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Intro
The journey of human civilization seems like a tale of increasing urbanization, locking ourselves into ever closer quarters. I love cities though! I spend the bulk of my travel time in cities to be honest! But, as I’ve gotten older and wiser, I’ve learned more and more to appreciate nature! I feel like this is also very much the story of humanity, at least in the Western World! We’ve learned to appreciate that which we destroy…
I regret the lack of natural escapes I visited during my first few trips abroad, so the bulk of what’s on this list is from later trips. Well not really, but I love lying so whatevie. Nevertheless, Mother Nature won’t win mother of the year anytime soon so she doesn’t really deserve to get more than five places on this list. They won’t be ranked either! Take that mother nature! Nevermind what her children have done to her… but before she dies, let’s look at five of the swagtopiest most hopiest top of topiest places I’ve discovered on my travels.
🇺🇸 Joshua tree, usa 🇺🇸
Joshua Tree feels like a different world to the big city bustle associated with California. Coming from the Bay Area, this is by far the closest on the list and the only one I’ve had the pleasure of visiting twice. Both times brought something new to my appreciation of this delicious wilderness and beautiful landscapes. I went to Joshua Tree on family trips so I was basically being chauffeured everywhere and didn’t need to research locations. So no facts here just fax here!
don’t sweat it!
And fact is, second time round I learned about the amazing wildlife in this national park! We saw desert tortoises! We saw jackrabbits and we saw snakes! I only missed out on Longhorn Sheep and Sasquatch! What makes this all the more remarkable is the alien environment of Joshua Tree. One wouldn’t expect any type of creature to eek out a living over there but it springs up on you with more life than China and India plus Naboo!
put your needs first!
Of course, the true stars of Joshua Tree, besides the skies full of stars, are the trees themselves! There’s something magnetic about their aura, as if their thorny upkeep and curved shapes force you to study them. They lay scattered across long, neverending fields of rock and cacti and you could fool yourself into thinking you’ve totally abandoned mankind in this environment.
I recall getting lost on a hike during the first trip to Joshua Tree. My mother, brother and I all left my father, who generally acted as the guide and the one with good directions. So, having gone off on our own, we were defenseless against the sandy hands of the desert. We feared vicious scorpions and rattlesnakes. Meanwhile, every shadow cast by a boulder seemed poised to contain an unidentified cryptid with our names on its hit list. Luckily, we made it back alive before nightfall brought out more terror. Back to camp, just in time for a night so windy, it lifted my parents’ tent off the ground, sending stakes flying everywhere . My brother and I gave up beforehand and slept in the car as our tent died for our sins.
don’t compare yourself to others!
If you’re into hiking, don’t mind the sun, and want to feel at one with nature, visit Joshua Tree. There are small towns nearby, offering motels, homestays, little restaurants, and a visitor center. Pick up a brochure about the numerous trails you can visit in the area too. There really is something for everyone, from death march maniacs to simple sunset enjoyers. Never forget the sun can kill and the cold has a murderous mean streak too. So stay prepared!
you’re here for a reason!
Final Note: Joshua Tree has a sort of spiritual energy to it thus, it feels relaxing and freeing. If you like Yoga or Meditation, I’d recommend practicing it over there. Choose a spot among the lot of rocks and let it rock!
🇹🇷 cappadocia, turkey 🇹🇷
Ah Cappadocia, it’s probably one of the most well-known beautiful landscapes on this list. What’s not to love about it? It’s picturesque, unique, and well developed! Plus, it’s got a fire name! Set in central Anatolia, Cap as I am allowed to call my bestie, feels a world away from Istanbul and Ankara. No, instead, you feel like you were a kid again… shot out of a cannon into Mars… You should seek help if you feel that way too much. There should not be that many people in your life able to send you to Mars! I don’t care who you are!
never lose sight of who you want to be!
