# 50 Things to do before you die...(amend this list with your favourites)
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/50-things-to-do-before-you-die-amend-this-list-with-your-favourites/202575
**Category:** In My Humble Opinion
**Created:** [September 19, 2003, 10:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/50-things-to-do-before-you-die-amend-this-list-with-your-favourites/202575 "2003-09-19T10:06:33Z")
**Posts on this page:** 20
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@Aro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aro)
#### Post date: [September 19, 2003, 10:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/50-things-to-do-before-you-die-amend-this-list-with-your-favourites/202575/1 "2003-09-19T10:06:33Z")
[50 Things to do before you die](http://www.bbc.co.uk/50/destinations/things/), according to a recent BBC survey.
Now, how would you amend this list? Some of the items are a bit wishy-washy (_experience_ a waterfall? - just any old one?)
What would be your favourite things to recommend, over and above this list? What are those completely essential experiences we all should taste at one time in our lives?
And as an aside, how many of the BBC viewers list have you currently ticked off your list? I’ve got ten ticks so far, so quite a long ways to go!
Thanks for any suggestions.
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### Author:  [@jjimm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jjimm)
#### Post date: [September 19, 2003, 10:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/50-things-to-do-before-you-die-amend-this-list-with-your-favourites/202575/2 "2003-09-19T10:14:44Z")
Cool, I’ve done 4 of the top 10! But only 12 of the entire list (next year I get to check a whole load more off, though!).
Climbing Mount Everest is kind of ambitious, so I’d change it to “seeing sun rise over the Himalayas”.
And I’ll add “Fly low over the glaciers of Greenland”.
How about some negative ones, too:
Get arrested.
Have your heart broken.
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### Author:  [@Essured](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Essured)
#### Post date: [September 19, 2003, 10:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/50-things-to-do-before-you-die-amend-this-list-with-your-favourites/202575/3 "2003-09-19T10:31:15Z")
> [@](#):
>
> \*Originally posted by Aro \*
> **What are those completely essential experiences we all should taste at one time in our lives?**
I don’t think there are any. Everyone’s different. What may be on my “have-to-do” list might not even raise an interested eyebrow for someone else.
That said, here’s my old top ten list:
- travel Asia
- travel Europe
- travel through Jordan and Eygpt
- learn to scuba dive
- attend uni
- sky dive
- bungee jump
- ride a motorbike
- get sterilised
- be happy / love myself.
I’m sure there’s a huge bunch of people who aren’t even slightly interested in half my list. And that’s cool, because they’re supposed to have their own lists.
I should probably get started on a new list, since I’ve done 9 out of 10 on mine already.
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### Author:  [@Aro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aro)
#### Post date: [September 19, 2003, 10:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/50-things-to-do-before-you-die-amend-this-list-with-your-favourites/202575/4 "2003-09-19T10:56:39Z")
> [@](#):
>
> \*Originally posted by Goo \*
> **I’m sure there’s a huge bunch of people who aren’t even slightly interested in half my list. And that’s cool, because they’re supposed to have their own lists.**
Exactly. That allows me (and anyone else reading this thread) to note the experiences others feel have been exceptional / important / worthwhile to them. I can then peruse their lists and proceed to compile one of my own including all the activities they mention which spark my interest and pique my curiosity.
Although specific sinlge events or experiences are more achievable (and comparable) than more general ideas.
Has anyone experienced any of these:
Running of the Bulls, Pamplona
“La Tomatina”, Madrid
Marti Gras, Rio de Janeiro
April ‘Feria’, Seville
Tango-No-Sekku kite-flying festival, Japan
Day of the Dead, Mexico.
Do any of these rate as a ‘must see’?
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### Author:  [@green\_bladder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/green_bladder)
#### Post date: [September 19, 2003, 11:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/50-things-to-do-before-you-die-amend-this-list-with-your-favourites/202575/5 "2003-09-19T11:33:56Z")
**Aro** , I experienced La Tomatina in Buñol in around 1993-94, but I was too young to participate in the streets (too dangerous for kids) but I was allowed to lug tomatoes from a balcony right above the action. That was truly an experience I’ll never forget, even though hopefully I’ll go again and this time get reaaallly dirrty 😉
I’ve managed to do just seven things mentioned on the BBC list. A shortlist of things I _really really really_ wanna do before I die (off the top of my head):
Visit the Galapagos Islands
Drive an F1 car
See Earth from space
Whale watching
Climb Everest
Fly in a jet and experience some serious “Gs”
And of course… wash an elephant (😕 )
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### Author:  [@Dragon\_Phoenix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dragon_Phoenix)
#### Post date: [September 19, 2003, 11:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/50-things-to-do-before-you-die-amend-this-list-with-your-favourites/202575/6 "2003-09-19T11:49:53Z")
Only 3 scores (Great wall, safari, tropical island) - and I thought I’d seen a lot of the world… ☹
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### Author:  [@gluteus\_maximus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gluteus_maximus)
#### Post date: [September 19, 2003, 12:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/50-things-to-do-before-you-die-amend-this-list-with-your-favourites/202575/7 "2003-09-19T12:14:50Z")
#1: Stop making lists.
