I have never been to these cities

Last year I troubadoured with a face full of factor 50 through Australia. ‘Where are you from’ was by far the most asked question. And with the answer ‘Netherlands’, my travel buddies rightly assumed that I had ticked off all those European highlights. What else was I doing in Sydney? With flushed cheeks, I confess: I have never been here before:

Rome

Yes, when I was four. The Trevi is certainly no longer imprinted on my retina. Maybe there is a kernel of truth in the myth after all. I wish I had thrown a euro into that fountain...

Madrid

The capital of Spain. Never been. While I used to love giving dance performances in a polka-dotted flamenco dress with red patent heels. Castanets in the suitcase and go.

Marrakesh

All of influencer Netherlands is hanging out in such a riad. I need to go there. And I want to gather my interior at the souk. An Arabic mood lamp, a thousand-and-one-nights carpet, or a golden mirror. Marrakesh is at the top of my travel list.

Barcelona

I'll only come when that Sagrada Familia is finished, you know. Just kidding. Ridiculous that I have never strolled along the Ramblas.

Valencia

I feel like half of the Netherlands city-tripped to this destination last year. By the way, I love a bike ride during such a three-day getaway. Now I've seen more photos in 2018 of people with a rental bike in Valencia than leaning against the tower of Pisa.

There, that's out. My ‘Big Five’ of 2019.