Cappadocia is famous for the fairy chimney rock formations littering the area’s valleys. That’s those sharp pointy rock homies sticking up for the ground. They’re out of it but holding it down nonetheless. The other famous thing is Jesus! No, not really but I mean several of the caves built into the area’s rocky hills were used as monasteries before the Islamization of the area. Beyond churches and monasteries, the abundance of rock-chiseled homes filling up Cap will blow your mind. Or better yet, bust a cap in you!Ooh! Not really either! You’ll die! And I’ll probably be sad, unless I won’t.
we all make mistakes!
Cappadocia is very large with different cities to use as a home base though Goreme (umlaut lives matter) is the most popular. Hot air balloon rides, horse rides, and simple walks are the best way to enjoy the landscape! Don’t miss the jewels of the cave-based tomfoolery aka the underground cities! If you wanna find mole people and that’s the only reason you came to Turkey, now’s your chance! Go dig! Dig and find them! But come on if that’s your only reason for coming, you probably deserve a slap or two!
Cap topped my list when visiting Turkey. Unfortunately, dreams are often crushed nowadays and one of my biggest goals there was smothered my by Mother Nature. You’ll see why I had to diss her before. See, ever since I was even in my mother’s womb I wanted to go on a Hot Air Balloon ride in Cappadocia. Those were literally my first words as an infant. So there I was. I finally got the chance via an arranged tour. We were on the bus, heading towards the promised land. Ya boi was all pumped to get on the hot air balloon. And, right before we stopped at the launch site, they were like ‘eh bruh there be rain though’. Next thing I know, I cried myself to sleep back at the hostel. Did I even get a refund? Don’t ask me!
only let in people who reciprocate your energy!
Tours are honestly the way to go in Cappadocia! I did like two and found both to be very enjoyable and educational. Unless you have a car, it’s best to take advantage of the buses around Goreme or Nevsehir (justice for the Turkish s thing too!) to visit Cap’s far-flung sights. One such location includes Derinkuyu, an underground city which I highly recommend! If I hear you visited Cappadocia and didn’t visit Derinkuyu, my Gosh! I’mma bust a cap in your doc and say Eeh-yah!! See what I did there? Yeah it’s the second time I used the Bust a cap thing. I just wanted to cap off my dossier 😏
don’t let others’ opinions define you!
Final Note: It’s likely best to come in the Summer time. I came in Winter and it snows way more than I expected it to, like more than one foot my fellow feet pic enjoyer. What’s up with that?
🇮🇩 lake toba, indonesia 🇮🇩
A vrai dire, je dois ecrire une autre liste pour l’Indonesie lui-meme. Don’t check my French! I had to write that cuz uh… Indonesia! Islands! Ile de France! It’s wild and… free… like Liberte! Anyways, Indonesia has no shortage of beautiful landscapes. I’d go as far as to say that of the countries I’ve had the fortune of visiting, it easily reigns supreme. Though, of course, I spent a long time there so I’m probably biased. But, nevertheless, expect a full separate Indonesian list like this one day! And that day will end with a Y most likely!
leave the past in the past!
As for today, Sunday, we got Lake Toba! It’s in Sumatra! It’s Indonesia’s largest lake plus the largest lake in all of Southeast Asia. Don’t quote daddy on that. Maybe it is maybe it isn’t. How should I know? I didn’t give birth to it. Nevertheless, Sumatra doesn’t have the greatest transportation system but I managed to reach Lake Toba via first a bus from Medan to Parapat. Second, a little ferry from Parapat to Samosir Island, the main destination to see the volcanic lake.
you have the recipe to a happy future!
The name of the game here is the native Bataknese culture with their brilliant architecture and unique flavor of Christianity and for this list, beautiful landscapes! We got water galore! Ooh ooh ooh! Waterfalls too, high peaks and a whole lot of green! They seem to grow everything in Indonesia and Danau Toba is no exception! (Danau means lake possibly btw. I can’t be bothered to verify. Siri is one of my opps) So, be ready to see the most vast, colorful, lushest farmland you will ever encounter! The true Southeast Asian adventure! Not only that but there’s wildlife, multicolored lakes, spectacular trees and rolling hills that rain thunder down upon a fool or two if you’re not careful!
