A while back I read a magazine article about something called the Century Club. It was about people who go to extremes to visit as many foreign countries as possible. One interesting story was about how to visit islands that are owned by the military and therefore forbidden to tourists. The article noted how some in the Century Club have been known to charter a boat as close to the island as possible, sail to it, and purposefully destroy part of their engine so they can then send out a distress signal which the military will be obligated to respond to-thus enabling the tourist to visit the forbidden island. Others go on cruises in the Caribbean just so they can hit all the tiny island/countries and add them to their list.
While I'm no Century Club member, I do like the idea of compiling lists.
So here's my list of countries I've visited/lived:
1. USA
2. Canada
3. Saudi Arabia
4. China
5. Hong Kong (I'm counting this as a country, so there!)
6. Japan
7. Singapore
8. France (where I now live)
9. Andorra
10. Spain
11. Portugal
12. Gibraltar (I'm also counting this, though those in Spain would debate me)
13. Belgium
14. Luxembourg
15. West Germany/Germany
16. Switzerland
17. Austria
18. Italy
19. Greece
20. Barbados
21. Martinique
22. Vatican City
23. The Netherlands
I think this is all, though I'll have to check with my mother on this.
Places I'd like to visit include Iceland (I'm desperate to visit the mythic Blue Lagoon), Finland/Sweden (the fjords), Mexico, and Fiji.
We have a tentative trip planned for Ireland this summer, so while it's not totally independent, I'll add that to my list as well.
What countries have you visited? Where did you like the best? Worst?
6 comments:
Sadly I've only been to the US. However I dream of visiting:
China
Japan
Antartica
Nowrway (the fjords)
Svalbard
Greenland
Iceland
Netherlands
... Perhaps one day I'll get to travel!
Svalbard reminds me of the Golden Compass. I loved hearing through the grapevine that you liked this series! I heard there was a movie being made, but I'm not sure what happened as this was a few years ago.
Those books are exactly the reason I want to visit. I'm hoping to see Iorek Byrnison while I'm there!
Hi Amy,
I've heard so many stories about you from Loralee that I feel like I know you. It's nice to finally meet you in blogging land.
I'm very jealous of your travels, and your current address. I've been to Mexico, England, Greece and Turkey. I've seen Canada from a distance and several European countries from the air.
Greece was an amazing experience - from the monasteries of Kalambaca and the Sanctuary of Delphi, to the islands of Rhodes and Santorini. Athens was definitely the least interesting place I saw. The food was amazing too.
This summer I will be spending a semester studying design in London and Paris. Do you have any suggestions for places I must see while I'm there?
Karen--If I were in the fantasy, dressing-up age, I'd totally pretend I were Lyra. Did I tell you I wrote to the author, Philip Pullman, and he wrote back? Very cool.
Holly,
Thanks for dropping by. Traveling is great and the weather will be great for you--none of the rain we're experiencing now.
While in Paris, I'd visit the standard museum, but spend a lot of time just walking around. Each corner of the city has it's own flavor--though all Parisien. I love Luxemboug Gardens. Right now the tulips are in full force there.
In London I'd not miss the Victoria and Albert Museum. Free, and full of such a variety of great stuff.
Kew Gardens is also a must see. It's a huge (acres and acres) landscaped garden with areas devoted to particular styles. Worth 1/2 a day since it takes a bit to get there via train.
Don't be afraid to take trains out of either city. They are very predictable, and easy to understand.
And get a really good guidbook--I like Rick Steves the best, and have traveled using almost all of his books.
Have a great trip!
I'm taking careful notes! Thanks for the advice.
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