I grew up with stories of my Dad's Peace Corps, peanut-planting, well-digging, motorbike-riding, possibly CIA-sponsored, work in Thailand. My sister and I watched carousel slide-shows of his adventures on our basement wall with a full bowl of popcorn and nostalgic, fatherly narration. This was, of course, before Thailand was subject to Full Moon parties and Leonardo DeCaprio.
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| Pat Klein c1970 |
As a result,
I've traveled a little. More than some, way less than lots.
I've been to North America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia. I haven't been to Antarctica or South America. I couldn't possibly name my favorite destination, but I remember Japan fondly and it's one place I know I will return to.
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| Japan, 2003 |
Jordan and I didn't get along at first, but it's been the source of so many good stories I can almost kid myself into thinking that I liked it. I wish I would've brought bubble gum for the Bedouin children in Petra and knew more about the geography of Youngstown, Ohio.
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| Petra, Jordan, 2002 |
Of course I'm glad to have been, but I wouldn't willingly return to China.
I feel as though I should see India, but I know I wouldn't really like it.
I wish I would've taken a tour up to the DMZ while in Seoul.
Iceland and Ireland get my votes for nicest people. It must be an island thing.
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| ...that said, it was REALLY cold. Especially for August. |
The Paris Metro system is more complicated than quantum physics, but taxis there are lethal, even for heavily pregnant ladies.
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| I love Notre Dame |
All the beautiful people live in Norway.
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| ...but they are not in this picture |
I'm a good packer. I know that whatever I put in my suitcase is too much and I'm okay with taking it out. I wear sensible shoes at the sacrifice of fashion (which is pretty much my approach to life anyway). I can convert currencies without issue (well, okay, I let The Accountant handle most of it).
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| The Accountant in Monument Valley, Utah |
I just barely made it through high school Spanish and am horribly shy when it comes to new languages. Especially languages which I feel I should know (i.e. French). In the midst of conversation, I've pretended
that French is the same is Spanish. Bonjour, comment êtes-vous ...? ¡Hola, muy bien; gracias! Actually, I've pretended that Italian, Afrikaans, Chinese, German and Korean are the same as Spanish. Because, for whatever reason, when someone speaks to me in a foreign language, I revert to high school Spanish. Again, I let The Accountant handle it. That said, even he sometimes makes mistakes...
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| Altenbourg...? Altenberg! |
When we travel, we try to hit all the UNESCO World Heritage Sites we can. That's how I've made it to salt mines in Poland, an iron bridge in Wales, a golden shrine in Japan, blue mountains in Australia, and the whole island of Mozambique. You might also recall
my trip to Toledo...
If I could go anywhere it would be Buenos Aires. That answer changes daily. I have, for example, heard great things about Ecuador. Friends who've traveled extensively in South America say it's one of their favorite places, and that the people are extraordinarily friendly. If I went to Ecuador, I would put all my free time, effort, money, and family's money into going to the Galapagos Islands. I would also definitely go see Sangay National Park, and the Historic Centre of Santa Ana de los Ríos de Cuenca (both being World Heritage sites). I would also take some time to walk around old Quito; it is one of the first World Heritage Sites and I really do love old, Spanish town centers.
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| San Juan, Puerto Rico |
At all costs, I would take a picture of myself straddling the Equator. I don't know where you can do it, but Google is telling me that someone, somewhere is capitalizing on the idea.
Emily - thanks for the writing inspiration and have a great time in Quito. Forget about the professionalism and dedication in becoming a doctor; just see everything you can and report back. ¡Y, por amor de Dios, tomar una fotografía de ti mismo en el ecuador!
