Recap of Mollywozhere

Molly Wallis

Happy New Year Everyone!

‘Tis the season of good wishes!  I wish you and your family Peace, Joy and Happiness in 2023 and beyond! 

Thank you for being a wonderful subscriber to my blog. 

 I appreciate  your support and I want to thank you for being such an important part of what I do. 

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

I have been greatly encouraged by your support and valuable feedback. These have helped to shape and improve Mollywozhere. Thank you all. Here are some of your awesome feedback!

Sandra T, London,  wrote to me and suggested that I look back at the  the places that I had been this year, or ever;  that if I could only have gone to one place, which one destination would it be? This was a great idea. It motivated me to do a recap of Mollywozhere.

Awesome feedback!

“Loved your pictures and information notes but mostly love your bravery and energy to go it alone to all those places in such a short time. Will continue to follow your journeys.”

Lorraine

Maidenstone, England

“I always wanted to visit Singapore! You are very brave all these travels alone! X”

Jane

Ipswich, England

“A well written, articulate story. The writings and illustrations take you on a journey you wish you were there.”

Victor

USA

“Never too late…an inspiration. Great pics/blog. I miss the travel bug. Your posts have been a gift from heaven, never to late to fulfil a dream. My time will come.”

Bayo 

London

Your Mollywozhere is fantastic. You are very clever, it is so professional.

I love your commentary. It is doing what you intended, i.e to encourage people to travel. You have had many responses.

This is a definite success.

Well done.”

Urszula 

England

“This is such an inspiring journey combining not just the pursuit of a dream but also sharing the timeless icons of world history in such an interesting and captivating manner.
It is truly another chapter of living that in my view, is more rewarding than the endless professional toil in our early careers so richly capped with endless new pages of different people and places we only read about being brought to life.
And so I wish you Godspeed as you keep the spirit of the adventurers of old alive and chart fresh and exciting courses” ahead.

Dolapo

Nigeria

More awesome feedback !!

“Wow Molly what a great experience. I will be coming to you for tips when I go.”

Hazel

London

“I just want to be there Molly. (Rather than lovely Carshalton where I’m heading now.) Fantastic post that brought it so alive”

Tom B 

London

“Hi Molly
You are brilliant getting all of your travelling experiences out there. Some amazing moments and pictures. I am prompted back into action to edit some bits and pieces. Look forward to the next blog, catch up soon.” 

Peter

 England

“Well done Molly! you’ve succeeded in making me curious. I have included China on my list of countries to visit.”

Remi 

London 

“Well done Molly but I would not have expected less of YOU. It is on my list for the next time I am on this amazing earth.”

Rosemary

Canada

“Very fluid and lucid write up. Makes you feel that you were there. The videos made it all come alive and very exciting. Makes me want to visit.”

Tolu 

Jos, Nigeria

“Great write up! The falls look enormous, and you had some amazing photos.”

Tom W

London

 

Why I started Mollywozhere

I started Mollywozhere in 2018 as what was then, and it still is,  a hobby and passion of mine. Like some people, I did not have the time or money to pursue my passion for travel, food and wine. Most of us spend years building careers and raising families, and very little time for ourselves or leisure. And when a life event such as the loss of a life long partner happens, we begin to see life through a different lens! And so in effect, life happened to me!  It is never too late to make changes and to live life.

Experience the best and join me.

How I started Mollywozhere

I did not know what a blog was when I started Mollywozhere. I had to teach myself and learn how to do everything from building the physical website to finding out about all the legal stuff around it. And of course I had planned and set aside personal funds for my Mollywozhere travels before I retired. I did not want any reliance on sponsorships or  adverts. I wanted the freedom to do and write what I want, when I want and how I want it!

People often ask me how I decided on where to visit.

The world is a big place. And deciding the places to visit was a challenge.  I initially chose to use UNESCO World Heritage sites as the basis of my list of places to visit.  I quickly abandoned that idea as there are 1151 places in 167 states/cities on their list. I needed a manageable and achievable list of places to visit. And one that would enable my funds to go a long way!

I have several travel books that I have been given as gifts over the years. They provide an excellent guide to places to visit; from the top 100 cities in the world to visit to the ultimate travel experiences and wonders of the world. 

A selection of my travel books!

 At the top of my list was the  7 wonders of the world followed by the top 250 most visited tourist attractions in the world. I wanted to see what makes them famous, or popular.  Paris, London, Dubai, Singapore, Bangkok, New York consistently top various lists according to the number of visitors or compilation. Similarly, the Eiffel Tower, Las Vegas, the Colosseum are amongst the top attractions in the world.

The 7 Wonders of the World

Out of the 7 Wonders of the world as voted by the public in 2007, I have visited 6 so far. I found Chichen Itza and Christ the Redeemer a little disappointing. I could not see or understand what made these two a wonder, other than perhaps the build or history. My highlights are undoubtedly the Great Wall of China, Machu Picchu and Petra. They were not only amazing in terms of design, build and history, they were awesome! I have booked to visit the Taj Mahal in February 2023 and this would complete my list of the seven wonders. 

