Travelscape
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Travelscape
Vykin | Tuesday, October 10, 2000 - 01:55 pm  I wanted to set up this folder before the Big H comes down with some new rule about limiting discussion topics. I am interested in hearing where some of you have travelled, your experiences, etc. Even if you haven't travelled much, where would you like to go. I'll leave the opener at this, and come back in a bit and post my experiences. |
Mantastic | Tuesday, October 10, 2000 - 02:02 pm  I'm all over that. Give me some time to think & write, and I'll post, too. I'm interested to hear where people have been, why they were there, their impressions, the people they met, etc. |
Moondance | Tuesday, October 10, 2000 - 02:09 pm  I liked hearing about your son ... you must be so proud ... a testament to you. I haven't traveled much unfortunately... Seemed like all my family & friends had the bug but I didn't. So I think now that I do, I am a late bloomer so I hope I can add to my travel journal. I have been to Hawaii twice ... Maui. It is such a beautiful place. I learned to scuba dive which was an accomplishment since I have asthma. Well, worth it though. It is a different world under the water. A place I like to visit again. I swam with a giant sea turtle ... it was so surreal ... like a dream. I heard the whales songs in the distance. OMG it was amazing! I was there in March and the whales are still there ... they migrate to Hawaii, late Nov til late April. The first couple of dives I has to surface more than the others. I was fogging up my mask and my instructor was frustrated thinking I didn't defog correctly until he realized I was crying because it was so amazing. I know, I know pretty sappy but it was my favorite experience in my short travel life! |
Xenia | Tuesday, October 10, 2000 - 02:10 pm  Vykin: Do you realize you spend more time obsessing over trivial shit than actually participating in the game? |
Vykin | Tuesday, October 10, 2000 - 02:43 pm  Xenia are you saying I'm not participating? |
Zebulon | Tuesday, October 10, 2000 - 03:30 pm  Poor Angry Little Xenia, Let me first break the news to you that you are not the end all be all of this whole group. The ratio of your pissing and moaning far exceed any of your positive contributions since this game started. I bet you love travelling regularly to the vineyards of Italy. Where else would you go to practice up on your whining? At least I can stay on topic. |
Luke | Tuesday, October 10, 2000 - 03:44 pm  Oooh Zeb! Ouch! (But yeah, I'm ROTFL!) I do want to post on this... having a hard time getting a good chunk of time to sit down and type... but yeah... I'm all into travellin and meeting people... |
Himay10ns | Tuesday, October 10, 2000 - 03:59 pm  I'm curious to know how many times each of you has moved in your lifetime? I'm 36 and I've moved 47 times....do I have stories!! |
Arreal | Tuesday, October 10, 2000 - 04:24 pm  I've moved 9 times in the last 15 years. I've live in Montana, Alaska, and now Spokane. Most of my moving has all been in Spokane. |
Zebulon | Tuesday, October 10, 2000 - 04:31 pm  I've just moved 4 times. Texas, Florida, and then back to Texas where I moved two more times. I sometimes miss Florida because I absolutely enjoyed the beaches and the ocean. |
Moondance | Tuesday, October 10, 2000 - 04:37 pm  I have lived in Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Ohio & California. I have lived the longest in California. |
Mantastic | Tuesday, October 10, 2000 - 04:46 pm  Montreal, Vermont, Berkeley, Eastern Townships of Quebec, New York City, Los Angeles, Denmark, Palo Alto, and now a new location in the Bay Area. |
Luke | Tuesday, October 10, 2000 - 04:50 pm  Well, when I was young my family would take me on trips to the Philippines, but I didn't really start travelling alone till I was in college. Mexico was my first country to totally explore. When I travel, I usually like to stay with the families of my friends whenever possible. You learn a lot more that way about the culture and the society rather than just stayin in a hotel. I've been over all of the Yucatán peninsula, Baja California, Sonora, Jalisco, Guerrero, and the capital. I also returned to my parents' home country of the Philippines to study one summer, and that's when I had the opportunity to see the country of my heritage. I stayed with the local people and learned even more about the culture of my ancestors. It was amazing to see what aspects of Philippine culture I still espouse having been born and raised in California. Last Christmas, by far, was the best trip of my life. It was the first time to Europe, and I chose Spain (so that I would not have problems with the language)... I knew nobody in Spain with the exception of some relatives of my Mexican friends. They picked me up at the airport, and I stayed with them only a few nights at the beginning and then again at the end of my trip. The majority of my trip was spent by myself in a rental car driving