We spent the summer of 1994 there. I'm afraid we bit off a little more than I could chew. It could easily take a year to see some of what India has to offer a tourist. I was enchanted by some places and repulsed by others. There is so much of everything! It is a country that demands multiple visits. Don't bother with an anesthetised tour group; struggle to the nearest train station, book a ticket, and jump onboard as the rest of the vast country does.

"On the holy river at Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. Don't try to see everything in one trip ... or two ...."

THE MALDIVES

Picture the perfect tropical beach!  You are getting close to what the Maldives has to offer. Thousands of islands with blue sea and swaying coconut trees. It's wonderful for divers, or so I heard. A lot of the success of your stay depends on which island you choose. If you don't book ahead, you'll find 'representatives' right at the airport. On a budget, Helengelli was restful. The capital of Male proved fairly "laid back" too.  Or perhaps because we were there during Ramadan!

"Imagine, I took this picture myself! How can I earn money writing for a travel magazine?"

NEPAL

The capital is Katmandu. The city, although small, could be explored for a number of days. Most of the tourists in Nepal are the hiking sort. In the mid-1990's Jay and I weren't. However, it was still post-modern, burnt-out hippie enough to be interesting. And the local culture was where my interests were. We visited places famous in Buddhist theology near the Indian border. Carry extra provisions with you. 

SRI LANKA

I've been to the island an increasing number of times.  I first went with Jayantha when we worked in the Middle East.  After a hiatus of 13 years, I returned in 2004 and 2006.  In two years, we were able to have stayed for a total of three months!   When the truce was holding we visited the north and east parts of the island.  Eventually, the war will have to cease!

It can be a traveler's delight and one can get around quite well speaking just English. Imagine freshly squeezed passion fruit juice with breakfast! I could retire for six months every year in "Ceylon".  Perhaps I have a soft spot for coconut trees and living at the equator would sure beat winter!

I worked on the island of Bahrain for several years. It was a true pleasure. I found Bahraini nationals to be honest and hardworking. I lived in Adliya, Hamala Beach, and near Juffair. A person can see the entire island in a weekend! It was an interesting "watching point" during the Gulf War when the scud launches prompted warning sirens. I shall never forget many of the students of the Bahrain Defense Force.

Perhaps it was in Hitchhiker Guide to the Universe? The quote went something like this: "It's not the places you go, it's the people that you meet . . . " I will never forget travelling with friends through Jordan. Driving a big GMC Suburban, we were stranded in a snow storm in the mountains. A tiny village welcomed us and we spent the night as guests. A local school teacher was interpreter. Because of the snow, we missed Petra. That might really be a reason to back.

My very first teaching job was in Kuwait in 1981. Back in those years the country was not well known by many of the world's citizens. All my relatives wondered where I was going. I am thankful for my first exposure to international travel.

The boy went away and was never the same again.

It's certainly a country like no other! Saudi Arabia is a land of compromises. It adheres to strict dogma when necessary, but strangely can't always seem to make it fit into the society being created. I worked for over two years in the mountains of Taif near the west coast. It was there I found life most comfortable. My students were adults in the Saudi army. On the other hand, my year in the eastern city of Dammam exposed many incongruities. I did a lot of growing up while in Saudi. I certainly wish the country well.

A week back in 1982 really doesn't qualify me to make many comments about Syria. I was intrigued by the Damascus shopping bazaar. Arriving via the border by car, a little 'tip' prompted the guards to speed our entry. I was also impressed by the building-sized posters of Hafaz Al-Asad. Syria must be a different place nowadays.

TURKEY

Between east and west, this country was a unique place to go during several winter visits. It is not well-travelled which is a shame. It has lots for tourists as it's twice the size of California It bridges Europe and Asia, so you will find a bit of everything. The bus system is fantastic. If you're travelling between cities just show up at the autogar and book a comfortable bus trip to any city you see on the map. Highly recommended. A whole summer in Turkey would be a real treat.

My home from 1991 to 1996 was in the United Arab Emirates. It is truly remarkable country. Even the concept of a "federation" of seven states is a unique accomplishment in the Arab world.  I shall remember my many students from the Higher Colleges of Technology with great respect. Dubai is literally turning the desert green with modern development. I hope this rapid expansion and recent 'Disney-ification' doesn't result in a loss of the admirable aspects of their society. Is there really any need for a ski slope in the desert?  The geography is varied and interesting. If you are flying between Europe and Asia, stop and see the modern, urban Gulf.

After a two-years hiatus, the continent beckoned again.  I'm fortunate to be able to take vacation time in the autumn when some of the crowds have dissipated, but the weather remains fine.  We went primarily to see a bit of central Europe by flying into Munich, Germany.  While there we took a side trip to Salzburg, Austria.  By Euroline bus pass and train tickets, we then made our way to Budapest, Hungary.  Next, we travelled to Prague in the Czech Republic via Bratislava, Slovakia.  We continued onwards to Vienna, Austria.  A final stop included Zurich, Switzerland before we had to return to Munich for the return flight.  Just as the previous Euro-trip,  the three weeks were very enjoyable and educational.

"One cannot help but appreciate the stunning architecture of central Europe.  Occasionally all the statues and ornamentation caused me to wonder what they were thinking though."

In an attempt to attack a bit more of Europe, we flew into Amsterdam in the Netherlands.  We continued through the cities of Brussels, Belgium; Frankfurt, Germany; Luxembourg; and Paris, France.  Then we spent a final week in London, England.  We were a bit too old to be backpackers and a bit too cheap to travel in luxury.  Yet, there are some things that everybody should be able to say.  For example, "I saw the Mona Lisa."

"Paris was much more welcoming than I had anticipated."

