The peach state

One of the last places I would like to show you is Georgia. I am big into country music so all of the southern states are on my list of places to visit, but thanks to country singer Luke Bryan who is from here is the reason I want to visit. He describes the state in such a way that it makes it sound like the heaven on earth. Georgia is known for its peaches just like Florida is known for its oranges. I love peaches so this just is icing on the cake. The states capital is Atlanta and is the most populated city in the state. One of the most popular tourist attractions in the state is Stone Mountain. It is a mountain at the elevation of 1,686ft and is made of quartz. Also in the side of the mountain are carvings of three figures: Stonewall Jackson, Robert E Lee, and Jefferson Davis. This is the site of cross burning and the KKK activities. The summit of the mountain can be reached by a hiking trail or by a skyride aerial tram. Another one of Atlanta's most popular tourist attractions is the World of Coke. This is a museum in Atlanta of the Coca-Cola Company. It is required to go through security before entering the lobby and in the background you can heard the ten coke jingles found in their commercials over the years. This museum has an upper and lower levels and contains old advertising and pictures of Coca-Cola. Also you are able to see the "vault of the secret formula" for Coca-Cola. You are also able to see a fully functional coke bottle line and are able to see how the product is made and packaged. Of course, there is much more Georgia has to offer than just some little country state in the middle of the south so visiting it would be a great experience.

New Orleans, Louisiana

My uncle and his family lived in Louisiana for a couple of years before they moved back to Michigan and they all agreed that it was one of the best places they have ever lived. The only reason they moved back was because of my uncles job. They said it was warm and just a really neat place to live. I have always wanted to visit New Orleans, but I especially want to go for Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras is a large celebration similar to the Catholics Lent and continues for 2 weeks up until Ash Wednesday. There is usually one large parade a day and the best parades occur during the last five days of the celebration. Also during this time, there are several masquerade balls and parties to be attended. During the parades, there are people who are designated to throw things into the crowds of people who line the streets. The most common things thrown are beaded necklaces, doubloons, which are aluminum or wooden dollar sized coins and inexpensive toys. Many tourists focus their attention to Bourbon Street and the French Quarter. This is where all the parties are and is a place that all the younger people go to drink. For a more family friendly atmosphere, you would want to go more uptown and mid city New Orleans. During this celebration, costumes and masks containing the colors purple, green and gold are worn for the festivities, but is illegal to wear a mask that conceals your identity. This celebration seems like a ton of fun and sometime I would like to line the streets of New Orleans and experience the fun for myself.

Beautiful by Nature

A couple of years ago, my step moms son and his family went on a vacation to Turks and Caicos. Before then I had never even heard of this place. When they came back from their trip, they told us all about the trip and then showed us pictures. The beaches consisted of white sand and blue waters so clear that you could see your feet submerged in the depths of the ocean. Once I heard of their adventures I was extremely jealous. I have wanted to go ever since. Turks and Caicos are both islands, Caicos being the larger island, lies in the North Atlantic Ocean. One of the countries popular sports is sailing. This is something I have never done before and I think it would be good to try something new. Over 618,000 visitors come from mostly the United States and Canada to visit the beautiful islands. The government has created a new cruise ship port to increase the amount of tourism. They also have recently created the Turks and Caicos Music and Cultural Festival. This is during the seasons of low tourism and is a festival of many concerts that lasts a week and performers consist of international recording artists such as Alicia Keys, John Legend and Ludacris. I think it would be very fun to attend the music festival because who doesn't love a party on the beach. Another common sport on the islands is cricket. I think it would be interesting to watch a game because I am a big baseball fan and cricket is similar to baseball so I think it would be interesting to learn how the game is played. Another big thing to do on the islands is scuba diving. There are many different options and companies that will take you diving. This is something I would like to try because I have always had an interest in the marine ecosystem and the animals that live in it. The motto for the islands is "beautiful by nature" and the that's exactly what the islands are. The views are breath taking and I cant wait to visit there someday.

