Oct 26 2009
My Top 10 Destinations O’ Mystery
I spend a lot of time looking at maps, daydreaming and plotting my next move. Each time I find myself hanging out with a map, my eyes are always drawn to a handful of curious countries that seem mysterious to me and these are the places I want to go to the most.
Chad
I know nothing about this huge African nation and I want to. Anytime I look at a map of Africa, the name Chad draws me in. I don’t really know why but the place sparks my curiosity. Throw the Central African Republic and Niger into the mix as well for an Africa triple-threat of mystery. I have nothing else to say. Like I said, I really don’t know a thing about this place.Greenland
Greenland takes up a huge hunk of space on the world map but is somewhere you never hear about. The only thing I know about Greenland is that it’s big and cold. I love the idea of being whisked across the barren tundra on a dog sled, an activity that probably loses its appeal once you’re actually in the barren tundra, freezing your ass off. But, for now, the idea appeals and doing it in a place like Greenland makes it just a little bit more alluring.Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana
Ok I guess I’m cheating because I’ve chosen three countries instead of one but they’re so geographically close that I figured I would lump them in together. South America is a popular destination but I can’t remember the last time I heard anyone include any of these three small nations on their big South America trips. Are people missing out on something by skipping these tiny, tucked-away countries?Iran
From everything I’ve heard from anyone who’s ever been, Iran is home to some of the friendliest, most hospitable people on earth. I also feel like it’s difficult to get an opinion of the place through Western media sources and I want to break through the crap and see for myself what life is like in the country. I want to learn what Iranians think of their government and whether the anti-American sentiment is restricted to their leader or if it’s something that is felt in all levels of Iranian society. Plus there’s ski hills in Iran and I think snowboarding in a burka would make a great photo op.Israel
The mysterious thing about Israel for me is its people. I am probably going to get lambasted for saying this but during my travels I have met very few Israelis that I’ve liked, and I’ve met a bunch. I don’t like that I think this so I want to go to Israel to see what Israelis are like on their own turf and to see if I can erase the bad impression I have of them brought on by various unsavory encounters around the world.Kazakhstan
This has nothing to do with Borat, I promise. My fascination with Kazakhstan goes back to 2000 when I was living in a backpacker’s hostel in Ireland. There was a huge world map hanging on the wall across from the couch and I always found myself staring at it and daydreaming. The one country my eye’s couldn’t stop veering towards was Kazakhstan due to it being close to the center of the map, gigantic, and coloured bright green. I knew nothing about the place but decided then that I had to go there.Libya
With a flag as boring as Libya’s (all green), you would hope their country has a lot to offer to compensate. On first glance, it seems like they do: ancient rock art, crumbling abandoned cities, culture galore and a crazy leader thrown in to boot. For me, though, the appeal is that 90% Libya is covered by the Sahara Desert. Heading way out into the sand dunes would be an awesome experience… or maybe a boring one. But either way I want to try it out.North Korea
Possibly the most politically isolated country in the world, North Korea fascinates me. The idea of an entire nation of people being all but closed off to the outside world in this day and age is mind-boggling. I would love to get a chance to see what North Koreans think about their own country and the outside world. Given the guarded nature of visits to the country, having candid conversations with locals probably isn’t something that will happen but you never know.Rwanda
Rwanda’s 1994 genocide left over 800,000 people dead in around 100 days. That regular people could be manipulated into turning on their neighbors, students, patients, and friends to commit murder blows my mind. It’s scary to think what sorts of atrocities people are capable of committing when exposed to propaganda and lies from a genocidal government in a climate of fear. I have no idea what I would hope to learn or accomplish through a visit to Rwanda, I just feel like I need to go there.Saudi Arabia
I can think of few places on earth that are more culturally interesting to me than Saudi Arabia. I have loved my experiences thus far in Muslim countries and they don’t come much more Muslim than here. The whole place seems all forbidden and secret and creepy and I want in! Visas are hard to get and there are crazy restrictions on women but it all just sounds too bizarre to resist.Have you been to any of these places? I would love to hear about them! What tops the list as your most mysterious country?
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I've been travelling since January 2008 living off earnings from the web. Follow me as I bum around Asia and beyond, getting up to mischief and working online as I go. 
I’m the same way
As for Kazakhstan, just skip it and go to Kyrgyzstan. It’s better in my mind
A much friendlier place to travel.
You’ve got several of my must see list here too - the only one I’ve been too is Israel. I have had the same experience as you while travelling - it got almost to be a relief to be somewhere like Malaysia where Israeli’s can’t get visa. In Bolivia I remember many signs in Spanish saying”No Israelis” - when I asked I was told that they treated the locals like shite, always tried to bargain the price down to last peso (Bolivia was already incredibly cheap), and were generally loud and obnoxious. I then went on a multi-day trip with a random group we had pulled together - it took 3 days for one of the guys to admit he was Israeli! I was genuinely shocked that someone would be so embarrassed by their countrymen’s behavour to deny their nationality for that long. When we asked him why Israelis were so rude to the locals he said he couldn’t really explain it but that most of the Israelis travelling were just out of the army where they were trained to be super-agressive.
