Dublin, Ireland, Europe

Last stop is DUBLIN. I chose Dublin because it seems like the best chillout spot. The people have awesome accents and believe in leprachauns. Need I say more?

Pompeii, Italy, Europe

Pompeii is one of the most amazing sites in the world. I've wanted to walk through the streets for as long as I can remember- ever since I went to Rome when I was five with my Mum and she told me about it. I studied Latin in Year 7, and in doing so learnt even more about Pompeii and the eruption of Versuvius. There are so many photos of the people who were made into statues by the sheer speed of the eruption of this super volcano.

Budapest, Hungary, Europe

Being half Hungarian, I consider Hungary my half-home. So, by blood, I am returning to drink coffee in what I consider to be the most beautiful city in Europe (although it does look suspiciously like Paris...). I don't think Hungarians make very good coffee, so I might just chill in a deli for a while and eat some magical salami and other delicious cured meats.

The architecture in Hungary is beautiful- there is nothing else like it (except everywhere else in Europe). I don't think words can really describe how beautiful the city is- especially snow covered in Winter.

Helsinki, Finland, Europe

Finland is the home of the 'best' public education system in the world. They top the charts in Literacy, Maths and Science. All education is FREE- food, school books, pens, everything. Even University is free! Education is compulsory from age 5-6 to 15-16 and students stay at the same school for this period. University is not compulsory, but is recommended. All in all, Finland has got the right idea. Free education is probably the best way to get super over achievers.

Brussels, Belgium, Europe

EUROPE! Finally, best saved till last! Belgium was the second country to legalise Euthanasia.

Their laws do not require any "licence to kill", and the patient must be in "constant and unbearable physical or psychological pain" resulting from accident or incurable illness. Contrary to the Dutch laws, minors cannot request to die. Also, every case MUST be filed for review.  If someone who is not terminally ill requests to die, a third medical opinion must be looked for. Other than Euthanasia, Belgium hasn't really had any revolutionary ideas. The Netherlands is the county which is broadening it's mind and allowing prostitution...

Vancouver, Canada, North America

Vancouver, home of lots of ice, ice hockey, nice hotels and excellent views. I believe Vancouver to be the most livable city in the world, because it's so clean and beautiful. I would be staying at the Sutton Place Hotel, one of Vancouvers finest hotels and just a step away from downtown Vancouver and millions of chic boutiques. What's not to love about beautiful beaches, breathtaking sunsets and chill air. For someone who loves winter (like me), Vancouver is the perfect place to go for a few days, or a lifetime.

Ikamiut, Greenland, North America

Ikamiut is a small town with population 96 as of 2010. It is located on an island just out of Greenland and is only accessible by helicopter in Winter. Ferrys are available during the Summer months to other settlements, but are rarely used except for transport of edible goods. The town is relatively untouched by current technology and relies mostly on it's hunters to bring back food for them to eat during the colder months. During my stay, I will be learning how to ride a dogsled, going ice fishing and learning the local customs. They do, however, know how to build pretty houses.

Kulusuk, Greenland, North America

Kulusuk is located in southeastern Greenland and is one of the many places where the Aurora Borealis, commonly known as the Northern Lights, can be seen from September to April. The Auroro Borealis are caused by collisions between the sun’s electrically charged particles and molecules and atoms in the Earth’s atmosphere. The beautiful light show takes place in the upper atmosphere at a height of around 100 kilometres and can best be compared to candles flickering in the wind or fluttering curtains in shades of green and yellow. Greenland is one of the best places in the world to observe the northern lights, so off I go!

Indonesia, Spice Islands & Japan, Asia

These three lovely islands are three of the destinations the Dutch East India Company traded within. The Spice Islands are now called the Maluku Islands and are situated in South East Asia. One of the largest islands is Halmahera, and that is where I would be travelling to. From there, I would travel to Indonesia, then to Japan. I chose these three destinations because I thought there was a lovely mix of development. Japan is full of electronics, as is Indonesia, but Halmahera is living the stone age.