The Bahamas

After going to Jamaica, the next place I would like to go would be the Bahamas. It is an island country that consists of more than 700 islands, cays and inlets in the Atlantic Ocean. The Bahamas were the site of Columbus's first landfall to the New World. I thought is was interesting that today over 90 percent of the population is descendants of slaves or free Africans. The Bahamas in Spanish is Baja mar which means the shallow waters or low tide. This name represents the area around the islands that consists of very shallow sea waters. If you are planning a trip to the Bahamas, the best time to go would be during the months of December and March. During the summer months is the hurricane seasons and these tropical storms greatly impact these islands. Tourism in the Bahamas accounts for over 60 percent of the countries income. Some events that I would like to attend in the Bahamas would be the Junkanoo. It is a street parade of dance, music and art and is held every Boxing day and New Years Day. Another thing I would like to do would be to visit Atlantis Paradise Island. It is a resort and waterpark located on Paradise Island in the Bahamas. One of the most well known rides in the called The Current. It is a mile long, 3 million gallon water ride that contains waves and artificial wave surges as well as fake steam and rapids throughout the ride. Also, at the resort there is the worlds largest air marine habitat. There is a series of aquariums located beneath the lobby of the Royal Towers. If you observe from the bottom floors, you are also able to view wreckage and debris from the Lost City of Atlantis. The neighboring island called the Blue Lagoon Island also has many forms of marine and wildlife. The Blue Lagoon contains a zoo filled with monkeys, peacocks, turkeys, parrots and iguanas in a paradise garden. This island goes by the more common name of Treasure Island. The island also underwent a multi million dollar expansion to enlarge the dolphin habitat that tourists can view and visit.

Jamaica

After leaving Europe, the next area I would like to visit would be the Caribbean, specifically Jamaica. Why Jamaica, I'm not sure. I just love the warm weather and tropical areas. I have never been anywhere south of Florida or out of the country for that matter. I just think it would be a nice vacation with beautiful landscaping. Jamaica is an island country in the Caribbean Sea. Most of the island contains mountains including the Blue Mountains which is the longest mountain range in Jamaica. The summit can be seen from either coast of the island and is reachable by a walking trail. In some of the higher slopes of the mountain ranges coffee is grown and this specific coffee can only be cultivated 2,000 to 5,000 feet above sea level. This popular coffee in Jamaica is known as Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee. One of the most popular places to go in Jamaica is the Doctor's Cave Beach Club. It is the most visited beaches in Jamaica and is located in Montego Bay. The beach has crystal clear turquoise waters and white sandy beaches. This beach is open to the public as well as club members for a five dollar fee, but from the sounds of it, it seems well worth the five dollars. On the beach there are many bars, restaurants, changing rooms and showers. You are even able to rent snorkel gear to view the coral reefs located in the water not far from the shores of the beach. Another popular tourist attraction is the Dunn's River Falls located near Ocho Rios. This is the most known waterfall in Jamaica and receives thousands of visitors each year. This waterfall is 180 feet high and cascades down natural stairs made of rocks. One of the popular tourist activities is to climb the waterfall. The climb is usually lead by a tour guide and take a hour to a hour and a half to complete. There are stairs located alongside the waterfall for those who don't want to get wet or cant handle the uneven rocks. To successfully climb the waterfall, it usually takes a hand holding human chain lead by the guide to make the trip easier. The falls are covered by much vegetation and trees to keep the sun off the tourists and to keep those who are climbing cool. Those are just some of the places I would like to visit while I was in Jamaica. Just the warm tropical climate is enough for me to get there and then I can do activities such as snorkeling that I've always wanted to do but cant do in Michigan, that would be a dream vacation.

Hellas

While I'm still over in Europe the last country I would like to visit would be Greece. It is a country with a beautiful coastline and is made up of several different islands. With the largest city and capital being Athens, Greece is home to over 11 million people. Hellas is the Greek name for their country but in English it translates to Greece. In 2010, the city of Central Macedonia was the most visited city in Greece followed by the city of Attica. There are many theaters located in Greece. They had great acoustics and most could hold over 15,000 spectators. Most theaters where used for dramas or plays and speeches. Another classical example of Greece is the Parthenon. This is a former temple of the Greek goddess Athena who the Athens considered their patron. There was reconstruction done on the temple and now only a little of the originally building remains. It now serves as a museum and an often visited tourist attraction. While in Greece, I would like to visit its beautiful coastline. The waters are the clear blue color that can be seen for miles. It is bordered by the Aegean Sea to the east, the Ionian to the west and the Mediterranean to the south. Greece is made up of 80 percent mountains and its largest  one is  called Mount Olympus that reaches a height of 2,917 m. As you can see there is much to see in Greece and most of it is just the beautiful landscape that surrounds you and that is why I would like to visit sometime.

