George Egbuonu

A blog with a collection of bucket lists Items!

George Egbuonu’s Blog

Everything You Need To Know About Skydiving

Adventure, Experience, Travel

Are you the kind that loves extreme adventure? If yes, then skydiving is probably your go-to sporting activity to experience extreme adventure.

Many people create a bucket list of items that they want to achieve or do once in their life. I too have my bucket list and skydiving is one of the items that I always wanted to do. Fortunately, I grabbed the chance to freefall from the sky last year. Frankly speaking, I had a mind-boggling experience.

A huge thanks to my instructor. He trained me on certain body movements that I need to take care of while falling and guided me through all the ins and outs of skydiving. A highly experienced trainer can increase your desire and the joy you experience from any adventurous activity.

Is skydiving on your bucket list as well? Do you want an enthralling experience of free-falling?

Then, this blog is worth reading for you! You will get to know everything about skydiving through my experience.

So, let’s dive in!

Tandem Skydive – Your First Step Toward Learning How To skydive

For first-timers, tandem skydiving is the best option to start with. Though it is not compulsory to do tandem skydives first before going for the solo skydiving, however, it is highly recommended to go for tandem skydives as you can get a taste of it.

Being a tandem skydiver, you will jump accompanying an experienced instructor. The instructor will be fully responsible for operating all the equipment. Because you don’t need to operate anything during the jump, you are totally free to enjoy and experience the free fall from whatever height you end up jumping off at. You will thus worry a lot less on your first skydive as you would have an instructor skydiving with you.

However, that doesn’t mean that you will not be provided with enough guidance. You will still receive the proper training in free-falling including proper body positions and landing tricks and techniques.

What you will get during tandem skydiving?

1.    An instructional learning class on free falling.

2.    A professional instructor.

3.    Freefall from 13,500 feet of approximately 1 minute.

4.    Lastly, you will receive your most-awaited first jump certificate.

5. I strongly recommended that you first go for a Tandem skydive so as to get comfortable with the actual skydiving experience!

Accelerated Free Fall (AFF) – One Step Further

Moving in the right order, a Tandem skydive is then followed by Accelerated Free Fall (AFF). Nonetheless, some people sometimes choose to skip the tandem skydive step. While fulfilling their wishes on the bucket list.

However, Accelerated Free Fall will give you a far more professional experience. AFF consists of seven skydives, each with a new skill to learn. Learning numerous skydiving skills will make you more professional and proficient in free falling. You will not require any instructor anymore to accompany you while free falling.

By completing AFF training, you become capable of free-falling from an airplane without any help. You can even attain an A-license in skydiving if you fulfill the criteria of 25 jumps and can free fall with others from a certain height.

Henceforth, you can skydive not only for adventurous purposes but you can also make it a profession by attaining A-license.

Remember one thing, entering into the AFF program would require a membership with the United States Parachute Association (USPA).

Cost to Learn how to Skydive

If you want to learn to skydive, you will be charged some amount depending on the type of jump. A tandem free fall will cost you less, but the price will rise as you go for an advanced version of free falling.

On average, your cost to learn skydiving might be anywhere between $3,000 and $3,500. This includes the complete package of AFF.

Let’s have a look at the package of AFF, which would vary in terms of pricing.

AFF package might include:

·         1-on-1 Parachute Training Tandems

·         Wind Tunnel (optional)

·         First Jump Course (4-6 hour classroom)

·         AFF Jumps

·         Coach Jumps (Learn group free falls with coaches)

·         Solo Skydives

·         Parachute Packing Class (Learn to pack your parachute)

Be Prepared For Skydiving

Having a dream to skydive must be done with a proper state of mind. If anyone isn’t mentally, physically, or emotionally strong, then he/she won’t be able to overcome the challenge and may end up with an unsuccessful free fall. However, a mentally stable person would be able to stay focused and strong during the activity and thus easily complete it.

If skydiving is on your bucket list, then start preparing yourself mentally and physically to take up the challenge as you may come across many hurdles like different kinds of malfunction, wrong body positions, flight patterns, and landing techniques. All of these could appear cumbersome if you are not prepared and ready for the challenge.

Just imagine the open door of the plane and the loud engine noise along with a gust of winds. Does any of these give you goosebumps just thinking about free-falling in such conditions?

If your answer is no, then you are prepared for your first skydive. However if not, then you still need to get prepared.

Stay strong, keep your mind focused, and be aware of your surroundings. Practice meditation since it can bring you into a clear state of mind and your brain will work more actively.

And yes, you can surely succeed skydiving from any height.

Tips for Beginner Skydivers

  •  Communicate with experienced skydivers

While talking to them, you will discover the best instructors to learn skydiving from and know their level of experience. You may ask for any advice before trying your first jump. Remember that even the best skydivers was once a beginner in the act of free falling.

  • Ensure you get quality sleep and avoid alcohol

You might be wondering why it is necessary to avoid alcohol and sleep well the night before skydiving! If you get quality sleep the night before, then it will refreshen you up and you would actively take part in this adventurous sporting activity. So, take proper rest and avoid consumption of alcohol.