across southern Spain and meeting people along the way. Believe it or not, last Christmas eve I had spent in Granada, Spain. I had met a guy at a bar the night before, and on Christmas eve, I decided to go out and walk the town. Well, when I got outside the hotel where I was staying, I found him waiting for me. He invited me to take a ride with him on the back of his motorcycle, as he wanted to show me the sights of Granada. So, on Christmas eve, we spent the evening church-hopping listening to the different choirs sing their Spanish Christmas carols. We ended up near midnight at the top of a hill in Granada overlooking the Alhambra all lit up in lights, and the city beneath with all the Christmas colors lighting up the streets. I spent the rest of the night with him, and woke up the next morning. We had breakfast, and I continued on my trip. That same road trip took me to Gibraltar, Sevilla, and Cordoba. When I was on the southern coast, I also took a ferry to Tanger, Morocco. What an experience... The ship arrived close to midnight, and the streets were bustling since it was during the month of Ramadan... Everybody was out eating. I had met a Spaniard on the ferry who was travelling to visit his Moroccan girlfriend, and luckily when we arrived, she helped me get a $10 room for the night by speaking in Arabic. I quickly found out that the Moroccan's Spanish was difficult to understand, and my French is way below par. But I wandered into some sort of restaurant and maintained a conversation in broken English/Spanish/French with the restaurant owner's 20 year old son. We spent an hour talking about the Muslim religion and their religious practices... Enthralling conversation! There's so much more to that trip... but I could go on forever. I made it back to Madrid for New Year's 2000, and spent it with my friends (the relatives of my friends from Mexico) dancing the night away--until 10 am. In Spain, night life begins around 1 am and continues till around 9 am or so on regular weekends! That trip was definitely the best I've taken in my life... Other than that, I've only been to Germany and England. I'll be travelling to Puerto Rico this Thanksgiving week, and am actually trying to plan a trip to Cuba right after Christmas (I've decided to make one "adventure" trip a year, like I did with Spain--and that's where I've chosen). I'll share more throughout the weeks about my travels if people are interested--they definitely have plade a huge roll in developing the person that I am today. |
Xenia | Tuesday, October 10, 2000 - 05:11 pm  Ahhhh Zeb you really put me in my place! You should read more into that truly genius post you wrote directed at me. It could hold the reason as to why you have been "dumped" so many times without explanation? That is why you were ragging on Himay last night, isn't it? Her story opened old wounds perhaps? Do you think it could be possible that people get sick of you as easily as I have? |
Xenia | Tuesday, October 10, 2000 - 05:14 pm  And I will not participate in this discussion out of principle. Vykin created this topic while having a little hissy-fit over my suggestion to limit topics per day. How very mature. |
Vykin | Tuesday, October 10, 2000 - 05:23 pm  Luke regarding your last sentence, I agree in developing the person we are. I begin by saying, I looked at my calendar today, after I set up this folder, and eerie, but realized exactly where I was Oct 10, 1999. (this is pure coincidence). On this date a year ago, I was flying across the Atlantic Ocean to Venice, Italy, My best friend, took me on an all expense paid trip (all I needed was spending money). We began in Venice, with 4 days of touring the city. It is charming w/gondolas, canals, but extremely expensive. From Venice, we boarded the Grand Princess, the lrg ship in the world, beautiful suite w/balcony, etc. The ship towered over Venice as we left with Con Te Partiro booming. This is the Grand's trademark departure song frm the city. Everyone in the city comes out to see the Grand leave as it is quite a phenominal site. We cruised round the boot of Italy, next stop, Naples. I went to the isle of Capri, but unfortunately didn't see the Blue Grotto, which is an underwater cavern accessed thru water. I toured Pompeii. Our next stop was Livorno, where we travelled to Florence, lots of pickpocketers, you really have to watch it. Saw Statue of David, Michelangelos works, Da Vinci's and all their tombs. Stopped at the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Yes its leaning. Our next stop was Nice, France, where we also travelled to Monte Carlo, and had a look at the palace, (yes I swear to god I saw the King). Unfortunately we wanted to see the casino however, due to weather conditions, (freak rains), we were limited. From France our ship took us to Barcelona, Spain, a very gothic but clean city. Wonderful Olympic stadium, Luke, I wud go back to Spain in a heartbeat. from Spain we cruised thru the Strait of Gibraltar up to Lisbon. This