Like a lot of my Indonesia trip, my Lake Toba trip got muddled when I learned I couldn’t get a Covid Test in the area and would therefore have to return back to Medan. This cut the trip short. Secondly, it was one of the most spontaneous adventures I embarked on, leading to me needing to just wander the streets and hope to find a tour company. Luckily, luck was on my side and I found two random guys to give me motorcycle tours around Samosir. It really speaks to the hospitality of the Indonesian people that allowed me to survive without getting kidnapped and murdered as usual.
Not everyone is supposed to stay along for the whole ride!
Beyond the sights, Lake Toba had seen much better days before I came, owing to Covid more than anything. Samosir had all the appliances of a tourist hotspot but instead, it resembled a ghost town. That being said, there were numerous ads for magic mushrooms I never received. Also, my tour guides offered me sex workers quite often as well as marijuana. The only thing I did indulge in was some Tuak, Batak palm wine. It was very strong and very not tasty to me. But boy did it get ya boi drunker than a drunkard! Ooh wee!! Toujours quand je bois beaucoup, je peux parler tres bien le francais honhonhon! Nevertheless, I was there for beautiful landscapes, not debauchery!
you’ve done great!
Final Note: Sunsets here are essential viewing, you get the feeling of remote tropical beauty mixed with small town tourist infrastructure. Indonesia is such a lovely country. Just writing about this makes me miss it.
🇺🇸 sedona, usa 🇺🇸
The red cliffs of Sedona haunt my dreams forever. It’s hot and arid in this part of Arizona, but don’t let that discourage you by any means. The vast open fields reveal glorious burgundy-hued canyons dissecting the valleys. Beautiful trails, flourishing plants and the opposites attract combination of greens and reds paint a landscape to stand the test of time.
don’t let negativity define you!
You feel like you’re walking through the shoes of an ant as you navigate the colorful underpasses beneath the mountains. Down in those trenches, engulfed by nature’s magnitude, it’s difficult not to appreciate the grandeur of the scene. Those beautiful landscapes are to die for after all! Luckily, Sedona is a town too, with scenic views and tourist infrastructure to boot. Alternatively, you can do as me and my family did and visit the area from a home base in Flagstaff, Arizona too.
don’t let anyone decide who you are for you!
Nevertheless, the immensity of the Redrock mountains, accessible by numerous hiking paths, is the star of this show. Nothing can compete with its beauty. While it is overshadowed by the Grand Canyon, the interesting color display is what sets Sedona apart and that’s what should turn you into a young bull drawn in by the red of the matador and willing to risk it all.
I remember feeling overcome with regret at my camera’s broken state at this stage of traveling. The poor thing was only able to capture blurred images with a huge white spot. See if you can notice it hehe. Still, I enjoyed exploiting this while taking photos of my parents, positioning the white spot right over their faces for a classic prank. Things like that are important to consider, however, for the aspiring traveler. They really depend on what your aim is. At the time I was more into saving money than taking great photos so it didn’t matter much. But, atop those mountains with such an amazing view, sometimes I wish I could’ve been, just for one second, a little more boujee.
not everyone will appreciate you!
When I visited Sedona, I was forced into many a death march (like .5) by my unrelenting father. ( 🇩🇪 ) While death and marching are not my favorite pastimes, to be honest, these were actually nice hikes. This is pretty much all down to the scenery which amazed me like a maze be, ya see? Nah but tours are available as well as offroad activities, mountain activities, and camping. I wouldn’t know about that though. That’s broke boy shit. Not me. I’m a broke man!
It only matters that you do!
Final Note: Spend a good few days in Sedona, the town itself is really nice and built on an incline. If you can, splurge a bit for the sake of those magic rocks. Remember you get hospitality and beautiful landscapes! You won’t regret it!
