What do I want out of life?

The world in the window

In addition to sharing my tricks and methods for language learning, and my progress as I learn a new language every year, I have decided to also share with you my reasons for doing so. Today, I want to give more substance to that, by sharing my “Bucket List”.

Just in case anyone is still unaware of what a “bucket list” is, it’s a list of things you want to do in life before you “kick the bucket”. Basically, it’s all the things you want to do before you die.

Even though I’m just adding this list to the site today, I’m including some things that I’ve already done, because they were on my bucket list even before I took the time to write it down.

So… here are the things I want to do in life:

Languages

Since the main point of this web site is about language learning, I will list goals related to that first.

Travel

Travel goes hand-in-hand with language learning. And it should be no surprise that my interest in languages stems from my interest in travel. These are some of my travel goals.

Events

Other various goals

And beyond travel and languages, there are several other things I want to accomplish in my lifetime.

So, that’s a start. I’m certain there will be more. And you’ll be able to follow along with me at any time by clicking bucket list in my site nav.

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  • http://taeglich.chinesisch-trainer.de/index.php?alle=2 Hans-Peter

    One of your goals: “Drive on the Autobahn” – as you write “Autobahn” I assume you want to drive really fast on a German “Autobahn” (with a Porsche?). The point is, that it is no fun (anymore?): either the “Autobahn” is congested, or full of speed limits, or there are road works…

  • http://www.fluenteveryyear.com/ Randy

    That certainly does put a damper on things. However, I can honestly say that it would be enough for me simply to drive on it. Growing up in the US, the Autobahn was always like some sort of mythical thing in a faraway land. To actually drove on it — even at a slow speed — would be like conquering a myth.

  • http://www.fluentin3months.com/ Benny the Irish polyglot

    Fascinating list! A friend of mine was just talking about how similar these lists are for people.

    I'd personally recommend you replace “Rio” with another Brazilian city for the Carnaval. It's a ridiculously touristy experience, but cities like Salvador and Olinda are still more traditional and unique, despite the huge crowds of people. Florianópolis is less famous for the Carnaval for foreigners, but probably one of the most amazing places to go for it. I love Rio, but it's an unauthentic and extremely expensive destination in February/March. Many Cariocas get out of the city to let the tourists do their thing for this time.

    I can confirm that the Tomatina is definitely worth the visit!

    I hope you achieve most or all of the things on your list! I personally don't have any bucket list. Just a bucket-philosophy that naturally leads me to doing things in such a list :D

    Just make sure you take your time! Tick the item off the list, but then enjoy everything else surrounding that monument for a while ;)

  • http://www.fluenteveryyear.com/ Randy

    I imagine that choosing a more authentic city for Carnaval would depend on whether or not I've learned Portuguese at the time. If I've learned it, I could totally see going for a more “authentic” experience.

    Good advice, about taking your time. Of course that assumes that I'm not going to add tons of new stuff to the list as I go. :-) In reality, if I get through a lot of stuff on this list early, I'll probably add such outrageous items as “visit every capital of every country”, which could keep me busy for a long time!

    Regarding those monuments, though, I view them all as symbolic. The goal isn't so much about having seen something… it's about making that thing real. A picture in a book is no different than a fairy tale, but seeing it first-hand makes that whole place a real memory… an unforgettable experience that I can keep for the rest of my life. And those experiences are all the more memorable if, as you suggest, one takes in everything else surrounding it.

  • http://taeglich.chinesisch-trainer.de/index.php?alle=2 Hans-Peter

    I understand that! If you are in Frankfurt, then hire a Porsche on Saturday, get up early on Sunday, and drive at 7 am southbound to Heidelberg or even further, you will enjoy a nearly empty 4 lane Autobahn …
    I like your goals list! I think I will do something similar for me…

  • http://www.italienischassoonaspossible.com Steffen

    As to the Autobahn I also must agree that it is not as much fun as it probably once was. But then again, there are some places in Germany where you might find a free highway at the right time of the day, as Hans-Peter suggested :)

  • http://www.seanogle.com Sean

    Don't listen to Benny Rio for carnival was AWESOME! I had a fantastic time.

    But listen to Benny when it comes to everything else, he is the one that spent months in the country, I only spent 2 weeks. I have a feeling that no matter where you are in Brazil during that time, it will be an amazing experience. Great list and good luck in your progress on it!

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