Spain

While over in Europe, the final place I would like to visit would be Spain. The culture and language is something I find fascinating. This country borders the beautiful waters of the Mediterranean Sea. The first city I would like to visit would be Barcelona. It is the second largest city in Spain with a population of 1.6 million. Its culture and architectural works are what bring people to this area. One of the main tourist attractions in Barcelona is the Sagrada Familia which is one of the most popular churches in Barcelona designed by Antoni Gaudi. His work is well known throughout Spain. Museums are another thing that people in Spain appreciate because it shows their history. One of the most popular museums is the National Museum of Art of Catalonia. This museum focuses on Spanish art rather than the history or science of Spain like many of the other museums. Barcelona is also well known for all of the parks that are located here. Barcelona contains 68 parks, some are thematic others are just normal parks. A park called Montjuic, is located on top of a mountain with the same name. There is also a park located near the Barcelona Zoo, and a labyrinth park which is named after the garden maze it contains. While your in Barcelona, you have to take a day trip to one of its seven beaches. Barcelona was listed number one of the top ten cities with the best beaches in Spain according to National Geographic and the Discovery Channel. The second city I would like to visit would the capital of Spain, Madrid. The business area of Madrid contains many skyscrapers, which is always fascinating to me. People in Madrid value the architecture and sculptures they have. One of the most well known example is the Fountain of Neptune, as well as many others. Visiting Spain would be very interesting. I think learning about another culture would be something I would like to do one day.

Italy

This week our adventure across Europe continues with a trip to beautiful Italy. One of the reasons I have wanted to go to Italy is to see the coastline. If the place I am visiting has a beautiful view that takes my breathe away then more than likely I will never want to leave. From what my grandparents have told me, this is true for Italy. The country borders the Adriatic Sea as well as the Ionian and Tyrrhenian. It is made up of a the Italian Peninsula which is in the shape of a boot.  Our first stop is Rome which is the most visited city in Italy. The city is known for its beautiful architecture.

One of the most visited tourists attractions in Rome would include the Colosseum. This is a large amphitheater built in 70 AD. The Roman Empire would use to hold gladiator contests, dramas, animal hunts and even executions here for the public to watch. Today the Colosseum is Rome's most popular tourist attraction with over a million visitors each year.

The Trevi Fountain is the most popular fountains in the world and is often depicted in movies such as The Lizzie McGuire Movie and When in Rome. Legend has it that a young beautiful woman helped a Roman solider find clean drinking water and this was the site where she led him. He then constructed the fountain at the aqueduct so the water could supply all of Rome. Of course, many people throw coins into the fountain and make a wish. It is estimated a 3,000 coins are thrown into the fountain daily.

Vatican City State, home to the pope, is a city within Rome. Within Vatican City, there are many museums and chapels but St. Peter's Square is where I would want to visit. It is a large plaza in front of St. Peter's Basillica. The plaza is paved with cobblestone and is breathe taking. The plaza was built with large space in front of the Vatican Palace so that "the greatest number of people could see the Pope giving his blessing, either from the middle of the façade of the church or from the window of Vatican Palace."

Another city I would like to visit would be Pisa. This is home to the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa. The towers lean was unintentional and began during construction due to a lack of foundation and one side of the ground being softer than the other. The tower leans at a 3.99 degree angle and has steps up to the seven floors of the tower for tourist to enjoy the view.

France

I always told myself that after I had traveled to every state, I was going to go over to Europe. My grandparents have been there several times and they always tell me about their adventures and it has always made me jealous. They have told me that Europe is so pretty and has so much history behind all the buildings, it just makes me wish I could see it. From what I am told, the coastline is the best view anyone could witness.

The first place I would want to visit would be Paris, of course. This is home to the famous Eiffel Tower. I have seen pictures of the Eiffel Tower, but I feel like they don't do it justice. It was first constructed in 1889. The tower stands at 1,063 feet tall and has three levels. The first two levels consist of restaurants and the third level is the observatory platform that is 906 feet off the ground. At night, the tower is lit up and shines through all of Paris.