Pyongyang, North Korea, Asia

North Korea is actually one of the most ridiculously run nations in the world. Hardly anyone is allowed in, and their president is dead. Yes, this is definitely the makings of a fantastic government...Founded in 1948 by the infamous Kim Il-sung (the country's only president) and his son and heir, Kim Jong-il. After Kim Il-sung's death in 1994, he was not replaced (because North Korea is ludacris) but instead received the designation of "Eternal President", and was entombed in the vast Kumsusan Memorial Palace in central Pyongyang. I know, makes no sense. Who wants a dead president? So, North Korea is definitely run alot differently to Australia. Some people describe it as a "Hereditary Dictatorship," which isn't far from the truth. Hurrah for loonies!

Sneaky!

Hanoi, Vietnam, Asia

Vietnam, seventh on my list due to the unfortunate Vietnam war in the past. The Vietnam war started on the 1st of November, 1955 and ended on the 30th of April, 1975 when Saigon fell. The war resulted in the deaths of thousands and thousands of people, some more innocent than others. I plan to travel through the country side a different direction each day, coming back to Hanoi at night.



Vietnam Mural



Udvada, India, Asia

Sixth on my tyrannical trip is the fascinating Udvada. Situated in the state of Gujarat in India, Udvada is the home to some of the last Zoroastrian temples in the world. Zoroastrianism isn't a very common religion, but it is definitely a very fascinating one. It started with a man named Zoroaster, who claimed to have found God. Kinda like every other religion. I plan to research further into the religion and possibly consider conversion. Just kidding!

Map!

New Delhi, India, Asia

The first stop of the Asian leg of my trip is the luxurious New Delhi, though luxury is certainly not why I'm here. Delhi is also the home of some pretty impressive slums, as seen above. I find Delhi one of the least livable cities in the world not only because of the slums, but because of the way the city is run. During the 2010 New Delhi Olympics, peoples' houses were demolished to make way for the stadiums, with no regard to the people who lost their homes. The security was also ridiculous- they took away innocent people simply for being in the same vicinity as the stadium. For these reasons, I believe Delhi is the least livable city in the world.

River Nile, Egypt, Africa

Fourth stop and I'm still in Africa, in the lovely country of Egypt. Egypt is home to some giant triangular dwellings (mostly for dead guys) and were previously worshippers of cats. Meow?

I'm in Egypt for a cruise down the Nile for a week. The Nile runs through the whole of Egyps and is the source of Egypts water and crops. Its magical scenery makes it a wonderful stop for my trip.

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Africa

Third stop is the lovely Addis Ababa, home of my chosen charity and last leg of my African tour. Ethiopiaid aims to create lasting and positive change in Ethiopia by tackling the problems of poverty, ill health and poor education. It's a great cause and definitely a legitimate place to chillax for a few weeks in the sun. Who needs a tanning parlor? My aim here is to do as much as I can with EthiopiAID, eat some amazing food and get a good tan.

Nairobi, Kenya, Africa

Second stop is Nairobi, capitol of the crazy nation of Kenya. Kenya is renound for its super speedy citizens, intense temperatures and lack of oxygen. During my stay, I plan to try and meet some locals (who hopefully speak English) and check out the local wild life. No races on the calendar though. Hurrah for Kenya!

Lusaka, Zambia, Africa



Lusaka

 The first stop on my trip will be Lusaka, Zambia. I've included a map and a photo or two of the city. It's a really interesting place- there are some real dump sites and there are high rises, as seen above. Lusaka is also the first leg of the three week travel between three African capitols.

Map of Zambia

Order of My Trip

I've worked out the order in which I will visit my destinations. It is listed below:

• Lusaka (Zambia)
• Nairobi (Kenya)
• Ethiopia- EthiopiAID
• Addis Ababa (Ethiopia)
• Egypt – NILE
• India- New Delhi
• India- Gujarat- Udvada
• Vietnam
• North Korea
• Indonesia
• Spice Islands
• Japan
• Greenland (Northern Lights)
• Greenland (Inuits)
• Vancouver (Canada)
• Belgium
• Finland
• Budapest (Hungary)
• Pompeii (Italy)
• Dublin (Ireland)

Welcome Edith

Edith

Instead of doing something lame and ultimately boring, I thought I'd make a "travel diary" of how my trip would be like if I was fortunate enough to be granted your money. I hope you enjoy reading and that you like my plan.

Thanks for the opportunity