The (not so) Empty World

When I was 16, I was fortunate enough to go on a holiday with my class to France. On like the second last night, a couple of us were walking on le promenade des anglais in Nice and stumbled upon a record store, which is where I found and bought “The Top”, an album which I had never heard before. I spent the plane ride home listening to that album over and over again.

What did you enjoy most about Japan ??? I have a pretty sizeable flight voucher, so that’s one country I’d definitely love to visit. Did you go hiking at all ?

What do you find similar between the US and (western?) Europe ?
Part of the reason I love Europe so much is how easy it is to travel around without the need for a car. Admittedly, when I visit my relatives in France a car would be beneficial, but I can still get around pretty easily using the train!

I don't typically travel domestically too much these days (ugh...hopefully that doesn't sound too pretentious) but a few years ago, I went up to Churchill, Manitoba during July to snorkel with and kayak with beluga whales. I'm pretty certain that was the best time I ever had in Canada. Oh! And I did end up seeing a polar bear and her cub, but cannot find the photo.

I just add that I was on a ‘tour’ when that first photo was taken - so we were all safe and followed the rules. That area is frequented by polar bears so it’s essential to be on your guard and to listen to your guide! I cannot Stand it when tourists don’t follow the regulations and then are upset should something go wrong. Sigh.

Morocco and other places in Africa are high on my travel list. I'd love to see Tanzania, Ghana, or Kenya. Mr. K has been to Tanzania and Kenya for work. There were monkeys.

Yes! Figuring stuff out is the best. It's a great way to feel like you are an alien that crash landed.

We went to the Izu Peninsula in Japan which is off the beaten path and nobody spoke English there, nor were there any English signs. It was truly, "point to something on the menu (no pictures) and hope for the best" (and it was).

We stayed at a traditional ryokan with these beautiful onsen (one carved from a giant tree). The ryokan staff had us go on this walk at night by ourselves with these lanterns on sticks. It was some festival for a special moon and we *think* we were supposed to find some place and go there for a drink, like a scavenger hunt, but since there was no English, we had no idea why we were wandering in the dark on a dirt path with lanterns and a crude map. We had to wear the traditional wooden sandals, which weren't always easy to walk in. We ran into a Japanese couple that was also lost, so we didn't feel so bad. We also saw the largest, scariest bug I have ever seen in my life. The picture doesn't quite capture it. 



Tell us about Morocco!

Wow, at 19 I would have offended so many people inadvertently (or not?) and would have been wearing a target that said, "Rob me or take advantage of me." You are really brave. I hope you make it back there as an adult! I will say you're really brave.

Thank you for your kind words! I was definitely foolish, but you know I learnt a lot from that experience. Yes I'd definitely love to return one day.

Do you take your son travelling??