  •  Don’t rush to buy skydiving gear

Well, if you are trying this sport for the first time, then you don’t need to worry about gear as everything will be included in the cost of skydiving. Such equipment becomes a necessity only when you get an A-license certificate and are eligible to fly with beginners.

  •  Watch some actual skydiving footage

Just grab your mobile phone or your tablet and search for some real skydiving footage. This will enable you better understand some of the nuances of skydiving and you may even become knowledgeable of the whole experience. With more knowledge, you will have a lot more confidence.

  •  Expect loud engine noise

This is the most experienced problem that every skydiver faces and it can not be avoided. As the aircraft door opens while you are about to free fall, you will hear the shear and uncomfortable loud noise of the aircraft engines. There is really no alternative here for you to avoid this, so just get prepared for this and it won’t unnerve you.

  •  Visit a wind tunnel

Do you want to know the environment of skydiving before attempting your first jump? Well, you can experience something similar by visiting a wind tunnel. It will offer you a similar environment to learn to skydive.

  •  Try skydiving techniques

Upon becoming a qualified skydiver, keep experimenting with different free-falling techniques like performing mid-air gymnastics. This will make you a pro in skydiving and its techniques.

  • Stay focused

Throughout your skydiving, you should remain focused on your jump. There is no doubt that while free falling or when you are about to fall, you will experience a horde of all sorts of feelings some negative and some positive. There might be some anxiety, stress, or fear. But, anticipating and coping with these feelings can make you more relaxed to enjoy your skydiving.

Last words

If you love skydiving and want to experience it once in your lifetime, then I hope that all the above-mentioned information and tips will help you in achieving your dream of skydiving. Heck, you may even become a pro in skydiving if you choose to.

Open your wings and fly!

Learn How to Ride a Horse

Adventure, Experience, Travel

Hello Everyone!

Welcome back to our bucket list!

Many of you might have a desire to learn how to ride a horse. It gives you a feeling of being like royalty while riding a horse. I remember the very first time I mounted a horse. Though it was a little tricky initially, I felt sort of royal while riding the horse. I really enjoyed it and have since gone on several other rides on horses.

Well, with my somewhat horse riding experience, I can share with you some useful horse riding tips that hopefully will help you learn how to ride a horse.

Let’s begin…

1. Know the safety rules

Whether you are driving a car or riding a horse, you must not forget the safety rules to protect yourself as well as the horse.

  • You need to stay alert while riding as the nature of animals including horses are completely unpredictable. You never know when are they going to react weirdly due to many potential factors such as weather, behavior changes while in the vicinity of other horses or animals, etc.
  • Secondly, wear the right pair of riding boots. This wearable item is very important as it may save you from sudden incidents. Oftentimes, riders fall from horses and their feet get trapped in the stirrups. As a result, they get dragged behind the horse. So, to avoid such a scenario and to protect your feet and toes, it would be best to opt for some thick leather material boots with a reinforced toe area.

2. Talk to the Horse

You might be wondering what I am talking about! But, it is a very good practice to befriend a horse. After all, a horse is also a living creature on this planet and it has the same emotions as we have. Stand beside the horse, let it smell you, know you, and lick your hand. Talk to him in a soft voice, pet him, offer some treats, and soon he will become comfortable with you.

3. Mount safely

Mounting a horse is not as easy as it appears. If you have never mounted a horse, you might struggle for the first time as the horse might not react positively. For this reason, sometimes trainers hold the horse and keep it still to let the rider mount safely.

Here the tip is- Place your left foot on the left stirrup, put your weight on it, and cross your right leg over the other side of the horse. Now, sit comfortably in the saddle and hold the reins in your left hand. Further, you can ask your trainer or any available person to adjust the length of the stirrup as per your convenience.

4. Command your horse to walk

Now that you have mastered mounting a horse safely, it is time to make the horse walk and jog. First of all, be confident and hold the rein effectively, and the feet must be adjusted properly in the stirrups.

There are different ways to make the horse walk – giving a voice command, leaning forward, and squeezing with your legs; if nothing works, give some soft heel bumps to the lazy ones.

To give directions to the horse, the trick is very simple. Just move the left rein for the left direction and move the right rein to move into the right direction. But, you must do it gently. Remember, your aim is to direct the horse, not to hurt him.

5. Stop your horse

When it comes to stopping a horse, you must actively learn the tips and tricks. Discussing a practical strategy, in order to halt a horse, lean back on the saddle, tense up your legs, pull back the reins, and utter words like “stop”, ”halt”, and ”whoa” in a soft tone.

Make sure about one thing – whenever you pull the reins, do it gently as otherwise, it may hurt the innocent horse. Once the horse halts, go easy with reins and pat your horse for the wonderful ride as a reward. He will love your gesture for sure.

6. Trotting on a horse

This is the most exciting thing to do. You will feel great while trotting on a horse. However, some horses often resist providing this bouncing experience because it can sometimes hurt their back and muscles. However, after you learn how to walk and direct a horse, the next thing in the learning phase is trotting.

