This list is really the best of the best of the best. The best and greatest overall experiences I had. Sites, people and food are great but experiences are what it's all about.
Another way to think of this is if I could recommend anyone to go have any experience or visit any place, this is what I will recommend. This is what I think everyone should experience.
BEST OVERALL EXPERIENCES:
1. Africa / Kenya
Of all my experiences, my Africa experience in Kenya tops them all. Easily...
I spent a week in a Maasai Village teaching 4th graders English and Science in their school. At the end of the week on my last day, the entire class swarmed me and put bracelets on my wrists and and forearms. They said, "Tobiko, do you have to leave!?! We want you to stay here forever." I almost cried like a baby when I saw they all had either made or bought me a bracelet. One student wrote me a letter as well that was so cute. This is the highlight of my trip for sure. I knew I had made a difference, and that feels so good.
My host family also gave me a gift and thanked me repeatedly. I really have so much love for these people!
This is the best overall experience because it is the one I tried to solely satisfy others and not myself. Service is the key to the door to the greatest joy we can feel.
Experiencing the simple life helped remind me the simple life is a happy life. These people are so happy and they are hilarious too.
As an added bonus, watching a Maasai wife feed a goat placenta to the dog is also as funny of an experience as I had on my entire trip haha.
So was watching this.
My African Safari was the 1b highlight of my trip and one of the highlights of my life. We saw 20 lions! Being on a safari was the thrill of a lifetime for me. Bucket list item and dream fulfilled. The safari was perfect and the group I was with couldn't have been any cooler.
Above any experience I had, I believe everyone needs to have the Africa experience of helping those in need and doing a safari. If you go do it and don't like it I will pay you $1000.
2. Israel
Although I cannot say Israeli or Palestinian people or their country are my favorite or even close to it, the sites in the Holy Land are life changing. The Garden Tomb, the Mount of Olives, the Sea of Galilee, Capernaum, the Old City of Jerusalem, Caeseria Philippi, Bethlehem, Nazareth, Mount Tabor, the Jordan River, the Dead Sea, The Dead Sea Scrolls, and on and on and on.
For me as a Latter Day Saint, I can think of no better spiritual experience you can have in a place. The scriptures came to life. I have now walked where the Savior walked. Being at the Garden Tomb was the most spiritual and emotional experience of my trip.
It is also fantastic to learn and see the sites of other religions. Israel is a game changer forever. It brings the scriptures to life and you realize, these stories are not made up, they are historical in archaeology and tradition.
If you are a Christian, go see Israel! If you can find a way to connect to the people there on a deep and personal level, I'll give you $100.
3. Cherry Blossom Season Japan
Let's be clear on one thing, there is no place I talk about more than Japan. It takes an African Tribe swarming me with gifts, an African safari in the Maasai Mara and experiencing the Holy Land to top this.
Being completely honest, as far as the OVERALL country and experience nothing may ever top Japan in my mind. I had more emotional and spiritual experiences elsewhere, but overall japan is the coolest.
I cannot sufficiently explain or describe the effect Japan had on me. I seriously can't explain it. I've tried for 3 months now. For whatever reason, Japan and the culture there grabbed onto me and refuses to let go.
The cherry blossom season was magical. Literally magical. There is some strange serenity and peace in it. I rank Japan as the most beautiful country on my trip. That is saying a lot!
The people are as mysterious and curious as anyone. They come off a bit cold, but when you speak to them and ask for help they are very warm and kind.
I have never come close to meeting a people with more manners and respect for others. It is mysterious and mind blowing to think only a short time ago Japan was trying to take over the world. If I didn't know the history I would refuse to believe it. They are the most peaceful people I have met.
When you ride the subway, it is at times dead silent. I look around and observe and realize these people have so much discipline and respect. Their mild temperament and non verbal way of communicating is impressive.
The food is my favorite by miles and miles. The rice, the sushi, the seafood and the miso soup is healthy and delicious.
The Japanese women have an appeal that surprised even me. I am so attracted to Japanese women. The childlike innocence, the gentleness and the respect are unlike any other women. Plus have you ever seen a fat Japanese woman? They look good!
Of all the countries, people and cultures I have come across, I cannot think of one more fascinating and interesting to me than Japan.
