I love water. All kinds. Sea, ocean, lake, river or pool, looking at water gives me energy. The still surface makes me feel calm, the running course makes me feel dynamic. The colors and reflections inspire me. The magic of the places leaves me a desire to go back.
Five random places, all of them connected to water, where I would like to go back.
Fjords of Norway – Paradise
Even though I am a sea lover, my paradise is not a beach. But there is water, of course. My paradise are the fjords of Norway.
Geiranger was the first fjord to leave me a breath taking impression. We took a boat that left us in the middle of the fjord, at sea level. We hiked for a couple of hours non-stop, until we reached the top, where we took a break to rest and admire the landscape. Waw. The other side of the fjord was deep green, with some thin waterfalls, and the water was deep blue. It was majestic.
I have been back to Norway, I have visited other fjords, both in summer and winter, and I would go back again and again. I am addicted to this wonderful combination of mountains and sea, deep forests and charming villages, colors and reflections.
Iguazú Falls – Power
Have you ever felt like a small ant in front of the power of nature? Iguazú Falls made me feel this way. The falls are on the border between Argentina (Iguazú) and Brazil (Iguaçu), and can be visited from both sides of the river. We decided to go to the Argentinean side, because we heard it is larger and has better sightseeing.
There are several trails that allow to see the waterfalls from above and from below. It is a wonderful, breathtaking, amazing natural site. It is tropical. It is well indicated. It is surrounded by deep forest. And the best of it is Devil’s Throat (Garganta de Diablo), the most impressive fall, where the power of nature shows up as a spectacular combination of water, movement, sound and wind.
Tal Mahal – Beauty
Usually I do not feel very impressed in front of monuments, but Taj Mahal is pure beauty. The mausoleum constructed by emperor Shah Jahan in honor to his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, is built with white marble and combines elements from Persian and Indian architecture styles. It is difficult to describe with words how the colors and effect change during the day.
In the morning, it wakes up surrounded by fog, which gives it an unreal, magic atmosphere. The sun comes up and follows the channel placed in front of the monument, in which it is reflected. Time goes on, fog disappears and the Taj Mahal is reflected, with all its majesty, on the water of the channel.
Fint Oasis – Enchanted
We were told that Fint means ‘hidden’, and it is called like this because it is hidden in a valley (yes… there are oasis in the mountains!). Fint oasis is located in the Atlas mountains, in Morocco. We saw it for the first time from the hills, and from that point of view, it reminded me of the enchanted valley of the film ‘Land before time’.
It is a small paradise of water and palms, with a small village next to it. Days start early in the oasis, when women go to the communitarian ovens to bake the bread. They all work on the crop fields, either by collecting the dates from the palms, either by carrying the fruits back to the village with the donkeys. The habitants are very hospitable and can play amazing spontaneous music.
Barcelona – Home
Barcelona is the city where I was born and where I will always go back. I grew up there and abandoned her when I was 20, like a rebel teenager that wanted to see the world. Some years later, and after having travelled a lot, I have realized something: some relations get worse over time and distance, but instead of that, my relation with Barcelona has improved.
Now I see Barcelona with different eyes. I have learned to appreciate its architecture and its good public transport network. I like the hidden corners where there are no tourists. Specially, I love its closeness to the sea, the walks along the harbor, the sights of the boats. I miss it when I am not there and feel happy every time I go back.
Which are the places you have visited where you would like to go back? Do they have something in common?
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Nice post Laia. A few of these places, especially the Fjords and the Atlas mountains, I’ve always wanted to see. Iguazu was impressive and you’re right that the Argentinian side has more to see and if I had to chose that’s what I would see (but the Brazilian side has one GREAT view from within the falls).
I’m a bit like you, love mountains and see. Places I’ve been and would go back to: Colombia (I’ve been twice), Thailand (been 4 times and going back in a week), the Alps, whether in Germany, Austria or Switzerland. So beautiful.
Frank (bbqboy)
Thanks a lot Frank! If I go back to Iguazú I’d like to see the Brazilian side (didn’t know there is a view from within the falls!). I haven’t been to Colombia or Thailand but I’ve visited the Alps and they are indeed beautiful.
Hi Laia – I meant this view, where you’re surrounded on 3 sides by the falls: http://bbqboy.net/amazing-iguazu-falls-brazilian-side-and-getting-attacked-by-angry-toucans/
Spectacular! It is definitely worth the visit! Thanks for sharing 🙂
I love this and how you connected each one to water! I’m kinda sad I didn’t go see Iguazu falls when I was in Argentina but I’m sure I’ll be back someday. I actually haven’t been anywhere on your list, but would love to visit all of them! I especially live your description of Taj Mahal…so magical!
They are all magical places… And actually, the only thing I saw from Argentina were the falls! I was traveling in Brazil and crossed the border to visit Iguazú, so it is on my list to go back to Argentina 🙂 Thanks for visiting!
Nice post, and I, too, have always been very connected to water! The fjords of Norway are high on my bucket list! The Taj Mahal is definitely in the plans for the upcoming girls’ trip to India I’ve been planning. So many amazing places in this world! I just want to see them all. 🙂
Yes, me too I’d like to see all the amazing places in the world! Thanks for your visit! 🙂
Great choices! “Water” places are some of my favorites, and I’m always in for anything that has the word enchanted involved!
“Water” places have some magic in them 🙂 Thanks for your visit!
I tend to love anywhere by the water – I want to see all these places! But I think my favorite is the fjords of Norway.
We seem to be a lot of people loving “water”, great! The fjords are really wonderful , I never get tired of them 🙂 Thanks for your visit!
Great post Laia! My younger daughter is currently in Barcelona (this will be her second trip there) she loves it!
Thank you! I hope your daughter will enjoy the city!
Laia, What a good list. I loved the Taj Mahal, but not sure I want to go back to that spot, but India is a great destination!
Thanks! Yes, India is a great destination. I’m actually going back there soon, but not to Taj Mahal this time… there is so much to see!
Of all these places, I’ve only been to Barcelona and think that you are so fortunate to get to call it your home for so many years. I’d love to visit Iguazu Falls and the fjords of Norway someday.
Beautiful shots ~ I especially love the ones of the Taj Mahal, just stunning!!
~ Andrea <3
Great places! I haven’t been to any of them, but the way you describe it makes me want to go. They’re all so beautiful.
Many of these places evoke me the same words you’ve used, more or less! Water is the blue gold 🙂
Hi it’s Christa, host of the Sunday Traveler, I just wanted to pop in and say thanks for joining in on the fun! LOVE! All great and amazing places, your pictures sure put a lot into the post and make me want to explore all of these myself. Norway is my favorite by far though, amazing.
I’ve enjoyed a lot participating in Sunday Traveler, discovering a lot of interesting posts… Great initiative! Thanks for visiting!