DENMARK

It didn't get light until 10:00 in the morning. But of course, I was visiting Denmark in February. Nice people, but raw fish for breakfast?  This, after all, was just a stop over. The hotel staff seemed quite expert in keeping the drunken Fins quiet! I bet it would be wonderful during the summer. I would like to return to learn more about the Scandinavian countries.

"Finally, Copenhagen's morning arrived. over the park near my hotel."

ENGLAND

London, England offers lots for a tourist to see. In 1981, this was the very first place I visited outside of America.  The city's signs were easy to read although some of the language was difficult. I just couldn't seem to get my fanny in an elevator on the first floor. I bet it would be great to rent a car and see some of the countryside.  A week in 2005 proved to be exciting and enjoyable.

FINLAND

With third generation American blood from Finland, I just had to make a stopover there! Helsinki in the summer is nearly deserted as the natives all head to their cabins (or saunas?) in the Lake District. When flying in, it's easy to realize that there are lots of lakes! After being in Asia so much, it was strange to see all those people with my hair color.

"Helsinki has a grander scale than I expected."

GREECE

Diogenes! I wish I'd taken notes during my high school mythology classes. Then I would have known the ancient gods of Rome from those of Greece.  A vacation there cannot help but make one feel awed by the flow of history and its affects on all of us today. Couldn't but notice it was packed full of Euro-Kids during the summer season.

ITALY

This is a country I'd recommend everyone try to see. It has history, art, interesting geography, and friendly people. Did I forget to mention the cappuccino? As a North American, I find places with lots of history intriguing. It's refreshing to know that the world has existed for more than two hundred years! Even if ALL roads don't lead to Rome, perhaps more should. My vacation there was very educational.

UPDATE: In the fall of 2008, we flew into Rome and then travelled on rail passes all over the country.  It was during this visit I fell in love with the Cinque Terra and also learned that Naples is my kind of town.  See all the blogged details from the trip.

"When watching a game of street soccer, I felt sorry for the children of Florence. Were they as overwhelmed by the art as I was?

THE NETHERLANDS

What's so special about the Dutch? I first went to Amsterdam in the early 1980's.  In 2005, I returned to visit with Jay on a Eurotrip.  The Netherlands is filled with such nice people. (Jannie, are you reading this?)  Everyone should visit the land of fresh flowers and wind mills. Of course Amsterdam's Dam Square has things on offer too!

"My tour guide could speak six languages plus a little Japanese."

KENYA

A safari? It was one of the adventures on the east African coast. I got a strange emotional rush when my flight touched down on the African continent. Mombasa also reminds one that foreign trade has been a force in shaping the world for generations. Unfortunately, Kenya was the only place in the world where I had belongings stolen from a hotel room. Thankfully, I was carrying Thomas Cook Traveller's Cheques!

"The big game hunt was fun and apparently the wildlife didn't mind being chased around too much!"

HONG KONG

On a return flight from Sri Lanka in October 2006, we spent a week in Hong Kong.  I suppose it's a good introduction to China as there are hordes of humanity but a stunning infrastructure.  It's hard not to be amazed by the number of people in a relatively small space.

"Great for shopping, but get away to Lamma Island or even Macou for a break."

INDONESIA

Jay and I spent an entire summer on several of the islands. Did you know it is comprised of over 17,000 of them? It took a complete summer just to see Java (no trademark) and Bali. If you look at a map, you'll see how very little we visited. The best trips are always the ones without a pre-planned itinerary. Bali really was close to my idea of paradise. Rent me a jeep and let me stay there for a couple of years!

THAILAND

It was a destination for many reasons.  For those working in the Middle East, it is a common getaway.  Steamy Bangkok, mountainous Chang Mai, beach-side rural Puket all had their particular lure. Oh, let's not forget Pattaya! Thailand is not only smiles: it is also crowds, choking smog, unique food, and a great holiday destination. Every trip back had its new revelations.

CANADA

Oh, Canada! I can still recall a trip across vast stretches of Canada when I was just five years old. This is probably because of the slide film photos.  Who would've guessed that I'd end up a resident of Vancouver! During the summer of 2001, Jay and I completed a trans-Canada, camping trip.  We said, "Newfoundland or bust!"  At over 18,000 kilometres, we hit most every big city either coming or going.  I cannot understand why more Canadians don't get out and see their own country!

It took many years before we travelled to this country right on our own doorstep!  Actually, we've only spent a limited time in three of its ports.  During February of 2008, we caught a Carnival Cruise of the Mexican Riviera which left from Long Beach, California.  We spent complete days in Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, and Cabo San Lucas.  Some year we'll have to go to see other west coast cities as well as some of the interior.

THE UNITED STATES

I was born and raised in a small town in New Hampshire.  Even as a child, we used to frequently take road trips.  For example, the family crossed to California in a pickup truck when I was in grade school.  I attended a year of graduate studies in Washington State and made my way across several times at that time too.

More recently, Jay and I have visited places such as New York City, Miami, Las Vegas, and San Diego.  In 2007, we took separate one-week trips to New Hampshire and the city of Los Angeles.  Additionally, I returned to the Grand Canyon for the first time since childhood on a May 2008 desert road trip.  We flew into Phoenix, Arizona and rented a car to visit Palm Springs, CA too.   At the end of the year we found ourselves visiting Las Vegas again. 

In March of 2009, we flew into Baltimore just to visit Washington DC for a week.  It was a bit early for the cherry blossoms but we spent most of the time in the Smithsonian Museums anyway!

"Jay and I believe that Honolulu, HI, San Francisco, CA, and Fairbanks, AK tie for the US places that seem least like places in the United States."