To start with trotting, gently kick the horse with soft heels. Make pace with the horse’s rhythm and enjoy the ride.

Something noteworthy to consider here is that you may get stressed out while trotting, but no need to fear. Make a firm grip on the strap and secure your saddle position.

7. Dismounting a horse

As mounting needs to be carefully done, similarly dismounting also requires attention. Initially, make sure that the horse is completely stopped and choose a location where he is not surrounded by other horses because this may lead to an unwarranted behavior change.

Now, relax your feet from stirrups, lean forward, nicely cross over your right leg from the horse, and gently drop to the ground on the left side of the horse.

Some other tips to consider while riding a horse

  • Always wear safety gear like a helmet to avoid any head injury from a fall mishap.
  • Make a good choice while selecting riding boots, pants, and gloves to ensure that its fit you right and is comfortable.
  •  Always be alert while mounting, riding, and dismounting a horse.
  • Stay calm, confident, and energized while riding a horse.
  • Always remember that you are on the back of the horse, so show love and respect to the horse at all times.
  • Holding reins too hard can hurt your horse, so always go smooth while pulling reins.
  • While directing the horse, make sure you are not going to hurt his ribs or stomach. This may provoke the horse to react dangerously to you.
  • Being a beginner, move slow and steady. If you are not familiar with how to walk a horse, then never jump onto trotting. Always follow your trainer’s instructions. Basically, do what your trainer asks you to do at all times.
  • While learning how to ride a horse, use a short size whip and hold it horizontally. By doing so, your hands will stay parallel to the horse’s neck.
  • Do not use very long reins since they act as a stumbling block in maintaining a clear communication line with the horse. If reins are too long for you, then just wrap a tape on both sides of the reins as a mark where you can comfortably hold it.

Last words

So, what do you think? Is horse riding easy or difficult? Well, there is no such thing as easy or difficult. It all depends upon you. My ultimate suggestion is never to lose your desire and confidence.

Horses are beautiful creatures of God. You can become a master in horse riding while enjoying and pampering horses. I hope this guide helps you complete one of the items from your bucket list. By giving enough love, care, and respect to horses, you can soon become a pro in “Horse-riding”.

Ride a Camel with fun with these 9 Tips

Adventure, Experience, Travel

People often have lots of things-to-do in their bucket lists. Isn’t it?

Things including but are not limited to, visiting their dream place- it could be any country, city, or any seaside of their native place; to have a camel/horse ride; to sit in a private jet; to help any orphanage; to have their own bakery; and many more exciting things.

I recently fulfilled one of my dreams on the bucket list and that was “Ride a camel”. Seriously, riding a camel was full of fun and frolic. After fulfilling this dream, I just put a stroke over it.

Is riding a camel on your bucket list for the longest time? Then, this post is for you!

Camel riding can be a little scary but at the same time, it offers an exhilarating experience. Believe it or not, camel riding is safe as you have the owner of the camel beside you who walks along with you for protection.

I found a few camel riding tips from my experience to make it a fun activity for every rider. Let’s make one of your bucket list items turn into a reality.

Here are 9 amazing tips on riding a camel-like a pro. Let’s dive in!

9 Tips on Riding a Camel like a Pro

Camel riding is most prominent in desert areas. Do you know? You need to book a camel ride as the only conveyance to many places. Even if you are new to riding a camel, these tips will make you a pro.

1. Stretch your body before mounting on a camel

mounting on a camel

We all know that the height and breadth of the camel are comparatively double that of ours. Hehehe…

So, mounting on a camel could be a little trickier as it requires throwing one leg to the other side which measures around half a meter. Any person who does not have a flexible body may struggle to sit on a camel, it is the same case when people face a groin injury, but a flexible guy or woman can easily mount the camel without any discomfort.

Therefore, it is advisable to stretch your body by doing some stretching exercises focusing on the groin and thigh areas of your body.

2. Dress comfortably

Ride A Camel

Camel riding becomes comfortable when you wear proper clothing like loose pants or trousers. Such clothing prevents any oops moment while mounting, protects your skin from harsh weather conditions, and also proves to be beneficial for those who are allergic to camel’s skin.

In addition to this, wear socks and gloves to protect your hands and feet. You can also have a hat, scarf, and goggles to prevent direct sun rays.

Just say no to shorts, jeans, skirts, or tights as these are inappropriate attires to wear and can spoil your camel riding experience and adventure.

3. Sit cautiously on the camel

Sit cautiously on the camel

Do you know?

When a camel stands up, he first lifts his hind legs and then front legs. Thus, the rider must sit and move the body accordingly.

Make sure when he lifts his hind legs, your upper body should lean backward. When he lifts his front legs, your body should lean forward.

By the time he stands straight, you should also sit straight without leaning on any side. Sitting in such a manner will avoid any unfortunate tip over events.

4. Sway with the camel

Sway with the camel

You all are well aware of the walking style of the camel. It can be easily related to a slow-motion video. When you move along with the camel, this is the best experience you get. Just mount on a camel, hold the saddle handlebars firmly, relax your body parts, and sway with the camel.