city is dirty, poor and riddled with drug peddlars. Europe had a freak storm come down thru Italy, the Atlantic was bad, 40foot waves, caused us to cancel the next stop at the Azores, we took a further southern route down the African coast and began our trans-atlantic trip to Ft. Lauderdale. It was a trip of a lifetime. When I was married my spouse and I travelled to Greece, Crete, Cyprus and Israel for our honeymoon. It was interesting going into Jerusaleum and seeing the historical points. I've also travelled to mostly the western coastline of USA and across Canada to Toronto, would love to go to Montreal one day. My first trip ever was my first vacation after I graduated when a friend and I travelled to Hawaii. Not sure if I wud go back. Mexico has been our "primary vacation destination" Went to Mazatlan, Guadalajara, Acapulco and mainly Puerto Vallarta. My mother and her partner go to PV 3mths each winter. We have travelled th PV every other year, (cuz frankly its cheap to stay with mom). I think because of the cold winters and work commitments, our preference for vacations is usually in the middle of winter. Though last Xmas with the Y2K (now theres a phrase out of the past!), my son travelled to PV, so it was a sad to have him away from home during a benchmark year, but certainly a memory for him to treasure. |
Zebulon | Tuesday, October 10, 2000 - 05:44 pm  Xenia, Actually, I've never been "dumped". Most of my relationships have been long-term and those that ended, ended in mutual agreement. I've never had a negative or hostile breakup. What about you? Your speculation tells me that you have some sort of hidden pain along those lines that you want to project at me. Maybe that's the reason you decided to join in on a discussion yesterday that didn't even pertain to you, especially since you made it clear you aren't friends with HiMay. To what purpose did you join in? Were you bored? If so, maybe you should check out of the hotel and that would probably be just like you. When I heard what HiMay did, I reflected upon myself on how I would have handled that situation if it was reversed. She had an embarrassing moment and instead of leaving a note, calling the next day, or accepting a call and made an effort to be honest with him...she just bailed and vanished on the guy. That shows extremely weak character and I pointed it out. If you didn't like that, too bad. Maybe you've done the same type of thing in your life. People weren't put on this earth just to gravitate solely towards your personal opinion and coddle your mental ego. Get used to it. |
Zebulon | Tuesday, October 10, 2000 - 05:46 pm  Damn Xenia! I guess one good hissy-fit deserves another in your book. Grow up. You've only showed your ass in this whole game. |
Xenia | Tuesday, October 10, 2000 - 06:04 pm  Zeb: Blah...blah...blah Everyone else: Please, return to your travel experiences. I am enjoying reading them. |
Talisker | Tuesday, October 10, 2000 - 06:33 pm  Just to keep this on topic: Travelscape – that is definitely a topic that I can get into. Thanks Vykin!! My father was in the Air Force and so was I, so traveling was pretty much a way of life for me. . . My father was from Salisbury, North Carolina and my mother was from Blackduck, Minnesota so we also had many trips going to and fro. I was born in Tacoma, Washington and from there, we moved to Ottawa, Canada, then to Duluth, Minnesota, to McGuire AFB, New Jersey, and then to an area around Metz, France. In France, I was fortunate enough to have a father who despite having 4 kids believed in getting out to sightsee. In our three years in France, we went to Belgium, Germany (many times) Luxembourg, and Holland. I was able to see a lot of things many people only read about. I was lucky enough to live on the “French economy” as they called it. Basically for a year or so, we lived in a rented house in a very small village called Atton. This was a mainly a town of shepherds . Even though there was a language barrier, my brothers and I were still able to be friends with the kids across the street from us. Some of my most vivid memories were of trips to Germany and Holland. After we left France, we went back to Tacoma, and then we moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico. In Albuquerque, I finished high school and joined the Air Force myself. I did the customary basic training at Lackland AFB, San Antonio, Texas and did my Aircraft Maintenance training in Witchita Falls, Texas and then spent a couple of years in Austin, Texas (Going to Texas was not my reason for joining the Air Force, but going to Germany was). Anyways, after many of my friends left, I found myself getting restless and requested a move. My wish was granted in the form of all expense paid tickets to Kunsan, Korea. Before I went to Korea, I had visions of grass huts and warm weather. Anyone who has ever gone to Korea will tell you that is pretty much the opposite. It is colder then shit there – Kunsan was bitterly cold – we were