… uh, now what do I do until the Rapture? 😉
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### Author:  [@Shirley\_Ujest](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shirley_Ujest)
#### Post date: [September 19, 2003, 12:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/50-things-to-do-before-you-die-amend-this-list-with-your-favourites/202575/8 "2003-09-19T12:50:52Z")
Hey, I’ve done the **Trek to see a Gorilla** one. MInd you it was at the Detroit Zoo, but trying to walk with two kids and friends with kids is just like going to Africa and hauling a bunch of stuff. 🙂
I’ve also ‘seen the polar bears’ (A really cool exhibit at the Detroit Zoo) and been to Vegas and Disney, experienced a waterfall ( Taquamennon Falls in the UP. Hi, Athena) and have done Whitewater Rafting.
Gosh, I’m just ticking off things off my to-do list.
I’ll work on my own personal To-Do list and get back to you.
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### Author:  [@spanna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/spanna)
#### Post date: [September 19, 2003, 1:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/50-things-to-do-before-you-die-amend-this-list-with-your-favourites/202575/9 "2003-09-19T13:53:17Z")
#50 Post on SDMB
oooohhh that felt good
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### Author:  [@SnoopyFan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SnoopyFan)
#### Post date: [September 19, 2003, 2:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/50-things-to-do-before-you-die-amend-this-list-with-your-favourites/202575/10 "2003-09-19T14:15:30Z")
One of the things to do on my list is to see the Southern Cross.
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### Author:  [@Gorgon\_Heap](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gorgon_Heap)
#### Post date: [September 19, 2003, 2:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/50-things-to-do-before-you-die-amend-this-list-with-your-favourites/202575/11 "2003-09-19T14:24:02Z")
Shit, I am nowhere near as ambitious as y’all.
Go on a cruise.
Get a full body rub by a professional.
Get a car that works.
Travel Europe.
Yeah, that’s pretty much it. A lot of the things on that list are either A) off limits to me because of my health, or B) things I would never do anyway.
Bungee jumping falls under both A and B.
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### Author:  [@Scumpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scumpup)
#### Post date: [September 19, 2003, 2:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/50-things-to-do-before-you-die-amend-this-list-with-your-favourites/202575/12 "2003-09-19T14:40:31Z")
Get in a brawl and win.
Hunt dangerous game.
Get loaded on (real) absinthe.
Take part in an orgy.
Learn a 2nd language.
Write a bad novel.
Dig a grave for a friend.
Teach another person a useful skill.
Make a complete ass of yourself in an expensive restaurant.
Fire a machine gun.
Visit a 3rd world nation.
Be an extra in a movie.
Forge something out of metal.
Bury your face in a famous woman’s cleavage and make motor boat noises.
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### Author:  [@Gotterfunken](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gotterfunken)
#### Post date: [September 19, 2003, 3:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/50-things-to-do-before-you-die-amend-this-list-with-your-favourites/202575/13 "2003-09-19T15:33:50Z")
Hmm, I’ve swum _near_ dolphins, though not actually alongside them (about 20 yards away). I don’t guess that really counts, though.
I haven’t really done anything on the list, although there are a few there that I would definitely include on my personal list. Here are the things from the list that I’d like to see/do, in order of probability (from highest to lowest):
**Exploring the Pyramids** : I hope to be doing this at some point in the near future–I definitely plan to visit Egypt. In addition to the Great Pyramids, I’d also like to see the Temple of Hatshepsut, the Stepped Pyramid of Zoser, the temple complexes at Karnak and Luxor…
**Walking the Inca Trail** : Like with Egypt, I’d like to combine this with other ancient sites–the Nazca line drawings, Lake Titicaca, Tiahuanaco, etc.
**See Aurora Borealis** : A natural phenomenon that I’d love to see.
**Driving down Route 66** : The mother of all road trips. Low on the probability list, since I doubt I’d try it until I get a lot of vacaction time or retire.
