The Travel Thread

[statquo]

I’m Thought this would be a good place to talk about the places we’ve been fortunate to travel to and maybe give some insight if someone else is curious or plans to travel to.

I just came back from Turkey, Georgia, Zanzibar, Tanzania.

Turkey - amazing history. Was there for 3 weeks. Went from Istanbul, down the west coast, along the south coast and to Cappadocia. Went to Anzac and saw the memorials and WW1 battlefield. Saw Troy and non stop Greek, Roman, Byzantine ruins. Never once felt unsafe. Loved every day. Would recommend.

Georgia - beautiful scenery and unique culture. Tbilisi was beautiful and went to beautiful mountain ranges and hikes.

Zanzibar - laid back but definitely a third world country. Saw Freddy Mercury’s museum and Stone Town, the slave quarters, spice plantations and turquoises ocean. Not a lot of wildlife.

Tanzania - did not feel safe within Dar es Salam without my guide. Serengeti National Park was unbelievable. Spent
time in Mikumi National Park, Nyerere National Park, Kizigo, Rungwa, Usungu Game Reserves. Saw the whole zoo there. Went through Ngorongoro Conservation Area which is part of the Great Rift Valley. Went through the Oldupai Gorge and saw some amazing scenery.

On the way home stayed a few days in Amsterdam and London.

I want to know of places you’ve fellas have been to and what is recommended .

[Monash]

I’m Thought this would be a good place to talk about the places we’ve been fortunate to travel to and maybe give some insight if someone else is curious or plans to travel to.

I just came back from Turkey, Georgia, Zanzibar, Tanzania.

Turkey - amazing history. Was there for 3 weeks. Went from Istanbul, down the west coast, along the south coast and to Cappadocia. Went to Anzac and saw the memorials and WW1 battlefield. Saw Troy and non stop Greek, Roman, Byzantine ruins. Never once felt unsafe. Loved every day. Would recommend.

Georgia - beautiful scenery and unique culture. Tbilisi was beautiful and went to beautiful mountain ranges and hikes.

Zanzibar - laid back but definitely a third world country. Saw Freddy Mercury’s museum and Stone Town, the slave quarters, spice plantations and turquoises ocean. Not a lot of wildlife.

Tanzania - did not feel safe within Dar es Salam without my guide. Serengeti National Park was unbelievable. Spent
time in Mikumi National Park, Nyerere National Park, Kizigo, Rungwa, Usungu Game Reserves. Saw the whole zoo there. Went through Ngorongoro Conservation Area which is part of the Great Rift Valley. Went through the Oldupai Gorge and saw some amazing scenery.

On the way home stayed a few days in Amsterdam and London.

I want to know of places you’ve fellas have been to and what is recommended .

Haven't traveled that much. England, Ireland, France, (Northern) Italy, Austria/Germany (briefly) and the Czech Republic when younger. New Zealand, Thailand, Singapore, South Africa and Tanzania for work. Interestingly I didn't have much of a problem with Tanzania albeit I only got to see Dare Es Salaam and a couple of national parks (briefly) on that trip.I agree about Dar Es. The stark difference between 'middle class' and poor was both eye opening and starkly depressing. But I was there on 'government business' and had colleagues so personal safety wasn't a big concern.

Personally after I got married? Lot's of additional travel to deal with my wife's family in their decline. But on the plus side? We're off to England, France and Italy shortly to catch up with old friends in the UK and do a deep dive into food an wine!. Don't expect to hear a lot from me when that happens BTW.

[DOR]

Currently sitting in the SF airport, heading to Orlando, London, Paris, and Lisbon.

Strangest / most obscure place I’ve been has to be Mongolia, back in ‘97, followed by Bangladesh, and Burma. Does Estonia count? 40+ countries and counting.

[Albany Rifles]

Well...you guys know I am verbose and carry on quite a bit...but you asked!


The trips I have taken for family have been pretty normal as an American. As a kid it was often a trip in the summer to go back and visit grandparents and family in Boston after we moved away. Mixed in were some vacations to Cape Cod or on Lake Erie. Did some back pack trips in Maryland & Virginia as a Boy Scout in DC. Also numerous day trips to Civil War battlefields. Not much in college as I worked/had National Guard & ROTC duty in summer.

