Emeka Nweze
Ever seen a movie or read a book and wondered for days how exciting it would be to visit those fictional locations? The truth is, everyone does. Sometimes we just want to get away from earth to those places seen only in dreams and fantasies but in the end, we realise that earth is all we got.
That said below is a list of some of those locations, whether from mythologies, books or movies that we wish were real.
1. El Dorado
The legend of El Dorado has changed over time, it originally was the term used by the Spanish Empire to describe a mythical tribal chief of the Muisca people, an indigenous people of the Altiplano Cundiboyacense of Colombia, who, as an initiation rite, covered himself with gold dust and submerged in Lake Guatavita. The story however evolved and went from being a man, to a city, to a kingdom, and then finally to an empire.Since the dawn of the 16th century, several efforts have been made to discover this great empire, most notably expeditions led by Sir Walter Raleigh, however, since beginning of the 19th century, most people dismissed the existence of the city as a myth.
2. The Wall
Virtually every location created by George R.R. Martin is worth visiting, but The Wall, a massive fortification which is said to be over 700 feet tall, made of solid ice and constructed using both magic and earthly means some eight millennia ago, takes the plaudit for being the most impressive. Although the wall has been destroyed and abandoned, visiting the ruins will definitely be a mind blowing experience.
3. Hogwarts
Although there is a theme park version of the most famous wizarding school in all of magic, located in Florida, United States, but wouldn’t it be exciting to experience Gryffindor, know what the real butterbeer tastes like, explore the village of Hogsmead and maybe be a wizard for one day.
4. Atlantis
Atlantis is described as a powerful and advanced kingdom larger than Libya and Asia Minor put together, located in the Atlantic just beyond the Pillars of Hercules that sank, in a night and a day, into the ocean around 9,600 B.C. The ancient Greeks were divided as to whether Plato’s story about the kingdom was actual history or a metaphor. Since the 19th century however, there has been renewed interest in linking Plato’s Atlantis to historical locations, most commonly the Greek island of Santorini, which was destroyed by a volcanic eruption around 1,600 B.C. If Atlantis truly existed, or still exists as described by Plato, then visiting it will be on everyone’s bucket list.
5. The shire
The Shire is an inland area settled exclusively by Hobbits, the Shire-folk, located Northwest of Middle-earth, and created by J. R. R. Tolkien. If you love hobbits, second breakfasts, parties and general shenanigans, the Shire is definitely a place for you…and me.
6. Ophir
Ophir is the bible’s own El-Dorado, a place of great wealth and riches from gold, silver, sandalwood, pearls, ivory, apes, and peacocks, mentioned several times in the old testament. Its present day location remains unknown, with several suggestions pointing towards the Arabian Peninsula and Eastern Africa.
7. Land of the Dead (Coco)
Ghosts may not be real, but wouldn’t it be exciting if they actually were, or if we can visit the land of the dead for a day to know what it feels like to be dead. Well the land of the dead in Pixar’s Coco will be truly fascinating if you are into that kind of excitement.
8. Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory
Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory is probably the most exciting place to be if you have a sweet tooth. The array of chocolate and candy flavours, gum that doesn’t lose its taste, edible flowers and the many genius inventions of the enigmatic Willy Wonka are sure to keep you fantasising. But first, you’ll have to find your golden ticket?
9. Narnia
Whether you’re a child or an adult the idea of a fantasy world where animals can talk, mythical beasts abound, and magic is common should definitely be arousing. More so the thought of walking into your closets and discovering an entire realm different from earth would raise anyone’s curiocity. And that is the world created by C. S. Lewis created for his series of seven fantasy novels for children, The Chronicles of Narnia.
10. The Gatsby Mansion
There are very few houses on earth with the kind of joy that abounds in Jay Gatsby’s mansion mansion. There are always vibrant and wild parties every night, attended by complete strangers, some who have never even met the owner of the house. For those who like to let loose and party hard without being judged, join me in our search for the Gatsby Mansion.
11. Gotham City
Gotham is probably the most famous city in the superhero world, being the home of both heroes and villains. The city is also home to places like Arkham Asylum, Bar 8, the Bat Cave, Wayne Enterprises among other visit worthy locations. Visiting Gotham should however be quick so as not to get caught up in its never ending chaos.
12. Emerald city
Located in the center of the Land of Oz, the Emerald City is the end of the famous yellow brick road, which begins in Munchkin Country. The Oz books generally describe the city as being built of green glass, emeralds, and other jewels. In the center of the Emerald City is the Royal Palace of Oz and the Wizard himself.
