STORY TELLERS

Each week, we’d like you to share your thoughts, anecdotes, views or stories. Last week we asked you which destinations are on your 2018 travel list.

A page for readers to share their views, thoughts and stories.

We have Amsterdam, and probably Belgium, as the first places on our bucket list, and, Delhi/Calcutta and Baroda as the second places. The first one is in our continuing quest to tour Europe and enjoy the tulip season in Amsterdam. Delhi is to attend a wedding, and do some sightseeing, since it’s been nearly ten years since we went there. Baroda is our hometown. And, of course, even Dubai’s new attractions, including the Dubai Frame, Dubai Safari, et al are on the bucket list. There’s lots to look forward to in 2018. I hope it’s the same for everyone, and everyone’s wishes come true. Amit Loiwal

As a fan of Harry Potter, I want to watch the Cursed Child play in London’s West End. There is also a Harry Potter Museum in this beautiful city. Saniya Udeshi

I consider myself fortunate enough to reside in a country that is itself a tourists’ paradise and is also wellconnected to the entire world. Not only this, my beloved country provides us with ample opportunities to plan trips by announcing the holidays and long weekends in advance. In 2017, I got the opportunity to visit the lush green and hilly traditional regions of Georgia and the spellbinding beaches of the Seychelles with my family during Eid holidays. This year I want to visit Singapore and the Maldives. Singapore has been a dream destination since childhood (inspired

This year is very special for me. To start with, I’ll visit Banaras’ Kashi Vishwanath temple in February and Mumbai in May. My husband will celebrate his 50th birthday, my parents their 50th wedding anniversary and for me it is going to be our 25th wedding anniversary. I am yet to plan for our anniversary, but would love to head to Goa’s beaches. Priti Vyas

A visit to Japan is ideal when perennially caught up in a race against time and if you’re a student like me. Renowned for its fusion of ancient tradition and futuristic vision, Japan ensnares you into having a rare time – be it taking a reinvigorating bath at the local onsen [hot spring], viewing the surreal cherry blossoms bloom, walking the streets of Kyoto in a yukata [summer kimono] or shopping in famous hubs like Akihabara. Adding in a trip to Singapore and South Korea would make it the perfect Asian trip, and would definitely be out of this world! Veda Manikonda

This year I’d like to travel to one of the most fashionable cities in the world, Paris, and get my hands on some vintage, timeless fashion pieces to feel like a true Parisian. A close second would be Tokyo, for its out-of-the-box fashion, its food and unique pop culture. I’ve heard it’s a shopper’s paradise. Also, I’d love to make the most of their local transportation system. Qashish Dhiraj Mehta

by the Hindi film song Jeewan Mein Ek

Bar Ana Singapore, which means ‘visit Singapore once in your lifetime for sure’). My fascination towards it grew ever more when I found that Singapore is Dubai’s role model. I added the Maldives to my travel bucket list this year for two reasons; firstly, I wanted to experience the unique adventure of a plane landing on water, secondly, learning that the rising water level in Indian Ocean might make the country disappear made me desperate to view it before any such disaster takes place, although I pray it is protected completely. Arti Goel

I am keeping my fingers crossed if everything goes well, I would love to travel to Hong Kong with my daughter because she is keen to explore Disneyland there. My greatest pleasure is to see the glowing smile on my daughter’s face. I will also get chance to relive my childhood through her explorations. Raina Sood

A short trip to Azerbaijan is definitely on my 2018 travel bucket list. There are several reasons. Firstly, it is affordable. Secondly, because of its proximity to UAE. It would take only three hours to reach the destination from Dubai. And mainly because Baku [above right], the capital, is such a beautiful place. I have never been to Baku, but I have read a feature about it in the pages of

Friday magazine some time back. Ever since I have wanted to visit Azerbaijan, which is also called ‘land of fire’.

Suni John

My 2018 travel bucket list is overflowing with exciting ideas, overwhelming plans and crazy activities. But definitely my longing is to visit the most sacred city in the universe, Shirdi in India, because I believe it’s a great abode of mental peace and well-being. Vineetha Sasikant

Since I am a school-going student, it is very hard for me to balance my studies along with doing things for myself and that make me happy. This year my New Year’s resolution is to work towards a more balanced lifestyle and visit places and do things that make me happy. It has always been my dream to visit Iceland and watch the Northern Lights and swim in the blue lagoon. In 2018 I would love to make my dream come true and spend my vacation in Iceland with my family. I love to travel and I have a very long list of places that I want to visit but definitely want to tick this off my bucket list before I go to university in a few years. Anshika Gurdasani

My target destination will be New Zealand. One reason is that my son is pursuing a commercial flying license in the beautiful country, and second to recondition myself from the fast and hectic routine in Dubai. I would like to fly across the country and see sights including the picturesque Karangahake Gorge, and come back to the hustle and bustle of Dubai rejuvenated. Kovid Ranjan

I would like to see my dream destinations, Paris and the Maldives. Paris has always been a favourite because of the Eiffel Tower and Disneyland. Maldives is a favourite because I love the beach. It just makes me happy! Hanan Fathima

Travelling is a way of enjoying yourself to the fullest, a relaxation of the mind and body, getting to know about different cultures and people and so much more. I have travelled across many cities in Asia, Africa and America, however, I have not been to anywhere in Europe and I would love to go there. While travelling, I not only try to capture all that I can while I am there but I also try to get to know the people around – their culture and way of living, so that I can understand them in a better way. This summer, I have decided to plan a trip to Europe. I have heard so much about the Acropolis and

This year we are planning to visit Jaisalmer in India. From the rich culture to the finger-licking food, there’s nothing more we could hope for. Akshansh Sood

One place that has fascinated me ever since I came across it on an atlas was Papua New Guinea. If initially I liked it because the name had a nice ring to it – Papua New Guinea, Papua New Guinea I kept repeating until my friends and family threatened to cast me ashore there – the more I read up about the place, the more intrigued I became. The fact that headhunting and cannibalism were practised in some areas even until the early 20th century, that linguistically, it is the world’s most diverse country, boasting more than 800 languages, that parts of the country are still pretty isolated and peopled with tribes who rely on barter system… What more could an adventure-lover like me ask for? Arvind Kumar

the different islands of Greece and this would definitely be on my list. Another place that I would love to visit would be Italy, the birthplace of western culture. Every feature of the country from its heritage to cuisine is unique. Moving on, France would be the next place on my list, and if I do not get a chance to visit Germany, my trip would remain incomplete. Germany’s great history, its culture and strong education system are what attract me the most to it. I would want to observe the museums, schools and art galleries. This completes my list and plans for the coming summer. Sadia Mohsin