Oh, the Places I'd Go... (If I Had the Cash)

As I sit here contemplating what it will be like to be a "young professional," it occurs to me that very soon I will not be allowed simply to drop everything and go wherever I want on a whim. Since trips from now on will have to be carefully planned out, notice given, etc., I am thinking of the following adventures to get me started:

1) New York City

I have actually been to New York City twice. Once was for the National Model UN conference in college, where I basically stayed in the hotel conference rooms and occasionally went out to eat. The second time was for the ordination of a friend to the diaconate. I have seen quite a bit of the New York Hilton, the United Nations building, and the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. I walked through Central Park, but did not make it to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. I have visited Time Square, but still have not made it to a Broadway (or even off- or off-off-Broadway) show. Aside from the three buildings mentioned above, I haven't seen any of the sites like the Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, Statue of Liberty. Now that I'm moving to New England, perhaps it will be a little easier to plan a trip to New York where I can be a tourist for once.

2) San Francisco

I have yet to visit San Francisco. I have been to California once before, about 7 years ago. We stayed in Anaheim for a week, and did some touring of the Los Angeles area. Laguna Beach is one of my favorite memories of that trip. I think when I go back to California, I'd like to go a little farther north. I am not sure what to expect from the City by the Bay, but I have heard nothing but good reports. I think it would also be fun to head up to Napa for a couple of days and do some vinyard tours/wine tastings. I also wouldn't mind seeing Los Altos, CA. It would be enlightening to see the place that produced my crackhead roommate from freshman year.

3) New Zealand

For the last almost two years, I toyed with the idea of going to New Zealand on their Working Holiday Scheme. This program allows young Americans aged 18-30 to live anywhere in New Zealand, and take any job they can find to support themselves. I think it would be a wonderful adventure. Sadly, the trip would have depleted my savings and left me with nothing but memories (albeit the most amazing memories of my life). So now I have to wait until I can take a vacation and go down there. Perhaps when I'm back in school I can take a little New Year's trip during the break before the semester starts, just to catch a little summer down under.

4) St. Martin Monastery in Beuron, Germany

Nestled in the mountains of southern Germany is what may be the most beautiful church I have ever visited. The church that belongs to the monastery in Beuron is absolutely amazing, and its Ladychapel is breathtaking. The monastery itself is Benedictine, and in the spirit of hospitality opens its doors to men that wish to live, work and pray with the monks. I have wanted for some time now to do an extended retreat there with the brothers. I would love to spend a month there in the quiet of the young Danube river valley, just to recharge the batteries.