The second edition of "1,000 Places To See Before You Die" is out and I'm waiting to be assigned to do the "Solo Travel" edition. (Kidding! Sort of...)
Do the math and you realize that even if you travel three times a year, you'll have to live to be 334 years old to actually see all these places before, well, you die. And that's if you start the year you're born.
But, of course, this is beside the point.
"1,000 Places to See Before You Die" is one of those armchair travel books great for reading about where you've been, and for perusing where you might want to go.
Want a copy of your own? I've got three to give away. Which gives you three chances to "win."
To be eligible* for the first copy, all you've got to do is "like" boldlygosolo on Facebook. I'll choose a winner for that one on May 15.
Ways to win one of the other copies coming up.
As for the book, I already "like" it. When I first flipped through, it just happened to open to places in Israel. Where I'd just visited in January. The two entries on facing pages were Caesarea and The Galilee.
I always like reading about where I've been more than places I have yet to visit - unless I'm in the middle of planning a trip someplace. Sound familiar to anyone?
What I like about 1,000 Places To See Before You Die is the succinct, detailed and interesting entries. While most of them are cities, some are restaurants, at least one's a zoo (San Diego) and another is "a sailing odyssey" recommending that people go by boat along Turkey's Turquoise Coast from Bodrum to Antalya.
I never heard of those places but I'm starting to feel the familiar tug of wanting to go to what sounds like exotic locales.
The Israel entries are fun for me to read now because of my visit. They hit the high points and they bring back vivid memories.
An example from Old Jaffa, now part of Tel Aviv:
It's home to the Bronze Age-era harbor from which Jonah reputedly set sail for his fateful date with a whale. The once run-down Old Jaffa Port area has been restored and offers incredible views of Tel Aviv.
A fateful date with a whale. Love it.
*Unfortunately, only those residing in the U.S. and Canada are eligible to win.
Photos: Ellen Perlman. 1. View of Tel Aviv from Old Jaffa Port. 2. Old Jaffa Port at sunset.
Sailing along the Turkish coast on a traditional gulet sail boat is indeed not to be missed. A very relaxing way to see incredible coastline, enjoying wonderful food and great hospitality along the way. I have great memories of snorkeling in clear, warm waters as late as October, and exploring ancient tombs and ruins close to deserted, sandy beaches...
Posted by: Richard | May 01, 2012 at 01:13 PM
The book mentions the gulet boat! Sounds lovely. Thanks Richard.
Posted by: Ellen | May 01, 2012 at 09:56 PM