I just love the way they walk on dunes, going easy with the breeze, and making you feel rejuvenated! It reminds me of ancient times when people used to travel on camels in deserts.

The tip to get a comfortable ride on the camel is to relax your body, and not tense up.

5. Ignore the pain

Ignore the pain

The double-humped punches can sometimes lead to a sore pain on your inner thighs for some individuals. As a beginner, you might feel discomfort in handling that pain, but your pain should not overweigh your passion for riding a camel.

If you are strong, then one simple way to get rid of the pain is to not think of the pain much and divert your mind to the camel ride which is soon going to allow you to complete a wish list item from your bucket list.

However, if you know that you can’t help with the pain, then it’s better to take pain medication 30 minutes before your ride. This may help you in easing your pain and you can comfortably enjoy the ride.

6. Tether your camera or phone

Going for any adventurous experience! Then, it’s obvious to carry any sophisticated gadgets like a mobile phone, camera, or iPod along to make the trip memorable!

The same scenario goes for camel rides. You will want to take memorable pictures with the camel to share with friends and family. However, what if your phone falls off your hands? Your phone might break if it accidentally comes under the camel’s foot.

To avoid such circumstances, it is best to strap your phone on you.

7. Make your guide your cameraman

Make your guide your cameraman

If you are traveling with companions, then taking pictures from some distance becomes pretty easy.

However, in case you are traveling solo and having a camel ride, but no one is there to take your pictures, then you can make a humble request to your guide or the person who is handling the camel.

You do not need to settle only on selfies! In this way, you will not miss any amazing views as well.

8. Stretch after dismounting

camel rides

Just like before mounting, stretching after dismounting is also necessary to get relief from stiffness and soreness after long hours of riding. Sitting for hours on a camel may make you feel tired, and your muscles may become stiff.

Therefore, to recover from this tiredness and soreness, practice some stretching or yoga exercises that would relax your muscles as well as your mind and you will get back on track with the same zest.

9. Have confidence throughout the ride

Camel-Ride

It is very important to not lose your conscious mind while riding on a camel. Be active and confident all the time. I remember my camel ride when I was a bit concerned at the time of dismounting from the camel. I don’t know why? But, the camel driver had the camel sit to allow me to easily dismount from the camel.

Whether you are mounting, swaying along with a camel, clicking photos, or dismounting, never lose your confidence. If you lose, your wish from the bucket list would become a nightmare thereafter!

Conclusion

I must say that I had a wonderful experience riding a camel this year. Before completing my camel ride, whenever I fulfilled any of my bucket list wishes, I never tried it again. However, after this experience, I sort of still have the urge to do another camel ride. However the next time around, I too will not forget any of the above-described tips to enjoy the camel ride to the fullest.

So, what are you waiting for?

If riding a camel is on your bucket list and you are planning it in the near future, then make it happen now. Don’t put it on the back burner anymore. Make sure you are following all the above-mentioned tips before riding. These will make you somewhat of a pro in camel riding.

Go solo or with your loved one and experience this mind-boggling adventure now!

The Best Bucket List: 15 Things to do before I die

Adventure, Experience, Travel

In order to communicate our interests, we must set objectives. It directs our concentration and aids in our ability to hold ourselves responsible. It doesn’t matter whether it’s weekly job objectives, company goals, or personal ambitions; they’re all important. We thrive on a sense of optimism.

That’s why I, George Egbuonu, made this bucket list of some unusual things I want to do before I die. This bucket list has a plethora of advantages to make a perfect balance of my life I guess. Also, you may better maintain a sense of equilibrium in your life as well and devote more time to the pursuits you love. You will be happier if you include enjoyable activities and excursions into your daily routine. With a bucket list, you’ll be compelled to reflect on what you’ve accomplished and what you’ve learned along the way.

My reason to make and complete this bucket list is straightforward: It is for you to be able to   maximize your enjoyment of life and accomplish all of your goals. Everybody’s got their own “bucket list”. Doing and enjoying all you desire to see and do before your life expires but I offer you to read about the interesting things I want to do in my life before dying.

When I first thought of making this bucket list, I considered my limits and to what extent I can go to achieve my bucket list goal. Do you believe it requires an excessive amount of work or money? Do not succumb to defeatism! There are some individuals who have a big list, and there are others who have only a few specifics. To assist you in living a fulfilling life free of regret, we’re going to present our Bucket List of 15 things you must accomplish before you die. Certain activities to accomplish before you die are free, and there are ways to support others. So here we are, reading about the things I want to do. I hope you also will add these things to your own bucket list. Let’s get into the article.

1. Ride in a hot air balloon — the ultimate way to fly!

George Egbuonu- Ride in a hot air balloon

What do you want to accomplish before you pass away? Well, I want to get a ride in a hot air balloon since it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that leaves you with priceless memories.

There are several reasons why a hot air balloon journey is on my bucket list. Taking a commercial flight may make you feel like you’ve had some exposure to flying, but the thrill of floating over the sky in a hot air balloon is much beyond anything you’ve had before.