Another popular tourist spot is the Cathedral of Notre Dame. It is said to be one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture. It is most famous for is bell tower and gargoyles that accompany it. There is a total of ten bells throughout the cathedral and each of them have their own name and note they play. They are rung every hour and for various occasions or services.

The final place I would like to visit is The Louvre Museum. It is the worlds most visited museum with over 9.7 millions visitors in 2012. There are nearly 35,000 objects on display and this museum is home to the Mona Lisa and where the 2006 movie The Da Vinci Code was filmed. In the main entrance to the museum, there is a carrousel, shopping mall, an Apple store which was the first one in France and a McDonalds restaurant.

Paris, France is just one of the many places in Europe I want to visit. With all of  tourist attractions it has to offer, boredom is not going to be an issue. I cannot wait to one day actually see the things I can only research and write about now. It would be like a dream come true.

England

Along with traveling through out the United States, I also want to leave the country. I have never been outside the country before and it sounds like fun. The first place I would go would be England. My grandparents have been here several times and they tell me stories and show me pictures of their adventures and I have always been fascinated by the scenery and architecture. Of course, I would want to visit the well known city of London. The London Tower is one of the most popular tourist spots. Since I find the architecture so interesting, I would visit places like the stone hedge, and Devils Arrow. These are standing stone monuments and have been there for many years. I also think it would be very neat to visit medieval cathedrals such as the Canterbury Cathedral and Westminster Abby. England is also well known for it's many castles. I have always wanted to go and tour a real castle and see how it would have been like to live in that type of building many years ago. In England, cricket is a very common sport to play. From what I know about it, I believe it is very similar to baseball, but having a different set of rules. I would want to watch a game because I love to watch baseball and I think it would be cool to learn a new sport. Another popular tourist spot is Big Ben. Big Ben is a clock tower at the north end of the Palace of Westminster. It is the largest four faced chiming clock in the world and the third tallest standing tower. It is a famous symbol for the United Kingdom and appears in many movies. Along with this bell tower, the big red double decker buses are also a prominent symbol of the United Kingdom. When my tour of Big Ben has concluded, I would visit the Buckingham Palace. This home and workplace to the monarchy of the United Kingdom and is located in London. The first monarch to live here was Queen Victoria in 1837. The palace is 830,0000 square feet and today there is no dress code, however most people invited in the palace tend to dress up. England is full of history and would be a very interesting trip, but I also think it would be difficult. The currency, measurement system and laws are all different then what I am used to. I would not take this trip alone. I would need someone who has been there before to go with me, such as my grandparents, to make the trip smoother and more enjoyable.

Music City, USA

Ever since I was little I have always liked to traveled and I especially wanted to go to Tennessee. Honestly, I'm not sure why, but it's something I have a desire to do. I listen to a lot of country music so I think that has played a factor in my decision. Specifically, I want to visit Nashville because of the whole country music thing. Nashville is home to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum as well as the Ryman Auditorium which was home to the Grand Ole Opry until 1974. It then moved 9 miles downtown and is now the Grand Ole Opry House. I think it would be interesting to visit these places and see where it all started for some of my favorite country artists. I would also like to go during the CMA Music Festival. This is a huge concert where many country artists come and perform. Another reason for wanting to visit is because of the beautiful landscape. I have drove through Tennessee before while driving to Florida for spring break, but I don't count that as visiting. The one thing I do remember about this state was the beautiful rolling landscape. The views were enough to take your breathe away and I could seriously see myself living there. Outside of Nashville, I would go to Memphis and visit Graceland, the former home of the Rock n' Roll legend, Elvis Presley. Also in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, there is Dollywood, which is an amusement park owned by Dolly Parton. It is said to be the biggest ticketed tourist attractions in Tennessee. In addition to the thrill rides, there are also crafts, music and even concerts put on by Dolly and her family. All of these attractions I think would be very neat to see. The last reason I want to go is for the southern accents.I am a sucker for accents especially southern ones. I just think they are so cute and I really wish I had one. I want to live somewhere down south. I think it is just so beautiful down there and my idea home would be in Tennessee.