Israel was totally different - very tame and western after Egypt and a bit of let down really - personally I’d skip it and add Syria instead - awesome place and very friendly people
I’ve lived in Israel and it’s true… they’re a-holes in their own country too. They usually have some excuse for it but what it all boils down to is a general disregard for politeness. I don’t think it has anything to do with the military although most Israel travelers are around 20-21 years old (sort of like a gap year in British terms). I think their rudeness (in and outside the country) is mostly because of the culture’s anxiety at being taken advantaged of, or as they say, becoming a “frier”. There is great shame in having been taken advantage of so their aggression can be traced back to “protecting” themselves.
That’s just my 2 cents from experience.
Also, Kazakhstan sounds amazing!
For dogsledding in Greenland take care to visit in the winter months since they dont run in summer.
Never heard that about the Israelis. Interesting.
I was at a Travel Expo recently and there are guided tours inside Iran. You’re accompanied by someone all the time but you can get in. I think the NYTimes had a reporter go to Iran in the last few years and write about his experience. Same with North Korea too - guided tours always have someone from the govt with you.
@brooke I’ve heard that a lot, actually. I will keep itin mind for when I head to that part of the world. Whenever that will be.
@passiveincome I’ve heard the same about Syria. I think the Muslims know a thing or two about hospitality… at least from my experiences.
@jami Who knows… that’s why I want to go find out.
@webjourneyman As a Canadian, that’s one thing I know. Every once in awhile you hear about people who come to Canada expecting to be able to ski in July…
@brian Independent Americans have to travel on guided tours, as far as I know. I’ve got a Canadian and a UK passport and if I can snag a visa on either, I’m pretty sure I would be able to travel independently. I know an America girl who went there on her Irish passport and cycled around the country so it can be done. With North Korea though there’s no choice.
I’m not a traveler…I prefer to see places from the comfort of my home. I’ve always wondered though how people could live guarding their freedom 24/7. I haven’t met any Israeli either, but my sister was impressed with the one that stayed in our place in the Philippines when he and his Filipina wife visited her family last year. In fact, they’re planning to return to our place…maybe this Christmas, and they might even buy their own place around the area. I guess, you’ll still find nuggets of gold here and there.
Those are some interesting places to visit, but for me Brazil is where it’s at! =D But I am sure Brazil is not as interesting as some of the places you wish to visit like North Korea, hehe.
Till then,
Jean
Is it just me, or did anyone else read “Destinations O’Misery”, too?
Started reading and thought: Chad, Greenland, Guyanas, Kazakhstan, North Korea… fair enough, but the others?? Then decided to read again, this time more carefully. Some of these countries are actually on my todo-list, like Iran, Israel, Lybia and Rwanda.
Very nice list. I feel the same way about the ..stan countriesm russia and mongolia. I’d love to see those some time.
There is one reason you never hear about backpackers who have travelled in Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana. Its much more expensive than the other South American countries.
Wow you definitely have some interesting travel choices. Most people will never see any of these countries in person. I’m sure they would all be very interesting to experience though.
I once asked a guy who’d been in the French foreign legion how much it would cost to rent an apartment in Chad. He looked at me for a long moment and replied, “Chad is like Mars.”
These are beautiful place for traveling. Greenland and North Korea are amazing place.
Weird! You’re list is kind of weird but have to admit, those places are kinda interesting to visit right? I am a bit curious of Rwanda. After seeing the movie Hotel Rwanda, it made me question.. how safe it is to be there?
Hey girl- well as you know i have been to many of these places- Iran unaccomanied several times– also Israel one time (are not allowed to go to both Iran & Israel BTW- thanks god i have 2 passports). I hear you on the Israeli thing. All i have to say is go see for yourself b/c what you will see in their country will break your heart as far as how horribly the Palestinians are treated by them (as if they are non human or something… ridic!!!). My government &your govt turns a bling eye to that though (mine in fact $ sponsors such apartheid- truly disturbing). Headed to Rwanda in 3 weeks so can let you know- but it is in fact very safe. Saudi you are only allowed with a hubby, borther or son, so like me: good luck with that ; ) If it is any consolation folks i know who have been to Saudi (many for Hajj) say it is a miserable place with no redeeming qualities– maybe they are just partial to Lebanon, Iran, etc- though.. ; ) XXOO
I have been to Israel and unfortunately the Israelis did not make too good of an impression on me - their society is very militarized and it shows in the culture. I would recommend going though and traveling through Palestine where I found the people to be very nice and interesting. Since the Israel/Palestine peace conflict is so complex and interesting there are plenty of Israeli/Palestinian groups willing to talk to travelers about the human rights violations that are occurring in the region. We met with the Israeli Coalition Against House Demolition for a tour of east Jerusalem and it was so interesting and shocking! Definitely plan to go visit.
These are beautiful place for traveling. Greenland and North Korea are amazing place ???