The 5 Places That Have Left An Impact On Me
Let’s take a lighter note, shall we.
Today I want to talk about the five places that I have been in my lifetime that forever changed me. For reasons and decisions that were both good and bad, I want to share these places that are close to my heart for anyone trying to plan an adventure in the near future. We will go from number five down to number one, and list the pros and cons along the way.
With that being said, let’s dive in.
#5 Juneau, Alaska
It has been a fair few years since I went to Alaska, but in all honesty I would love to go back. It was a vacation where a young high school aged Jack did not appreciate it in the moment. I believed it to be boring and lacked a lot of excitement, and honestly my premature take was not wrong. It was nothing exciting or over the top, but it was beautiful. The snow capped jagged mountains stretched to the sky and above the clouds. The craziest thing about it, I was there in August, meaning how in God’s name was there even snow. The sheer size of the mountains alone is bound to leave you in awe, but there is more that is alluring to it. The culture is pretty much the same as Maine. People work hard and earn their keep. Some are fishermen, some are woodsmen, but all are built to survive in this vast country. If you are looking to really get away and want a quieter and even meditative vacation, Juneau might be your place.
#4 Acadia National Park, Maine
I did not spend long here, but the memories I have of Acadia National Park are as vivid as any within the depths of my mind. The water along the beaches is so pure and blue. Not the blue you would see in the Caribbean, but a blue that is tough, a little dark, but pure all in its own special way. The views are absolutely breathtaking as the rocky cliffs of coastal Maine fall vertically into the depths of these waters. Bar Harbor is a romantic and fun little town, and its harbor is the stereotypical beauty that you envision when you dream about a Maine coastline. It is great for people who want to spend time outdoors and away from the bright lights of the city. Unfortunately, did not get to go back this summer like I had hoped, but hopefully again soon.
#3 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
There are so many person reasons why Philly is a place that I love. I have learned so much about myself just by being there, and have gained exposure to a lot of the world within it. Philly is so beautiful because of what you do not see. Admittedly, it isn’t the cleanest city in the world, but it’s heartbeat is something to be in awe of. The people are tough that is for sure. The Rocky Balboa spirit lives in the people who I have observed from there. The passion the people have for the things they hold dear to them is inspiring. There was certainly no question of this when I was roaming the streets of Center City the night the Eagles won their first Super Bowl. It is a city that is defined by its character, and a little bit of it rubs off on you just by being there.
#2 Newport Beach, California
I swear to all things holy that this place doesn’t even seem real. The palm trees, the perfect weather, the gorgeous beaches, the riches flowing through the community, it honestly feels like heaven on Earth. As an east coast habitant, it pains me to say the west coast beaches are just better, and it is not even close. The sun slowly setting down beneath the water, captivated me and burned into my memory. I met some amazing people out that certainty helped my experience for sure, but I can’t take away the feeling of opportunity that place just puts into your gut while you are there. You feel unstoppable, you feel like you are in your own little heaven. The weather is literally eighty and not humid like every single day. The only complaint I can think of is that In N’ Out burger was average at best.
#1 Montreal, Quebec
Okay definitely some bias here. First of all, if you do not like cold, then stay away during the winter. You think winter in Maine is cold? Oh man are you wrong. Thirty below was the coldest it got in the first of my two real visits to this city (I went once more when I was like three), and you could not last more than five minutes outside without losing feeling in your face. I went back recently during the early fall, and I think that is when I truly fell in love with the city. The culture is rich having its own unique blend of Canadian, American, and European tastes. It is a place where a stereotype holds true, and that is Canadians are the nicest people ever. The old city is living history and getting to view it was magical both in the summer and winter seasons. It is a place that is near to me for a lot of personal reasons, but the reason I tell you to visit is because it unlocked a lot of things within myself. Being outside the country in a place where there is really just you and maybe a few other people you know and trust has a different effect on you. I am sure those who have travelled aboard can relate to your own experiences, but it just makes you feel new and alive. Another aspect of why I love Montreal, it is a city of love. Everyone is just so accepting there, and the city fills you with emotion the second you embark on your journey through it.
I may not be the most seasoned traveler, and a traveler that has much more places to see and visit, but these are my five places I have truly loved in the travels I have embarked on. I recommend any of these places to anyone trying to get away for a little bit. We all deserve to travel and see the world, and hopefully these places give you an idea of where you want to make your next move.