right on the coast of the yellow sea. No beach walking there though – it was an off limits area. Korea was an interesting experience – I took some Karate classes for a while (Tai Kwon Do) and I also bought a camera and took some photography classes. Through photography, I was able to see a much different Korea then many of my co-workers. Some of the more scenic area that took some effort to get to. When my time in Korea was up, I had the unhappy fortune to spend 6 years of my life in Charleston, South Carolina. Before I piss anyone off, Charleston is beautiful and has incredible charm. But, I am not a hot weather lover in any way. I am not a big one for going to hurricane parties either. Finally, after 6 years there, I got my dream assignment: Sembach Air Base, Germany. All I had ever wanted to do was go to Germany. Germany was everything I hoped it would be. Castles, old buildings, great food, friendly people, and beautiful scenery. I was only there for 3 years but I did plenty of traveling. I went to Paris for a week, trips to London while working in England, Italy (loved the food!), Belgium, and all over Germany. Alas, I had to leave Germany eventually and the Air Force bounced me to Omaha, Nebraska. While there are some who might think this was a punishment, I grew to love Omaha. There is something to be said for the open friendliness of the Midwest part of the USA. People seem to be kinder and more trusting. Because of a hobby I had, I was able to do a fair bit of traveling through Iowa too. I know to some people, driving through the cornfields seems boring but to me, having been away from there for the past 6 years, I still yearn to see them again. There was something comforting seeing them. I moved again and this time, I think I am here for a long while since Uncle Sam won't have me to mess with anymore. Probably the most obscure place I have been to is a little island in the Indian Ocean called Diego Garcia. It is 18 miles long from tip to tip. It is almost on the equator. This is not really a pleasure palace, quite the contrary. But, if you like solitary walks along untouched beaches and collecting shells, it is heaven!! While I was growing up, every move meant separation from friends, leaving a school and having to learn how to fit in again. I think I went to 17 different schools. I confess, when I hear someone talking about how they went to the same school and have had the same friends all of their life, I am envious because this is something I couldn’t have. But, in retrospect, I don’t think I would change a thing. I am the person I am today because of the places I have been and the people I met. My most favorite places? In the US, Crater Lake, Oregon and outside of the US, . . I would say anywhere in Germany around Garmish and Munich. |
Himay10ns | Tuesday, October 10, 2000 - 08:22 pm  I've lived in Alabama (many times), Arizona, Texas (many times), Mississippi, Florida (many times), North Carolina, and Virginia. A true "Southern girl". My father was in the military and we moved 33 times while I lived with my parents. I've moved 14 times since I graduated from college. I've been here for 2 1/2 years, that's almost a record for me!! I enjoy moving around. It has given me the ability to adapt to any environment and I meet tons of people! I have friends all over!! As for my favorite travel experience, it would have to be Hawaii. (This could also go in the "Online Relationship" thread) I met a man online about two years ago and we began dating. We dated for about a year and a half. Last summer he took me to Hawaii for 8 days. It was the most incredible week of my life. You can really get lost in the romance in Hawaii. If you've never been...you should put it on your wish list! The weather is beautiful, the ocean and waves are awesome, the food is yummmy! I will definitely go back one day. I've never been out of the USA but I long to go to Italy and I really enjoyed reading about your experiences above. Some of you are very well-traveled! I long to see the places you've seen. Thanks for painting some wonderful pictures! |
Vykin | Tuesday, October 10, 2000 - 08:52 pm  HiMay, you would love Italy. When I was there last year I had the option of going to Rome, but chose not to simply because I would like to go back and just tour through the whole of Italy. Venice was interesting, but I wouldn't necessarily go back there. By the way a 45 minute ride on a gondola costs almost $75 and higher per person. It is certainly an experience. I would also like to drive by car down the Amalfi Coast it is incredible, I saw the coastline from a hydrojet some beautiful charming towns along the way, carved right into the cliffs. The Tuscany valley is also nice with all the marble quarries, it seems the mountains there are solid marble. Florence is beautiful, the Duomo is the largest of 4 cathedrals in the world I believe. It is out of this world. I hope to go back again someday soon. |
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