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Africa
Bright my first independent journey was a trip to Morocco. This country attracted me for many reasons: as the area of the unknown and the mysterious East, it has retained its true spirit: old streets, classic bustling bazaars with colorful products and even more impressive sellers in the world — and at the same time allowed to touch a completely different, unlike the world. I returned from Morocco impressed and probably hooked on travel.
To be honest, the more time you spend in the sky, the more countries and cities to see from a bird's flight, the more you want to explore them in detail, dive into local cuisine and culture, to meet people. Fortunately, 70 vacation days and discounted tickets that allow. So, having gone to Morocco, Israel, having visited several European countries, I realized that I wanted to feel the most distant and exotic countries, and made himself the most remote targets: to visit Australia, Brazil, Japan.
And in Africa I dream of being in Namibia, where there are no tropical diseases, but is present in all African flavor. They say that members of the himba tribe can be found in traditional form — covered in red clay and in loincloths (on a photo) — even at the supermarket!
Australia and Oceania
When my dream came true and I was in Sydney, my first impression was a feeling of some incredible eclecticism: I left the hotel and saw the classic low-rise buildings, as if transferred here from London. And after — theater building with a massive colonnade, as if just brought from Rome. After the turn — trees, planted in neat rows, as in Miami. And here you, seemingly, do not be surprised, but you see huge glass skyscrapers like in downtown new York, and I understand that this city is absolutely stunning and really is like no other on Earth!
My most distant journey in this region was a trip to Fiji. I flew via Hong Kong, then Australia and 4.5 hours over the Pacific ocean. Of all the places where I was on earth, that's where I met the friendliest people, although larger and higher Papuans produce rather intimidating. Perhaps so affected by distance from the mainland, but it is incredibly kind, sincere and helpful people.
The most lasting impression here, I made the moon. We live in the Northern latitudes, and Fiji is our direct opposite. So when night came, I was genuinely surprised to see a satellite of the Earth "from below", not where it's supposed to be. Like the moon peeking out of the sea, leaving the wide silver water trail. I saw in Fiji has many beautiful places and things — the island of the bounty, by the way, is also there, but the moon I always remember as one of the most vivid memories from travels.
Asia
Asia is so amazing in all its manifestations, that it's hard to choose the most vivid impressions. Hot India soaked in spices; unique Thailand, which is able to shock even the most experienced traveler, Bangkok with its fantastic skyscrapers, immense experiences in China and of course Japan, which is more like a separate planet.
Perhaps the most interesting in Asia is how to change your perception depending on the context and the number of visits to the country. So, when I first came to China, we had a local guide, who — as I remember — called Lenya. He showed us the "cream": took us at the most selected restaurants, in the circus, where acrobats performed balancing act miracles, took us to some factories, where you could buy everything your heart desires. I was ecstatic and decided to come back. The next time I was in Beijing without a guide, didn't know where to eat! Menu looks like a white laminated sheet with the characters, or how huge the Talmud with photos, in which even it is impossible to determine the chicken in front of you or the fish! But perhaps the most memorable was a trip to the Shaolin temple, and what struck me most was not the monastery itself, and is located near cave Lonmin where in the rocks are carved thousands of caves and recesses with temples and giant Buddha statues. It's not a very popular tourist destination, though it's hard to beat this place for monumentality.
In Japan, I perceived the difference in mentalities of Eastern and Western people. I was lucky enough to meet in Tokyo with the locals, which helped to understand a mind-blowing scheme of the underground and surface transport. They volunteered to accompany me to the Park to one well-known monument. At the entrance stood the cashier and her Curling queue of several dozen people. However, the entrance no one was guarding: there was no permit system, even the ribbon, which somehow would prevent entrance. I suggested just go to the Park, not to stand in the queue, but my offer was met with a sincere lack of understanding: "you have to go, we didn't buy a ticket? What do you mean, no one bothers to go — but we have no ticket?" Had to give up and 20 minutes to stand in line, just because my arguments were crashing against the iron logic of decency and law-abidingness.
Europe
Europe to surprise anyone, it must be hard. With a Schengen visa, many go there not in vacation, but just for the weekend — shopping, a concert or Opera. But there is a place, which, by the way, I met thanks to my job. There need to be clear: most of our flights return, and that means you go from point a to point B and almost immediately returned to the same Board back. And there is a relay flight. That means you fly to point a And back instead of you leaving another team. You can stay on a business trip for a few days, following the mode of the pre-holiday, of course.
So I discovered Canary Islands and Tenerife, the neighbouring beaches of black volcanic sand. Due to the unique location (closer to Africa than to Europe) on the Islands creates a fantastic climate here is maintained year-round optimal weather. However — and here is the advice from the local saved me — if you are going to the mountains, bring a scarf, jacket and sunscreen 50+, because otherwise you risk to freeze and burn, like at ski resorts. The rest of the island leave a lasting impression: an abundance of cheap and tasty seafood, nice relative to mainland Spain prices, quality service and fantastic Atlantic ocean make me return again and again.
South America
In Brazil, I, being a football fan, wanted to visit since childhood.The country that gave Ronaldo, Pele and Carlos to the world was the limit of my dreams. When I visited there, I realized that for the sake of this and worth living. The sky is of a special blue color, the ocean, the white sand of Ipanema and Copacabana, the warm sea breeze, the boys play football on loose spots - and the statue of Christ rises above it all. Feel exceptional.
A special charm to all this gives coffee. Although many people call Italy the main coffee country, but after Brazil, I am ready to question this thesis. So if you find yourself in Rio, be sure to try "Cafezinho" - a small portion of coffee, which in terms of volume resembles dopio, but has a unique rich aroma and taste. Perhaps it is coffee that makes people in this country so energetic. During those few days that I stayed in the city, several holidays and carnivals, under which they covered the entire city, passed.
North America
In North America, I was able to visit Toronto and see the legendary Niagara Falls with my own eyes. By the way, it is worth looking at it from the Canadian side, because the main “extravaganza” of water is better seen and felt more clearly there. The most interesting thing is that from a distance or in photographs, it does not produce even half of the effect that is created in close proximity. Noisy, echoing, while slender, beautiful and smooth, he fascinates with its natural power.
But no matter how trite it is to admit it, New York has been and remains one of my favorite cities in the world. I guess my love for this city comes from my childhood, because when I first got there, I first threw things and went to the “same hotel” where young McColley Culkin lived in “Home Alone 2” alone. My love for megacities also plays a significant role here - this is where I feel as harmonious and calm as possible, despite the surrounding turmoil and bustle. The more people (and New York is a real melting pot of nationalities, races, languages, cuisines, cultures and styles), the more fish I feel in the ocean. Everything in this city is boiling and boiling, and, probably, its best reflection is Madison Square Garden, a huge hall where during the day a basketball game can be played first and then a hockey match, and then Madonna can perform in the evening. This is the whole of New York - it constantly opens for you from all sides. In the future, I would very much like to drive the USA from east to west, see the “one-story America”, see the natural beauty and get to the West Coast.