4a. Road trip trough Ireland, England, Wales and Scotland
What an experience this was. This is some of the most beautiful countries in the world. It is more Green than you can imagine. It is a bright green in many places here. The rolling hills, the rock walls and the colors are gorgeous.
Wales.
Ireland.
England.
Scotland.
The people in these countries are some of the best and kindest too. They are so proper and fun. They have great attitudes and love a good laugh. As an added bonus they speak English. Well, some places it is half English and half other stuff haha.
Tracking down my relatives and doing family history here was a thrill I never thought it would be.
The food here is great too. Yates's is as good of a restaurant name that exists in the world!
If I were to live anywhere I have visited it would most likely be in the UK. London and Edinburgh are two of my favorite cities I visited, Edinburgh particularly being impressive.
4b. Vietnam
For most of my trip Japan and Vietnam were my favorite two places, so it's weird to have them ranked down here. I cant put Vietnam or the UK above the other I decided lol. Both are just too great. I had an incredible experience in Vietnam!
First off I love Saigon. The city is so fun and adventurous. There are 8-10 million people here, with 5-6 million scooters in the city lol. Imagine that! Scooters everywhere! I could watch it for hours.
My tours here were phenomenal. On my Mekong Delta River Excursion I had a life changing experience. They dropped us off in a village and told us to go cycle trough this country and see the spread out village. As we did this kids literally came from there homes running towards us yelling hello and waving with so much enthusiasm. Hello is the only word they know. The parents and others waive too and always smile. We gave the kids candy and money and they were so happy. These people live in such humble Homes.
The Cu Chi Tunnels were fascinating! These were smart tough people and fighting them must have been awful. They are the most resourceful bunch I've seen in my life.
I love love love the Vietnamese people. They are so friendly and warm. They hold no hard feelings whatsoever about the Vietnam War which I think is amazing. I connected with these people immediately. I was there 3 days and met so many great people. I also had a fun date with a girl while in Vietnam :)
Shopping in the Ben Than Market was one of the wildest adventures in my life. They are relentless. They are so funny and warm about it though, unlike Egyptians, Indians and Chinese markets. This market was nuts!
I also walked through markets with live chickens and turtles for sale. I also saw the water market on the Mekong Delta. Many of them live on their boats with their families. Such a fun time. so adventurous!
Go experience Vietnam! I can't wait to get back there to the central and northern parts.
5. Eastern/Central Europe
Going to Hungary, Austria, Czech Republic and Germany was awesome! It was not the most adventurous but definitely one of the most unique.
If you have not seen the cathedrals, castles, museums, theaters and other buildings here, you need to. The Cathedrals are some of the most amazing buildings in the world!
Berlin was especially fascinating. Tell me a place that has more modern history than Berlin. What a crazy experience to be where the Nazis were. how crazy to think just a short time go the Berlin Wall was up and we had the cold war going on. Now it is such a contemporary and urban city.
Experiencing how Berlin has changed was so cool. They have monuments and reminders of World War 2 everywhere. They are reminded literally everywhere of their history. They are forced to remember more than any one else, I'm convinced of that. Let's give them credit for overcoming all they have there. Including having more than 80% of their city destroyed in WW2.
Prague and Vienna are about as amazing of places as you'll see for architecture and buildings. It feels as if you are living in the 1800's. They are both impressive cities. Vienna is particularly clean and safe as well.
Vienna.
Prague.
Budapest surprised me with how cool it is. The view from Mount Gellert was awesome! The food and people are incredible. I was welcomed so well in church there.
You also need to experience the baths of Budapest.
These countries also have some great scenery as well. I would not even compare them to Japan, Ireland, the UK or Kenya but it is beautiful nonetheless.
Lastly, the women in Hungary, Austria and the Czech are the most beautiful women I saw in the world.
HONORABLE MENTION:
Thailand. With the right people I can see how this would be a great experience. I would certainly not go to Thailand over Hawaii though.
Yangshuo China. I've never seen mountains like these anywhere. I dont think you can see tem anywhere else. And that is so cool if you think about it.
Lastly, not much of the middle east here huh. Yeah, not the coolest part of the world in my opinion. Glad I went, but would take a lot to go back. No desire really.
WELL, there you have it. If I could recommend you to take part of the world where I just was, here is what I recommend! The best of the best!
Remember remember, experiences are always better than sites.
And no experience beats conquering the world!
