5 places I would go back to

Life is short and the world is wide; and, I have a wanderlust. I must admit that some of the best education I have received is through travel

I love the US, the UK, Europe, Asia or Africa. I'd like to say my best destinations are, a precise destination or something specific in the place that has grabbed my attention and calls me back there; those are my personal favorites, including:
 1. Stonehenge, UK: Stonehenge, which is the most famous historic monument in the United Kingdom, to most including me, is the most mysterious place in the world. These set of stones laid out in concentric rings and horseshoe shapes on the empty Salisbury Plain, could be at the age of 3,000 or more years. We walked only up to about 10 yards from the monument as a low barrier ropes it off. Apart for my love for archeological sites, being an energy healer I found Stonehenge as a place with healing properties. On a personal note, I sensed the place emits vibrancy and hence can be a delight for the energy healers.
2. Lantau Island, Hong Kong: If you are inclined to spiritual bliss, the area in and around large bronze statue called Tian Tian Buddha that was completed in 1993, located near Lantau Island in Hong Kong is the perfect place for you. The statue that is 34 meters tall and weighing 250 metric tons, symbolises the harmonious relationship between man and nature, people and faith. I had to climb 268 steps to reach the statue where Buddha's right hand is raised, representing the removal of affliction, while the left rests open on his lap in a gesture of generosity. There is a huge carved bell inscribed with images of Buddha and was designed to ring every seven minutes, 108 times a day, symbolizing the release of 108 kinds of human vexations. The world famous Hong Kong Disneyland is located here. Po Lin Monastery, Pink Dolphin Watch and Tai O Fishing Village are the other attractions.
3. Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic: Our journey to the legendary spa town of Karlovy Vary in the West Bohemian region of Czech Republic was breathtaking. We discovered the history of the city that dates back to the 14th century and the time of Charles IV, and the curative effects of the local mineral springs that were used as treatments for popular figures such as Peter the Great and Goethe. The spring that spews out hot thermal waters to a height of 12 meters and tasting of the water from 12 different natural mineral springs, is the top attraction of the region. Along with admiring a wide range of the historical and modern colonnades, an attraction the town is known for, we also got the chance to savour the local wafers and traditional liqueur of Becherovka, made from a unique blend of herbs and spices.
4. Newport Beach, California: During our road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway from San Francisco to San Diego, we halted at the awe of unspoiled nature, part man-made wonder and part luxury paradise, Newport Beach. We were enchanted by its glowing shores. Apart from the scenic Back Bay, Crystal Cove and The Wedge, we enjoyed the Fun Zone on the Balboa Peninsula. The open air Fashion Island that is a shoppers' haven, the seaside shops of Corona Del Mar and the new developments on Newport Coast kept us thoroughly engaged. If you are a golf lover and have a pretty decent financial stability, Newport Beach can definitely be the best retirement destination. It also offers suburban feel with no extreme weather conditions and easy access everywhere.
5. Sintra and Cacais, Portugal: During the special holiday to Lisbon with my best friend, we took a day trip to Sintra and Cacais.  Sintra is 30 km from Lisbon offers a foretaste of Paradise. The soft climate and freshness from the permanent existence of a luxuriant vegetation makes Sintra a deeply romantic and enigmatic place. The Town Palace, the Pena Palace and Moorish Castle are the other attractions. On the way, we saw the Boca do Inferno that is an interesting cliff formation close to Cascais, which is given an overly dramatic name of Hell's Mouth. The ceaseless pounding of the Atlantic Ocean on the cliffs chiseled out a small cave, which subsequently collapsed forming a small bay and natural arch, seemed a perfect blend of charm and scare - a must visit.
Asma Bushra Anwar is Founder of Carpe Diem Abilities Development Center, has been a resident of the UAE for over two decades. She lives with her husband and two daughters. She is an HR Professional and a Life Coach.
 

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