"The Big Apple"

Next on my list of places I want to go to would be the big city of New York. New York City has lots to offer between the huge skyscrapers and cute little shops. Growing up in relatively small town, I've always wanted to visit a big city like NYC. My stepmom always said I would thrive in a big city, so why not give it a try sometime? Times Square is one of the most popular places to visit and I have always wanted to be there for New Years Eve, just to be able to say that I got to see the ball drop in person. I think it would be such a cool experience.  While in New York, I wouldn't just limit myself to just New York City. I would go out of the city limits and see things such the Empire State Building, and the Brooklyn Bridge. I would also like to visit Manhattan and take a stroll in Central Park because it's in all of the movies. Then I would head to the Bronx and because I enjoy watching baseball, I would attend a game at the ever famous Yankee Stadium. One of the most popular tourists attractions would be to take a ride on the Staten Island Ferry and visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. When the sun sinks down below the beautiful skyline, you could attend a Broadway show and have dinner in one of the many restaurants located in the city. Of course, shopping is a must but it could also make me go broke. I think visiting New York would be a very cool experience but it would make me love my small, little town even more. I would like the atmosphere of being in a big city but after awhile I would feel crowded and would want to go home, so this trip would not be a permanent trip, but a great experience.

California

After living in Michigan all of my life, I've learned that it is a pretty crappy place to live if you like warm weather all year round. I, myself, would love to move somewhere warm and on the water and California sounds like a good place to me. Why California? Well it's a place that is tropical and warm. If you were to ask me where in California I would want to go, I wouldn't be able to tell you. I do know I want to go to several cities and just site see. Some cities I would like to visit include: San Francisco, Los Angles, Beverly Hills and Hollywood.

One tourist attraction I would be interested in seeing would be the Golden Gate Bridge. It is located in San Francisco and expands over the San Francisco Bay. Now really bridges are nothing special, but I just want to be able to say that I've seen it in person. Also, would love to see Universal Studios in Hollywood as well as the famous Hollywood sign and take a stroll through Beverly Hills. I also would like to go to the San Diego Zoo and Disneyland because it would bring back interesting memories from my childhood. Being a girl, of course, I can't go anywhere without taking a shopping trip whether it be to local shops downtown or a large mall or shopping center. And if I'm in a nice warm place on the water, I am definitely hitting up the beach for an all day outing. While I'm enjoying my stay, I would hope I wouldn't experience anything too awful like an earthquake but at the same time it would be kind of cool, but just a minor one of course. I would prefer to fly, because it would take less time, but I would not be opposed to take a road trip with a few of my best friends. It would just add to the experience and the memories of the trip. For me the trip would not just be about seeing objects like the Golden Gate Bridge and other attractions, but it would also amaze me to see the landscape and compare it to how different it is than here in Michigan. The small things always amaze me and those views are something I will always remember.

The reason I choose this topic

Ever since I was little, my family always went on at least one family vacation every year. Most of the time it would be Florida for spring break to visit my grandparents. Other times it might have just been a simple camping trip in Port Austin. No matter where it was to, my favorite part was always the car ride. I love car rides and for me, the longer the better. When my brothers and I got older my mom finally let us have our first experience of flying. It was such a thrill and I absolutely loved it. I think part of the reason I liked it was because I didn't get sick like my younger brother, but ever since that first time on an airplane I have been hooked.

Traveling is something I have always wanted to do. It is something on my bucket list and I eventually want to visit all fifty states and then Europe. I think be grandparents have been a big influence on me in this way. They are always going to places in Europe for months at a time as well as their time shares in Florida during the winter months. I just recently found out that my dad had been an exchange student in Sweden and played on a hockey team for several months, so you could say traveling is something my family really enjoys.

I like to travel because I am the type of person who like to site see, take tours, and learn interesting facts about different cities or tourist attractions. I have only been to few states and I have never been out of the country nor I have I been on a cruise which is something else I would like to do sometime in the future. I am from the small city of Essexville and I think that's part of the reason I want to travel because I know there is so much more beyond these city limits. Not only do I want to go around the country, I want to travel the world and visit as many places as possible. There are so many great things to be seen and it will allow for me to make great memories that will last a lifetime.