Experiencing open-air flight in a hot air balloon is an exhilarating experience. On a hot air balloon journey, you don’t know precisely where you’re going since the direction of the wind determines where you go.

I always get impressed by the view from an airplane; I wonder how this perspective will be till I get the chance to view it from a hot air balloon. Flying over any part of this world will provide a whole new perspective on its iconic landmarks and natural landscapes. Most passengers think that a camera is a must-have gear for a hot air balloon ride.

2. Take a round trip to space

George Egbuonu- Take a round trip to space

Nothing can compare to the vastness of the cosmos. Mountains in a circle! There are metallic aster­oids! Sulfuric geysers! Continually boiling oceans! It’s possible that this may be the perfect holiday spot. There are many things running through my mind whenever I think about going to space. How do I pack for a trip to the moon? Where would I stay? Is it possible to become motion sick in a rocket? These are important considerations in the age of commercial space travel.

Seeing the Earth for the first time from outer space is like seeing a glimmering globe for the first time. Your compassion for others deepens. The way you see things alters. You’ll never be the same again.

This is the culmination of years of preparation and the achievement of a lifetime’s desire. Throughout the day, you’ll be surrounded by sensations, danger, and exceptional performance. The most important thing is to keep your attention on the task at hand. From waving to the audience to actually flying the rocket, everything is second nature to you thanks to your realistic training.

Counting down the seconds till the countdown is over, you’re laying on your back, glued to the instruments as the rockets’ engines start. Everyone on the team is dedicated to the tee. All of your thoughts and feelings are focused only on the spaceship’s flight deck.

Like every child dreams of going to space and realizes it can be possible, I put this into my bucket list and maybe you should add this into your bucket list as well!

3. Visit every continent on earth

George Egbuonu- Visit every continent on earth

The globe is brimming with wonderful sites for you to discover. It makes no difference whether the continent you reside on, since each one has something remarkable. According to me, instead of lamenting your inability to tour the globe, seeing sites in your own country first may be the best way to get started.

If you are going to ask most people what they want to do before dying, I think most people will likely have at least a few destinations on their bucket list. This is without a doubt one of the top items to include on my bucket list too. After all, items tend to lose their allure over time, but when you take an incredible vacation, you get to have those memories in perpetuity.

Let’s face it; the globe is a really large place, and unless you’re incredibly fortunate, you’re unlikely to get the opportunity to see every single beautiful location it has to offer. This implies you’re faced with some potentially difficult options.

Oftentimes, what you choose will be determined by your personality and the experiences you want. However, there are certain locations that everyone should see at least once in their lives; places that are so wonderful that each and every individual on the planet will discover something special about them.

4. Visit the Sahara desert and spend at least one night sleeping under the stars

George Egbuonu - Visit Sahara Desert

There is a dreamlike quality to the Sahara Desert, with its smooth warm sand sliding down through your fingertips, the gradual rippling of the sand dunes like slow-moving red waves, the low grunt of a distant camel munching contentedly, and the slowly rising golden sun bathing the desert in light. A trip to the Sahara is a once-in-a-lifetime event that is absolutely going to be unforgettable to me.

First and foremost, because this is likely to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, I am going to make the most of it. Spending a little more money to experience it is certainly money well spent.  I think I will need my own personal camel to enjoy the Sahara desert and won’t miss  spending any time in a car.

The Sahara’s beautiful night sky. A lack of cloud cover is a result of its low humidity. This makes the Sahara a great location for night sky photography because of the lack of light pollution. Camping beneath the stars in the Sahara Desert is the best way to experience the desert. Camping may be as modest as Berber-style desert camps or as extravagant as full-on glamping. I opted for a more conventional design to experience the real Sahara!

5. Visit and Climb Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu
Early morning in wonderful Machu Picchu

The current state of Machu Picchu is as impressive as any of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The four-day walk to Machu Picchu is only for the most dedicated travelers looking for a reward worthy of the work they’ve put in. I want to experience the same. Trek through Peru’s high jungle and experience the most amazing vistas, pushing your physical abilities to the maximum, as you take on the steps and altitude like a pro. I wonder how it will feel to travel through the Inca Trail, which the Incas themselves used, is the most popular/iconic path to the summit.

If you are going to Machu Picchu as well then check the weather first. Machu Picchu has a rainy and dry season, with the bulk of the year’s rain occurring from October through April. When visiting Machu Picchu, the ideal time to go is during the dry season, which is between May and early June. Machu Picchu is best visited between May and September, however the peak season between late June and early July is the worst time to visit because of the oppressive heat and the higher prices of hotels and services. Beginning in mid-December, the rainy season lasts until the end of March or beginning of April. February and March are not the greatest months to visit Machu Picchu since they get the most rain and are also the time of year when the worst mudslides occur.

6. Attend an Olympics Game

Olympics Game

As a sports fan with a travel bug, I have loved to go places and watch the sports events since my childhood. The international Olympic athletic events provide the chance to see your favorite competition in a new location. And why settle for a TV screen when you can be right in the heart of the action and see it live instead.

