I am a New York Times Travel junkie. I always look forward to the annual "places to go" list with some sort of sick fascination. The list always leaves me thinking "Am I doing something wrong with my life if I haven't yet planned a trip to Tasmania?" Last year my own country - Zambia - was #44 on the list. I will refrain from listing 44 reasons why Zambia should be higher on that list and instead appreciate its inclusion.

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This year, the list is 31 Places to Go in 2010. Sri Lanka came in at number one, a spot previously held by Beirut in 2009. Los Angeles came in at #11 this year. As a resident of Los Angeles (Must not say Angeleno. Must not say Angeleno), I have to admit that I may have laughed a little too loud at the irrationality of the city's high placement on the list. Oh, well. At #16, I was excited to find Marrakesh - a city that I will be visiting for the first time later this year. Take that, New York Times. I might not be practicing yoga in Mysore (#4) this year or watching the ice melt in Antarctica (#9), but I will be traveling to at least one city on your somewhat crazed hip travel list. One of my favorite cities - Cape Town - is also featured (#22: South Africa). The list is worth a look, but I do have to admit that it isn't the most practical for the average traveler.

My Places to Go Whenever I Get Around to it Or Find A Bag of Cash on the Side of the Road list:
1. Italy
2. Greece
3. Seychelles
4. Patagonia
5. Egypt
6. Tanzania
7. Brazil
8. Portugal
9. Mozambique
11. Nova Scotia
12. Peru
13. Bali
14. Tokyo
15. Switzerland
16. Cuba
17. Australia
18. Russia
19. Istanbul
20. Maldives

2010

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2010 is off to a great start. I am planning my next trip to Tunisia and Morocco around August or September. Back to Africa! 2009 had me in the south of France for work and Spain for pleasure, but I am excited to be back in my favorite continent! Planning is in the early stages. Mainly, I'm dreaming about drinking cocktails and watching the sunset. I'm pretty sure that counts as officially planning.

I would also like to express my sadness about the recent earthquakes in Haiti. I have been incredibly lucky to travel as much as I have from an early age, and I value the importance of building a strong international community. I am happy to see the United States and other countries working hard to help during these tough times. My thoughts are with the Haitian people and all who have been affected by this tragedy. Send your donations in to the Red Cross, and any other organizations that are working tirelessly to bring some relief to the people of Haiti.