  1. Great Wall of China
  2. Petra, Joran
  3. Christ the Redeemer, Brazil
  4. Machu Picchu, Peru
  5. Chichen Itza, Mexico
  6. Colosseum, Italy
  7. Taj Mahal, India
  8. Great Pyramid of Giza (Honorary Candidate) Egypt

The best places and tourist attractions that I have ever visited!

To be honest with you, it is difficult to chose one destination as the best place I have ever visited. Each one offered its own unique experience and attraction. Nevertheless, I have shortlisted the  following top tourist attractions, experiences, and favourite cities and towns to share with you.

Feel free to check out the  list of places that I have ever visited, as well as the list of tourist attractions that I have ever visited.

My 5 best tourist attractions - ever!

These are the places and experiences that made me go “wow!” My heart skipped a beat or two when I saw them! They left me speechless and in awe! An unforgettable experience of a life time.  These places should be on everyone’s bucket list of “must see”, and as an experience of once in a lifetime.

Machu Picchu, Peru

Awe inspiring Wonder of the World. It deserves its place as one of the 7 wonders! Absolutely magnificent! 

The Great Wall of China

One of my greatest achievements - climbing the great wall of China!

Petra, Jordan

Truly a Wonder! A well hidden gem!. Walking through the gorge to get there was an unforgettable experience!

Iguazu Falls, Argentina & Brazil

The sheer volume of water and the thunderous sound of the falls will forever live in my memory! It was a scary and yet an exhilarating experience!
One of mankind's mysteries and wonders - over 4,500 years old, it was built to last an eternity!

My 5 best experiences!

Wadi Rum, Jordan

The landscape was like Mars on earth! And seeing the milky way at night made it all a truly an amazing experience!
Stepping in to the "Void" forces you to confront your fears! And you gain a real sense of achievement like no other! You only live once!

Snorkelling in the Red Sea, Hurgada, Egypt

Unforgettable experience for a non-swimmer! The clarity and the beauty of the fish and corals were amazing!

Tobogganing in Dubai

Who said a 60 something year old can't do this! Never again though- my heart was in mouth all the way down!
This was a simple thing to do; one that even 12 year old would do easily and not think anything of it. But for me, it was an amazing experience as I gazed down through the glass into the River Thames below.

My favourite cities/towns

Venice, Italy

There is so much to love about Venice. It is one of the most unique cities in the world. Floating city or city of canals as it is often referred to. There are no roads but beautiful bridges and gondolas. I loved the carnival, the food, architecture, art and atmosphere.

Las Vegas Strip, USA

Playground for grown-ups! Whilst Vegas is famous for gambling, there is so much more to see and do. I enjoyed the night life, entertainment, fine dining, shows, music, and shopping! Everything is done to excess like no other. I loved the fun, the energy and for a week or so, one can enjoy a magical, alluring experience. But alas, Vegas is like marmite- you either love it or loathe it. I loved it.

Chamonix, Mont Blanc, France

Famous for skiing and snowboarding, neither of which I do, I love this place because it is one of the most beautiful towns in the French Alps. The scenery all year round is breathtaking and there is something for everyone. I love is magical feel in winter and the relaxed atmosphere in the summer.

Hastings, East Sussex, England

This English seaside town is a great place to explore on a short break. As well as its interesting and long history - famous for its association with the battle of 1066 - I enjoyed the seafood, the evening walks on the promenade and pier, strolling through the old town, taking the steepest funicular in Britain, and checking out the museums. It is not surprising that it is considered by some to be one of the top 10 best seaside places in England!

If I were pressed to pick one destination or experience  or tourist attraction so far, they will be the following from my shortlist.. 

My top pick for tourist attraction

My top pick for cities/towns

My top pick for experience

What is your favourite or top pick of destination or experience?

I hope you are inspired to begin your own travel and adventure or to rediscover the joy of travelling and fun. 

What's next?

I will continue to visit the places still on my list.  I have prioritised: 

  • India – primarily to visit the Taj Mahal but will also do a tour of Delhi, Mandawa, Bikaner, Jaipur, Agra, Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, Thar desert and Jodhpur
  • Israel & the Holy Land
  • Angor Watt in Cambodia
  • Acropolis in Athens
  • Versaille in France

 

Please feel free to share and spread the word. It is free to subscribe and your data is safe and secure. 

4 Replies to “Recap of Mollywozhere”

  • Hi Molly, you may remember that we went together to Cornwall and St Ives.
    Can I suggest that you go to Persia. (Iran)
    Fantastic history and architecture.
    And make sure that you visit the national museum in Tehran. So much Fantastic jewellery.
    Continue to enjoy. Phil

    • Hi Phil Thanks for the suggestion. I must admit that Persia is not a place that would readily come to my mind but I will look into including it on my list of places to visit. Take care.

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