that "25 things about me" thing is out of control

You've either filled the thing out and posted in on Notes of Facebook, heard of it, or seen it on a friend's profile.

I'm talking about the 25 Random Things About Me chain letter that is dominating my Facebook news feed every morning when I stumble into the Where I've Been headquarters.

Don't get me wrong, I love knowing little tidbits of information about my friends that I can use to sabotage them, but is this whole thing just a spammy fad? And how many times do I really have to hear the usual, uninteresting stuff such as:

"#3 My favourite color is blue"
"#16 I like the beach"
"#8 I broke my ankle when I was 2"

I was still foaming at the mouth at 2, and I'm pretty sure no one wants to hear about that via 25 Random Things. Anyway, I have created my own list for travelers and WIB fans only, and it's called "Top Ten Places I Need To See Before I Perish".

1. Dubai. I have always been fascinated by Dubai and its beaches, the vast land, and its sky-high buildings. It is said that Dubai is home to 15% of the world's cranes which comes as no surprise since it's skyline is constantly changing. While there, I would love to stay at the Burj Al Arab, the world's only seven star hotel, which is shaped like a sail. Groovy!
2. Japan. I dream about Tokyo at least once a week. Seriously . The movie, Lost in Translation, has only further triggered my desire to see this place. I'm fascinated with the way Japanese people live, their food, their street attire, the architecture, and nightlife. I absolutely love the feeling of being lost and bewildered, and I know this is the place to lose myself and be completely stumped by my surroundings.
3. California. When I was younger, I was heavily influenced by shows such as Beverly Hills 90210, Fresh Prince of Bel Air, and Saved By the Bell - all TV shows based around the laid-back, breezy, Californian lifestyle. I have lived in America for 10 years and I have never been to the west coast. From the vineyards, to Universal Studios, to Hollywood, to Route66, I want to see it all! Please, someone, guide me to the American Airlines website and help me book this flight asap lol.
4. South Africa. The African tribes, such as the Zulu people, are known for their beautiful attire and jewelry and their peaceful way of life, so I want to have the chance to meet people from that tribe to get a true grasp of their lifestyle and culture. Also, I have never been in a hot air balloon, and I can't think of any other place I'd want to do that than in South Africa, overlooking the breath-taking landscape.
5. Moscow. Russia is known for it's history, art, and architecture and I would love to see and experience every aspect of Moscow's best attractions: the Red Square, Lenin's Mausoleum, and the Cathedral of St. Basil, and the Kremlin. While here, I'd like to dine at the famous One Red Square restaurant, which boasts a menu fit for kings inside the beautiful red brick building.
6. India. My favorite food is Indian, and I have always wanted to know what authentic Indian really tastes like which is one of the many reasons I'd like to see India, namely Mumbai, Goa, and New Delhi. Some of the main attractions I'd like to see are the Taj Mahal, The Ganges, and the Red Fort.
7. Brazil. From what I have read, heard, and seen on TV, Rio de Janeiro is notably one of the most beautiful places in the world. I'd love to see the Christ the Redeemer statue, and stay at the famous, luxury Copacabana Palace Hotel. This trip alone would rinse my bank account.
8. Marshall Islands. This is a secret I have kept to myself but I have a huge desire to visit the Marshall Islands for no other reason than it's secluded, peaceful, and completely disconnected from the real world. Everyone has their own idea, or vision, of paradise and for me this is it.
9. Germany. Looking back on my school days, I wish I had taken German as my foreign language course! I'd like to go to Berlin, the country's largest city and capital, to learn about the city's history see how Berlin has been revitalized after WWII. Some of the sites I'd like to see include Hitler's bunker, the Stasimuseum and the DDR Museum. Other than my love for German beer, food, and history, my mum was born in West Germany ... just another brilliant reason to visit! I'd also love to see Munich and Hamburg.
10. Egypt. One of my favorite movies when I was little was Aladdin, so I would love to visit Egypt - the center of the Arab world! I have always wanted to go somewhere that's just completely different from anything I've ever experienced which is why I would like to visit Sharm el-Sheik. Here, it would be fascinating to take a cruise across the Nile, ride on a camel, and visit the ancient wonders - the Pyramids! Aladdin - call me sometime.

Where do you want to go?
Katy Lynch
Community Manager

.. and just in case you were wondering, I no longer foam at the mouth.