There is a healthy competitiveness and patriotism throughout the world when the finest of the best compete on the global stage during international athletic events. There is an international athletic event for every sort of fan, whether you intend to attend the Olympics.

Unless you’ve been to an Olympics events, you really can’t call yourself a serious sports fan. Watching the Olympics live in person is a part of my top worldwide athletic events to attend before I die. Olympic participation should be on everyone’s bucket list, regardless of whether you’re attending the summer or winter games.

This is an annual sporting event that goes back to ancient Greece, that showcases the world’s greatest athletes in the world in a range of sport disciplines. It’s never too early or too late to arrange a vacation to the Olympics, given the games take place every two years.

7. Attend the FIFA Soccer World cup

FIFA Soccer World cup

According to common belief, football or soccer is not merely a sport, as many people believe. Hope and aspirations, flukes and mishaps, disappointments and betrayals are all wrapped in this cocktail. The game of football has the ability to unite whole countries around a common passion.

Similar to me, if you haven’t been to a FIFA World Cup game yet, you’re missing out. There is no substitute for the exhilarating experience of being in the middle of a raucous crowd during a sporting event.

As a soccer fan, I will never forget the thrill of attending the FIFA World Cup. It’s a good idea to attend at least one in your lifetime if you are fortunate enough! You can’t miss it as it comes around every four years, so why not go to one? Like most people, I have a number of reasons why I can’t or shouldn’t attend. But as attending a FIFA World Cup is on my bucket list, I will be eager to complete this one next time around.

I can imagine as I see the FIFA World Cup on the television that attending this sports event in person in a stadium will surely make me feel great. What an electric atmosphere it will be on any game day. During a FIFA World Cup match, that energy multiplies by a factor of 100! It’s impossible to describe, but it’s infectious, and you can only see it for yourself when you’re there.

The FIFA World Cup is the ultimate destination for soccer/football enthusiasts from all over the world, who want to witness their favorite team play in person. When it comes to the FIFA World Cup, even those who don’t consider themselves soccer fans will become fans by association. It’s impossible not to have chills when you see the elation on the faces of the fans and hear the anthem being sung by the thousands of fans in the stadium. Even if you don’t want to join in on the fun, just hearing the cheers and claps will make surely you want to.

8. Attend a major MMA PPV fight

MMA PPV

MMA is the world’s most rapidly growing sport. Over the last 15 years, the pace of growth has been quite rapid. I love MMA and mixed martial arts and that’s why I have this on my bucket list. MMA may soon overtake boxing as the world’s most popular pay-per-view sport if current trends continue. Unless you’re seated very next to the ring, you’ll be gazing at the screen most of the time, which isn’t a terrible thing. However, the entrances themselves are a treat.

It’s a lot like a rock concert in many ways. The finest part of the event is the audience. It’s more enjoyable if you get involved in the cheers, boos and overall excitement of the event. And it’s much better when you can share it with the individuals who are really taking a beaten in the octagon, ring or cage. I think that it is far more bizarre to see a fight in person than on television. Watching it in person is the best way to really appreciate the skill level and effort these fighters put in for our pleasure and enjoyment. It’s a great bucket list item for anybody like me who when they were little kids has ever attempted a few of the MMA or WWE maneuvers on their younger siblings and ended up being disciplined by their parents.

9. Attend a Live PPV Boxing match

PPV Boxing

Similar to MMA, fight lovers who have included attending Major MMA PPV fights in their bucket list, might also have added attending a live PPV Boxing match as well. When I was a child, I used to love watching boxing matches. I recall watching the change from one era from Muhammad Ali to Mike Tyson to Lenox Lewis and as of these writing to Tyson Fury in the heavyweight division. Although Boxing matches is a lot of fun at the smaller weight classes and even at the  amateur level.  As they say… boxing is the sweet science.

As a spectator, it’s exciting to see how the boxers in the ring move around gracefully while throwing and ducking punches from each other at terrifying fast speeds. It simply seems better to watch the boxers in action in real time rather than via the odd TV frame rate. The first time you hear the punches, it’s feels quite strange and dangerous.

I like the fight week activities and pagentries. Several of the boxers are typically available for a variety of media appearances throughout the week. Boxing legends of the past and present. Thinking about watching my favorite boxer fighting in front of me gives me goosebumps and that’s why I have added this in my bucket list!

10. Learn how to play the Piano decently

Isn’t it amazing to discover how many abilities you gain from playing the piano. Studies have shown that it helps you succeed in other areas, such as in school or at work. Learning something new has always been my passion and piano is one of the skills I want to learn. Numerous studies have shown a correlation between higher levels of achievement in other disciplines when you have a background in music.

If you’ve ever thought of learning how to play a musical instrument, you’re not alone. I also wonder how tough and complicated it will be for me to learn to play piano. People say once you start, you’ll wonder why you didn’t learn this sooner. Having doubts about the skill’s suitability? As an adult, learning to play the piano has several benefits.

