental. I was out with some coworkers and one ordered Pad Thai noodles. When her food arrived, it looked so good. She offered me some. I tried. I was sold. I actually ordered some to go. I've seen pictures of Thailand on the Travel channel. I'm particularly interested in Bangkok. It looks like such a vibrant city. It's full if people and color and history. It seems like a place I would enjoy traveling to. I don't know a whole lot about the country. But the beaches are gorgeous, the food is spicy and the people seem very nice.



The name "Thailand" means "Land of the Free." It reminds me of the premise of this country. Floating markets are a staple here. The Leonardo DiCaprio film "The Beach" is about a young backpacker who found a legendary beach in Thailand. I just recently viewed this film for the first time and I loved it. It is also known as the land of smiles. The rainy season lasts from July to October so this would not be an ideal time to visit. Outside of that, the temperature is described as tropical. It's a place I have to visit. I've been reading a few tourism websites about the country. It has only stoked that traveling fire in me. Thailand is gorgeous. Cannot wait to see it for myself.

Places I Must Visit: St. Lucia

St. Lucia is a little island out in the Caribbean Sea. I worked with a girl from there a while back. Her accent and stories of her island home always intrigued me. The island is very lush and known for its beaches. St. Lucia is an interesting mix of mountains, rainforests, and beaches. The landscape of the island is very unique in that way. The climate ranges from 70 - 90 degrees all year round. I think that is just about perfect weather. I could live in that possibly. I could definitely vacation here. Scenery is my thing. I'm into it. St. Lucia would feed that hunger in me. This little island is on my list of places to visit.

Places I Must Visit: Fiji

Fiji is absolutely breathtaking in pictures. It is located in the South Pacific. It is composed of 333 islands. Fiji is known for its beautiful, plentiful white sandy beaches and clear blue waters. The Fiji islands are the essence of a tropical island paradise. The beaches are lined with swaying coconut trees, and a plethora of oceans and waterways. Fiji's hotels are said to be the best in the world.



The flight from there to here is long. But, to have my feet on any of those beaches will be worth it. The islands are populated with 5 star hotel accommodations. Fiji is also known as one of the premiere destination wedding and honeymoon spots. The islands are also known for their coral reefs. Snorkeling is a huge pastime of the natives and a must do for tourists. The nightlife is also a huge draw to the islands. These are just some of the reasons why Fiji is definitely one of the places I have to visit.

Places I Must Visit: Galpaglaos

I first heard of the Galpaglaos Islands in one of those urban lit books I was addicted to. The main character, who's name alludes me, went there in vacation. I was intrigued by the name of the island and the authors description of it. Galpaglaos is right outside of Ecuador. From the pictures I've seen, the islands are gorgeous. The weather never drops below 68°. It stays relatively warm for most of the year. There are daily spontaneous rain storms which keep the greenery of the island very lush.



It seems to be a very touristy spot. The islands are know for their hotels and eateries. The island is populated with many different species of animals and birds. I can look at pictures of this island for hours. Galpaglaos is just a breathtakingly beautiful place. One day, I will get there with HIM and enjoy everything the island has to offer. These pictures are just part of the reason why this place is on my list. Look into Galpaglaos and get into it.

Places I Must Visit: Greece

There is no where on this Earth that I want to visit more than Greece. I have been intrigued by this beautiful country since I was 11. My fascination with the country stems from Mythology. I want to see Athens so I can visit some of the historical buildings. The Parthenon is beautiful in pictures. I am sure it is even more so in person. I also want to see Santorini and Mykonos. The seas in Greece appear like an unbelievable blue in pictures. The houses are all white with blue roofs. I could get lost in the photos I peruse online. Each one more breathtaking than the previous one.



I love baklava and have had a shot of ouzo before. I want to eat Greek food in an outdoor café in Greece. The country just seems like a wonderful place. It has been on my list forever. I need to scratch it off. Need to make it there and experience every aspect of it. I may even be a tad bit obsessed with the country. I blame literature. Reading about Greece made my love of the country grow. That is why it is one of the places I have to visit.