I have been a serious world traveler for over a decade and
have long been aware that thematic travelers tend to enjoy their travels more
than those whose destination is unknown.
There are the more common themes, gastro-tourists, night clubbers
and art museum connoisseurs.
But there are also more unusual themes, the guy who played a
round of golf in every port (Mark Dugger), the girl who manages to find the
farmer's market/street food region of every city (Kathy de la Cruz), the geocacher
at every opportunity (Darren).
I have always envied them their sense of purpose and
destination, the intrinsic convenience of knowing where to go without having to
think about it.
As I wandered Singapore’s Garden by the Sea, two days after Malaysia’s
Penang Botanical Gardens, it dawned on me, after near decades of travels, what
my theme is.
I like gardens.
A realization spawned by one of the most spectacular gardens
of the world.
I guess this should not have surprised me. My first vacation,
where I chose the destination, was backpacking in Hawaii. Recently, where was I
happiest, Malaysia in the rainforest. My job takes me from city to city, which
is exciting, but not my natural domain. I am happiest outdoors. Now I know,
apparently, that means city gardens.
I left the ship in search of hair gel, stumbling upon the
gardens completely by accident. I returned to the ship, enchanted.
Cool: Gardens and discovering my urban touristic theme.
Stupid: Despite perhaps hundreds of acres of beauty, the
Singapore Gardens by the Sea has by far the worst postcards I have ever seen.
1 comment:
Mine is food and buildings. On my list is the building in the background of your 3rd picture! I think it's the one with the pool on the very edge of the top. Go there for me!
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