Northern Lights - AtoZChallenge

I remember learning about the Northern Lights in elementary school. How extraordinary that brilliant colors should shift across the sky. I had already been watching the stars at night, hoping to spy a shooting star to wish upon. The idea that the night sky could be even more impressive has always kept me looking up - even if I'm about as removed from a decent location to observe the Northern Lights as possible.

As if being able to see this in person wasn't a spectacular enough idea on its own, some bright soul came up with the idea of this:

A glass-domed hotel room to observe the lights all comfy and cozy. Yes, please. 

Mont Saint-Michel - AtoZChallenge

We're at the half-way point in this year's blogging challenge. Whew! (& Hallelujah!)

For me, 'M' has got to be Mont Saint-Michel.

Though access to the island has been improved this century by the addition of a bridge, historically you'd have to wait until low tide. And then scurry back to the mainland before the tide came in. This has always fascinated me. There's a bridge now, but the idea of the tides determining access inspires creativity in my brain.

Apparently I'm not the only one.

Louvre, répéter - AtoZChallenge

I'm spoiled for choice when it comes to bucket list ideas for 'L', and I've been fortunate enough to scratch off a few bucket list destinations already that fall under the 'L' category.

I wouldn't mind returning to a few, but there is one that made such an impression I can't help but dream of going back again. And again. And again. And then maybe some more.

Musée du Louvre.

Mon Dieu!

When I traipsed into this museum oh so many years ago, I knew little in the way of specifics about what resided inside beside the Mona Lisa (underwhelming I'd been told) and the Venus de Milo.

Once inside and armed with the extensive map available, we were warned we couldn't possibly see it all in a few hours. I gamely searched for Venus. I took a moment to appreciate Mona. Somewhere in between, I got turned around and had the most amazing experience exploring areas I'd have never come across otherwise. I fell completely in love with a sculpture I'd never heard of, going out of my way to pass by it again before I left. A print of it now hangs in my office.

Others of my group begged off, leaving the museum in search of food, wine, coffee, a nap. I just kept going until it was time to close.

So, without question the Louvre is at the top of my bucket list. To experience it again. To experience it with my husband, with friends and family. To have my breath literally catch once more at the amazing pieces of art and history contained within.

Only 2 of the several floors. Bliss.

Kimono - AtoZChallenge

'J' was not my finest hour for this blogging challenge. 'K' has me kind of flummoxed as well.

I'd like to learn to knit someday, to see if the results would be as lopsided as my crochet attempts have been. But that's not really on par with what I envisioned for this month's theme.

And I could always suggest something romantic like kissing in the rain, under fireworks, under a rainbow, while skinny dipping, under a troll bridge... Wait, what? Er, again, that doesn't quite fit my idea of the potential grandness of this bucket list idea. Besides, I'm pretty sure I've already crossed off in the rain and under fireworks. I'm an old married person living in the tropics. Surely I've handled this already.

So, a slightly different approach.

I'd love to be fitted for my very own kimono. There is such a thing as renting the garments for the experience if you're not in the position or inclination to buy.

The kimono is the tip of a niche iceberg for me. I love learning about other cultures and historic/traditional fashions are strong parts of many cultures. Be it lederhosen or saris, I love the idea of 'dressing up' to be more immersed in the experience - says the woman who rocks walking shoes and jeans like nothing else exists.

Jet ski - AtoZChallenge

Straight forward and simple - 'J' is for Jet ski.

Wind in your hair, speeding across the water. Trying like mad not to fall off or overturn the darn thing. I'm a legitimate clutz, folks.

Italy - AtoZChallenge

Italy.

That is a dream destination that goes back to the beginning.

I'm not talking about Rome (which is good, because I've already listed other places that pre-date the Roman Empire and... er... it really shouldn't be a surprise at this point that my list has so many history-related places should it?). I'm talking about my beginning.

I identified as Italian long before I understood genetics and DNA pie charts. Long before I began charting my family tree and putting in the research time to pinpoint exactly where (at least some) of my people come from. My last name was Italian. Oh so intensely Italian. Mispronounce-ably Italian to all but, well, Italians. Of course I new we were other things (My father's mother insisted there was Native American somewhere, but as with most of what she said, this was full of shit, too.) but I had a daily reminder. Plus I thought being Italian was cool.

When I finally factor in the Roman Empire, the historic sites, the food... how could I not want to go?

Hot Air Balloon Ride - AtoZChallenge

Since the theme for my challenge is bucket list, I figure some of these things are going to be higher than others on the 'it would take a lot to make this happen' scale than others. Some deceptively so.

'H''s post is pretty accessible - plenty of local options to the point that at least once a year they fly over my front yard.

Well, like not that many, but you get the idea.

Hot Air Balloon ride. I've always wanted to try it. A little thing with a fear of heights in coordination with a fear of falling (Some people will tell you that's the real fear, not heights. Those people are jackasses.)

However, the curiosity remains. And I may have figured out a stepping stone.

The magical rodent's lair offers tethered helium balloon rides.

I think this may be the year I check this one off my bucket list.