There is just one life to live. So, instead of wasting your time daydreaming about the things you want to accomplish, go out and do them. Consider learning to play your favorite songs first if you want to play the piano. You’ll be able to cross it off your to-do list while also discovering a new hobby. As the  music gurus say… the healing occurs between the notes when playing a live instrument like the piano.

11. Learn how to speak Spanish conversationally

Learn how to speak Spanish conversationally

Traveling and languages are two inextricably linked items while one is on the road. Traveling helps you to see the big picture, have a better understanding of various cultures, and meet individuals from all over the globe. The same is true of learning a language, as you are not only picking up new vocabulary and grammatical rules, but you also get a taste of the culture that surrounds you.

It’s easy to overlook the importance of learning the language of the nation you’re visiting, but if you really want to immerse yourself in the culture, learning the language of the country you’re visiting will open up a host of new opportunities and life-changing experiences.

It’s obvious that unless I’m proficient in the language of the country I am going to visit, I won’t be able to fully immerse myself in the culture. No matter what country I want to visit in Latin America—whether it’s Argentina or Mexico or Colombia—I’ll need to know a few fundamental phrases in Spanish before I set foot on the ground. So, whether it’s for traveling or as a hobby, learning and speaking Spanish fluently must be on my bucket list this year.

12. Learn how to Ski well

Skiing

Skiing might be intimidating for people who never learnt to ski as children. On top of the mountain, you’ll be able to take in an incredible view of what can only be described as a mountainous winter paradise, with skiers gliding blissfully downhill on their skis as the sun begins to peek out from behind the clouds. Seeing something in person is a desire shared by many individuals.

As a result of never having enough time on the slopes, it’s easy to become stuck skiing the same terrain over and over again, or merely lapping around new summits. Even though skiing is always a blast, adding a few “must-do” activities to the itinerary will allow me to make a slay of new and thrilling mountain memories. Plus, I never know what new pastimes I’ll discover on the slopes!

Snowboarders and skiers alike may have things on their bucket lists that involve visiting destinations throughout the globe. Most mountain resorts have a plethora of bucket list activities to choose from. Skiing is one of the few things on my bucket list that I have started with but always find myself on the beginners slope.

13. Do an ice bath

Ice Bath

After a tough exercise, taking an ice-cold bath may not seem like something you want to look forward to, but it is really a common rehabilitation technique. A bucket or tub of ice water may seem like a daunting undertaking, but rest assured that it is one of the greatest strategies for relieving post-workout soreness.

It’s exactly what it sounds like. For ten to fifteen minutes, you sit in a pail or tub of ice-cold water up to your chest level. The water’s temperature ranges from 0 to 5 degrees Celsius or 32 – 41 degrees fahrenheit depending on the time of year. After a hard workout, many competitive athletes and fitness fanatics take an ice water bath to soothe tight and hurting muscles.

Once in the water, you may experience a chilly feeling that lasts a few seconds. You may begin to experience a sense of numbness after a time. While 10 to 15 minutes of cold water immersion is generally recommended, it is recommended that you begin with 3 to 5 minutes of ice bathing first to gauge your comfort level. If you want to get the most health advantages from your game or exercise, several experts recommend immediately jumping into a pool of ice-cold water. However, it might seem a painful or insane task but if it’s in your bucket list, then what are you waiting for?

14. Go on a Safari tour

Go on a Safari tour

If you haven’t already, consider adding an African safari to your bucket list as I did. Safaris allow us to participate in exciting activities and get up close and personal with Africa’s animals and amazing people living in the African continent. I wonder, the experience of going on a safari in person is unlike anything I’ve ever seen on television or in a book or on the internet.

Going out and seeing it myself to have a sense of how different the landscape is in Africa. Seeing a large diversity of wild creatures in their natural environment is not possible anywhere else on the planet. It’s possible to observe animals in captivity in a zoo near the house, but the animals aren’t in their native habitats. They are now being handled more like pets and have gotten a little more tame. The experience of seeing a gorilla, lion, or zebra in captivity is nothing like what it is like to see them in their natural habitat in Africa.

To set your feet down on deserts and grasslands that are even more gorgeous than they seem on postcards, you’ll be able to visit. New species of birds and unusual trees will be discovered, so bring your camera and come prepared to take plenty of pictures. I may go to the sea and breathe in the fresh, clean air while participating in exhilarating water sports, or I can just relax on the beach and enjoy the sunshine.

15. Complete a 21 Day water only fast

Water only fast

Fasting for 21 days or more is considered a long-term fast and should only be tried by individuals who are comfortable with shorter water fasts such as one week or ten days. To successfully complete a long-term fast, I must comprehend the science of fasting from a medical perspective. An experienced medical professional should be present at all times throughout a 21-day water only fast, so that they can check my vital signs and other bodily functions.

It is possible to go on a 21-day water only fast for a variety of reasons, including treatment of chronic diseases, purification of the body, spirituality, weight reduction, renewal of the body, and more. Prior to, during, and after a fast, I may have to visit a doctor to ensure that my health is not at risk.

A 21-day water only fast may be a physically, mentally, and spiritually challenging experience. Our bodies have been used to eating at certain times throughout the day. When on a long-term fast, it is usual to have symptoms such as dizziness, weakness, headaches, and nausea.

