Ever since I was in high school, I’ve always dreamed of visiting the USA. I’m not entirely sure why, but something about that country keeps pulling me in. Maybe it’s the snow since I grew up in a tropical country, snow feels like magic. Or maybe it’s because I grew up watching American movies, imagining myself somewhere out there.
But as I got older, I realized the world is full of breathtaking places waiting to be seen. So my list grew.
One of the countries I want to visit is Malta. The place looks serene, with its ancient architecture, quiet streets, and fresh air. It feels like the kind of place you could walk through slowly, just admiring everything without needing to rush. I didn’t even know about Malta until I watched The Count of Monte Cristo (2002). That’s when I found out that parts of the movie were filmed on Malta’s smallest island, Comino. The moment I learned that’s where Edmond Dantès found the treasure that changed his life, I told myself. I need to stand there one day. I need to see that view.
I also want to visit Spain, Andalusia, Tangier in Morocco, and of course, the Pyramids of Egypt. If you’ve read The Alchemist, these names probably ring a bell. They’re the places Santiago passed through on his journey where he met strangers, wrestled with faith, and eventually found his treasure.
I want to walk those same roads.
Because maybe, just maybe, I’ll find my treasure too. And until then, I’m holding these places in my memory, so that when I finally get there, I can say:
“I made it.”
Four Places, One Heartbeat.
Ember - Fire and Soul 