**Walking the Great Wall of China** : This would be cool, though I have no idea if I’ll ever make it to China.
Something that is _not_ on the BBC list, but which is up high on my “to-do” list:
**Visit India** : For a long time, I’ve been fascinated with India and Indian culture. I would love to see the thousands of historical and artistic sities (the Elephanta Caves, the Khajuraho temples, the Ajanta caves, countless Buddhist stupas and Hindu temples, Taj Mahal, etc.), and the Ganges, and all the colors of daily life. I’m not sure when I would go to India, but it’s one of my “must-sees” during my lifetime.
The BBC list does include **Travelling on the Orient Express** as one of the top 50 items, so maybe I could combine that with my own passage to India.
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### Author:  [@Bippy\_the\_Beardless](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bippy_the_Beardless)
#### Post date: [September 19, 2003, 3:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/50-things-to-do-before-you-die-amend-this-list-with-your-favourites/202575/14 "2003-09-19T15:49:26Z")
It worries me that if many people did do that BBC top 50 list it would be an ecological disaster. Why don’t we make all the remaining natural habitats and unspoiled wildernesses into tourist theme parks?
BBC =\> :wally
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### Author:  [@moejuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/moejuck)
#### Post date: [September 19, 2003, 4:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/50-things-to-do-before-you-die-amend-this-list-with-your-favourites/202575/15 "2003-09-19T16:07:27Z")
That top 50 sucks if you ask me. You did ask didn’t you?
I would say one of mine would be to jump on stage at a great concert and get to sing with the band.
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### Author:  [@jjimm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jjimm)
#### Post date: [September 19, 2003, 4:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/50-things-to-do-before-you-die-amend-this-list-with-your-favourites/202575/16 "2003-09-19T16:18:24Z")
> [@](#):
>
> \*Originally posted by Bippy the Beardless \*
> \*\*It worries me that if many people did do that BBC top 50 list it would be an ecological disaster. Why don’t we make all the remaining natural habitats and unspoiled wildernesses into tourist theme parks?
> BBC =\> :wally \*\*
Er… it was the results of a survey, not an instruction manual…
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### Author:  [@toque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/toque)
#### Post date: [September 19, 2003, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/50-things-to-do-before-you-die-amend-this-list-with-your-favourites/202575/17 "2003-09-19T17:44:58Z")
Almost none on the BBC list appeal to me. I’m sort of surprised “Appalachian Trail” didn’t make it, but maybe that’s not well known outside of the U.S. (but Route 66 is?).
Off the top of my head, some of mine would be:
Win a streetfight.
Get fucked by a woman wearing a strap-on (no hookers).
Smoke authentic opium.
In terms of Mountains, I’m embarrassed I’ve never climbed Mt. Katahdin, and need to do it before I die.
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### Author:  [@Undead](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Undead)
#### Post date: [September 19, 2003, 6:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/50-things-to-do-before-you-die-amend-this-list-with-your-favourites/202575/18 "2003-09-19T18:05:27Z")
Watch my girlfriend have lesbian sex. 😛
> [@](#):
>
> Get fucked by a woman wearing a strap-on (no hookers).
Two dreams fulfilled with one act? 🙂 _(prays to god that toque is female)_
Other than that I would just like to travel, anywhere and everywhere. See the Bone Cathedral in Progue…Walk along the great wall, see the pyramids- I’d love to see the whole world but I don’t think I have enough time ☹
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### Author:  [@Bippy\_the\_Beardless](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bippy_the_Beardless)
#### Post date: [September 19, 2003, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/50-things-to-do-before-you-die-amend-this-list-with-your-favourites/202575/19 "2003-09-19T18:11:41Z")
You’re right **jjimm**. But those go-and-gawk Ecco-tourist ideas worry me.
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### Author:  [@Fretful\_Porpentine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fretful_Porpentine)
#### Post date: [September 19, 2003, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/50-things-to-do-before-you-die-amend-this-list-with-your-favourites/202575/20 "2003-09-19T18:36:11Z")
Hmm, seven ticks from the BBC list for me. Nine if you’re allowed to do your polar-bear-and-orangutan-watching in zoos. And at least one of them – Walt Disney World – is absolutely not an experience I would recommend to anyone over ten; hell, I didn’t enjoy it all that much when I _was_ ten.
Glacier hiking, on the other hand, was very very cool 🙂
I’m surprised there’s not much about art and architecture on the list except the Pyramids. Seems like a pretty big omission, and most of _my_ favorite travel memories involve stuff like walking around cathedrals at dawn.
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