Add this to your bucket list only if you want to have its benefits, not for fun as it can be harmful to your health if not done properly. That’s why I added this as the last item of my current bucket list.

My Bucket List: Visiting All Continents in the World!

Adventure, Experience, Travel

I’m not familiar with your background or origins. I’m not sure what your beliefs are or what religious or set of beliefs you hold. But I’m pretty sure the only thing we have in common is the conviction that we are mortal beings.

With this in mind, I was pondering the subject of death and conducting research into what would serve as a reminder of death. People writing down their final wishes was the activity that I found most interesting… Yes, you read that correctly: the bucket list.

After all, who knows whether I’ll be awake next morning or not? As a result, I’ve chosen to create a series of articles to tell you more about my bucket list. 

In fact, this article would be the first in a series of bucket-list articles about my initial wish list: “Visiting every continent in the world.” So, let’s dive into it.

What are we basically alive for? If we think about it, we are truly living to discover the world. To gaze upon the splendour of this most magnificent planet: Earth! My dream is so enormous that it keeps me awake each and every day. Because not only is visiting every continent in the world an incredible idea, but it is also one of the most long-term bucket list items. Why? This world, after all, is huge.

Apart from that, by travelling all continents, I hope to learn more about diverse cultures, faiths, and races. 

So… If I had to start today, I’d start with Asia to complete my bucket list of visiting every continent.

Asia:

According to Wikipedia, Asia is one of the world’s largest continents. Not only that, but Asia accounts for 30% of the Earth’s total surface area. It is bordered on the south by the Indian Ocean, on the east by the Pacific Ocean, and on the north by the Arctic Ocean, one of the world’s largest seas.

Asia also offers some beautiful traditions to see, such as the Moen-Jo-Daro in Pakistan, the Taj Mahal in India (one of the seven wonders), Mount Fouji in Japan, Phuket in Thailand, and Hoi An in Vietnam, to mention a few.

Europe

With an extent of about 10 million kilometres, Europe is the second most beautiful continent after Asia. It is shared by almost 50 countries, all of which are breathtakingly gorgeous and fascinating to explore.

Its population is projected to be 747 million people. Effel Tower, France, Lourve Museum, France, Venice Canal, Italy, and a few others are just a handful of the places to see in Europe.

Africa:

Although I am originally from Africa, this does not imply that I have visited all of the region’s most beautiful spots. Africa is the world’s second-largest continent, with about 30 million square kilometers of land and lovely islands. 

According to my research, the following are a few of the most intriguing place to visit in Africa: “Cape Town, Go back in time in Zanzibar Tanzania, Pyramids of Giza, Victoria Falls, The Souks in Marrakesh, and many others.”

North America

North America is without a doubt is the most beautiful continent on planet earth. The continent is located in the Northern Hemisphere and is virtually entirely inside the Western Hemisphere’s borders. It encompasses around 24,709,000 square kilometers on a geographical scale. According to Wikipedia, it has a population of 13% of the world’s population. 

Wailea in Hawaii, Cambria in California, Springdale in Utah, Ashland in Oregon, Victoria in British Columbia, Sedona in Arizona, and a few others are just a few of the amazing places to explore.”

South America:

South America, like North America, is well-known for its magnificent cities and resorts. On the west, it is bounded by the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, and North America. It is based on a population of about 423 million people and an average size of 17,84000 square kilometres. 

There are numerous beautiful spots to visit on the continent, including “Mahu Pichhu, Rio de Janeiro, Cartagena (Colombia), the Pantanal in Brazil, Quito, Ecuador, and numerous others.”

Australia:

Many people believe Australia is nothing more than a country, but this is not the case. It’s a continent that’s surrounded by some of the most gorgeous sites on the planet. It generally refers to mainland Australia, which is surrounded by smaller islands such as Tasmania. It has a total area of 7,690,000 square kilometres. It is regarded as a dream land because of its English-speaking culture. 

“Sydney Opera House in New South Wales, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park in Queensland, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Blue Mountain National Park, Melbourne’s culture, and many others” are among the dream sites in Australia that I long to see.

Antarctica

Antarctica, like the rest of the world’s continents, does not have a large population. However, it is the world’s second largest continent, measuring twice the size of Australia. It covers over 14,200,000 square kilometres. It is one of the world’s coldest, driest, and most picturesque continents. This continent is also estimated to be home to almost 70% of the world’s freshwater. 

However, visiting it in the winter, or even in the summer, is not a good idea. In comparison to the winter, an estimated 5000 persons attend the research stations. 

However, there are some fantastic spots to explore, including “Ross Island and Peter I Island, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula, Drake Passage, South Georgia, and others.”

Conclusion: As much as I investigate different sites on different continents, I am compelled to visit every single spot in this lovely planet. Life is a gift, and I intend to savour it until the very last. 

So, what’s on your bucket list, if you don’t mind my asking? Do you wish to go to any of these places? What are some of the places you’d want to visit? Please leave a comment in the section below.