The world of fairy tales and magic has remained alluring and enchanting for centuries. Authors and film makers have created dreamworlds filled with folkloric characters that appeal to both the young and the old. Happy endings and magical miracles draw us in and carry us to a faraway place, where everything is different and wonderful. Of all these places here is a list of eight places I wish really existed.
Wonderland
When Alice runs down the rabbit hole and finds herself in a crazy world of peculiar creatures, never-ending tea parties and royal invitations, she learns about silly riddles and the importance of morals. This underground world appeals to us because size doesn’t matter and getting advice from a caterpillar doesn’t raise an eyebrow. The pristine royal gardens and flamingo croquet are ridiculous to say the least, but who wouldn’t want to give it a try? A weekend of madness?
Narnia
After learning about Narnia, every little child ran and stood in front of the nearest wardrobe staring at the back wall – hoping it would open. I know I have. This faraway place is filled with talking animals, half-man half-horse creatures that are brave and muscular, and a lion that is both bold and kind at the same time. The ethereal snowy landscapes with shiny ice palaces and a wicked queen make us long for white-fur coats (faux fur please). Inspired by Northern Ireland, C.S. Lewis’ Narnia stories would be a magical place for a romantic break.
Camelot
Knights in shining armour, love stories, and castles provide an appealing backdrop for any romance writer. The realm of King Arthur, said to be set anywhere but nowhere in particular, captures the idyllic spirit of love, gallant men and royalty. I can already see myself wandering around the cobbled streets through markets and gazing out over the valleys beyond the moat from its tall turrets. A romantic ride in a rowing boat at moonlight would complete this scene for a trip into history.
Hundred Acre Wood
Everyone, sometime in their childhood, went through a Winnie the Pooh phase, with their own favourite character (mine was Piglet). This large, but sunny forest, said to be inspired by the Ashwood Forest in East Sussex, is full of large beech trees and apparently an unlimited supply of honey. Wise old owls and a depressed donkey are endearing and even the fear of Heffalumps couldn’t detract from wanting to spend a day with these lovable creatures while having a picnic under a shady tree. The first thing I would do is hug Eeyore and tell him life is not so bad.
The Lost City of Atlantis
A lost city that is believed to have sunk into the sea captures the spirit of mystery and adventure. An underwater kingdom with Parthenon-looking buildings has a certain charm to it. Adventurers and even scientists have been searching for it for centuries, ever since the legendary island was first described by Plato. Most of the appeal lies in its enigmatic story which conjures up images of the little mermaid where everyone can live under the sea, no oxygen tanks required. As long as they could guarantee there would be no sharks, I’ll definitely go and visit.
Oz
There is something to be said about a shiny pair of red shoes that can transport you off to a land with an Emerald city and a long, yellow brick road (try that Kulula.com). Another one of these alluring places has to be Oz, where the characters go to search for courage, intelligence and passion. As we all do in everyday life; wouldn’t it be nice to just go and visit somewhere, ask a wizard, sort out your personality issues and at the end click your heels together to go home?
Never Neverland
A definite choice for this list has to be Never Neverland. The place where you cease to age and childishness is eternal. This enchanting world with many suns and moons is a place where you can fly and Tinkerbell actually exists in a place called Pixie Hollow. Who hasn’t ever dreamed they could fly? Well book a trip to Never Neverland, think happy thoughts and your flight there will be super cheap.
EL Dorado
The never-ending search for wealth and opulence is personified by the on-going search for El Dorado. The lost city made of gold has been drawing explorers forever. It is supposedly overflowing with treasures and precious stones and a king who covers himself with gold dust. Set in the jungles and ruins of South America it certainly is seductive. Imagine going on holiday, and coming back with more money than when you left? My kind of place for sure.
I am certain there are many more of these enchanting and magical places that you might wish existed and I would love it if you would share it with us so we can all start dreaming too. Maybe one day technology will be able to re-create them and we might actually be able to go there on holiday or perhaps they are so magical because they aren’t real and we can’t go there and mess them up.
What magical places do you wish existed?
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