🇪🇬 dahab, egypt 🇪🇬
Lastly, nahnu nadhhab ila dahab! That was supposed to be an Arabic rhyme! But my Arabic is trash! So let’s move on! Dahab is a quiet coastal town on the Red Sea. Quiet, at least when I was there during Ramadhan. An abundance of tourist infrastructure tells me that shan’t be further from the truth in the high seasons. Still, the Red Sea is the jewel here as you feel like you’re exploring the edge of the Earth. Vast blue as fuck seas, juxtaposed with huge rocky peaks and long avenues of red sand.
there’s beauty in even the quietest moments!
When I visited, it was unlike any place I’d yet been to. Half desert, half ocean. Blisteringly hot, right next door to the water’s healing rays of coolism. Is that a word? Is that the world? It all seemed there. Dahab as a city is relatively small and walkable, with an undeniable seaside charm to it. Walk far enough away and you get secluded beaches all to yourself. If you wanna hike but don’t care about the rules, venture past the shores and into the mountain ridges that populate the distance. I dare you. I double dog dare you. Nah, I double Dahab dare you! Wahah!
getting back up is the key!
If you stayed in the main cities of Egypt like Cairo, Alexandria, or even Luxor or Aswan, Dahab feels completely different. Surfers, snorkelers, treasure hunters (i may be capping here) all rummage the streets in search of the glorious booty to be found along this blushing coast. Salt flats exist too to break the monotony of incredibly beautiful and swimmable beaches, while the city’s interior charm allows for pauses from witnessing amazing canyons swirling away as far as the eye can gleam. If those aren’t beautiful landscapes I don’t know what is!
I remember being a little down upon entering Dahab for the first few nights. It was my first time alone since coming to Egypt and seemed so very far removed from Cairo. Still, I became determined to snorkel for the first time and bought a cheap ass water camera to do so. As mentioned, I wandered away from town until I found a little beach and burst into snorkeling. And, let’s say in regards to the camera, there’s a reason there are no snorkeling photos included here. I waste money a lot. Plus it hurt my fingers to set up. That’s a lack of pain I’ll never get back. I’ll take solitude and money instead.
Bad things don’t make a bad person!
Nevertheless, guided tours are also a good option. I took one to my first-ever snorkeling spot. We went to the spot named, get this, the Blue Hole! So creative! And here we are praising Egyptian civilization!? Like whatever bruh! Anywho, the Blue Hole is amazing! Even for beginner snorkely boys, it offered a treasure trove of ocean life in vibrant color and sharpness. It’s just one of many activities as most hostels and hotels include the option to rent water gear. Additionally, surfing is popular and beautiful landscapes are accessible via tours with Atvs and stuff may be an option as well. Yet, in the end, I am a sucker for a good snorkel. Does that sound weird?
you’re so loved!
Final Note: While Dahab is here for its beautiful landscapes, don’t forget it is also a small town. Honestly, it appears a little too touristy for my taste as a town. I would be surprised if there was much in the form of authentic local culture readily accessible to the wandering tourist eyes.
🌎 In conclusion 🌍
The natural world usually one-ups us humans whenever we think we got Mother defeated with our manmade landmarks. This is so thoroughly the case that I could never truly hope to compile all of nature’s wonders into one list! Even just dumbing it down to the countries I’ve been to would be tough! So that explains the caveats here. Expect more lists like this in the future. If you want more Nature…
If I were giving travel advice, which I am, this is my blog, after all, I’d say it’s best to mix things up in your adventures. Do a little of both amazing cities and beautiful landscapes. Of course, this depends on personal interests, availability, and accessibility. I tend to choose at least a few natural sights within reach of a major city to spice up my travel recipe.
But you do you! And with that said, do you and me a favor by leaving a comment, sharing this heat, and reading my other posts. Anything you like, feel free to share. Anything you don’t like reminds us all of the insignificance of our individual opinions with your worthless comments. And, yeah, that’s it. Thanks for reading! Great day have you! Bye!
Let’s get married…
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