My first real trip was Spring of 1984 when I went on 2 weeks leave throughout the UK. Drove a left hand drive all over that country…including London and other major cities! In June of that year I got to make my first visit to Normandy as my unit was the honor guard for all of the 40^th Anniversary Ceremonies. Was a guest of the French Army in Verdun when I led an honor guard there. Also I had numerous opportunities over those 3 years (81-84) to spend 3 day weekends exploring the cities of Germany. Also a lot of skiing!

When I got back to the US I was stationed in Georgia for 5 years. While there mad many trips to the Mojave for training. From that I took a week long train trip across the Southern US. As the junior captain in my unit I commanded the guards for the equipment train that had all of the sensitive items (weapons, cryptology equipment, signal equipment). Got to see a ton on that trip. But I also got to deploy to both Egypt & Turkey on 2 different exercises…spent 2 weeks in an open jeep riding around the Sahara Desert. In Turkey for 2 weeks I was taken as a guest of the Turkish Army to visit Galipoli including ANZAC Cove.

Got married and moved to Virginia and that is where I started to branch out. We would take long weekends and visit areas in Virginia, North Carolina & South Carolina…usually beaches. And the long vacations were visiting family and friends back in New England. In the mid 90s began my battlefield jaunts for real with my best friend that continue to this day. He and I would take off for day trips to Colonial, French & Indian and Revolutionary War battlefields throughout New England. And he would start taking long weekend trips to visit me in Virginia and we hit a lot of Rev War & Civil War sites here.

Mixed in were 3 family trips to Disney (I know…how American!). In 2009 was one of my favorite family trips…13 days in London & Paris. Just the 3 of us. Took day trips out of London and all the sites there. Took the Eurostar train to Paris and did the same there. A ton of fun. Also since 2015 we have been renting a house on the South Shore of Massachusetts every year to visit family and hang at the beach. This last September it was a family trip of a lifetime…14 days in Ireland…Dublin and SW Ireland. Spectacular.

I have been in or worked for the Army since 1976. I travelled in earnest in the mid-90s as part of a 5 nation NATO subgroup. The first meeting was hosted here at Fort Gregg-Adams (used to be Fort Lee) outside Petersburg, VA. My boss had me lead a tour of Peterburg Battlefield. That started the host nation adding a battlefield tour as part of every agenda. So got to see some great sites thanks to the British, Canadian, German & French Armies. But most of my travels took me to where the US Army is located in the US & Europe (never made it out to the Alaska to Hawaii). Whenever I could, I would drive and add a day of leave to stop at a battlefield too & from. But most of these trips were multi week trips…and I didn’t sit on my ass in my hotel! If it was six hours away I’d use my weekends off to go visit somewhere.

In 2012 my wife & I got together with her best friend and husband (my battlefield buddy) and each devised a week plus vacation for the girls and a different for the guys. So the girls went to Tuscany that year…and the boys went to Mississippi & Louisiana to do the Vicksburg Campaign! We have only missed 2020 due to COVID. We tend to do campaigns and/or themes. 2013 we did Manassas, Cedar Mountain, Rappahannock Station & Mine Run Campaigns, 2014 we did the full Antietam, Gettysburg & Monocacy Campaigns, 2015 Chickamauga/Chattanooga, Atlanta, Sherman’s March & Savannah Campaigns, 2016 The Jerseys, Trenton/Princeton & Philadelphia Campaigns, 2017 War of 1812 Niagara Frontier, Ontario Shoreline to Sackett’s Harbor, Saint Lawrence and Plattsburgh, 2018 was Revolutionary War in the Carolinas (with Fort Sumter thrown in!) , 2019 Louisiana in the Civil War, 2020 COVID, 2021 Nashville Area 1862-64 through Kentucky to Lexington, 2022 Revolutionary War in the Mohawk & Hudson Valleys, 2023 Revolutionary & Civil War in SW Virginia. This year is up in the air…getting new knees this summer but regardless back to Massachusetts.

If you are a glutton for punishment and want to see the list from 2014 and prior...

https://www.worldaffairsboard.com/fo...ed#post1336290

Oh...and my retirement trip next year? 17 Days...World War 2 London to Munich (with a few WW 1 & Napoleonic thrown in!)

[Albany Rifles]

Well, it looks like I killed this thread with my usual verbose response.

Sorry!!!!

Please all fell free to provide your input while I sit on the sideline!!!

[Monash]

Well, it looks like I killed this thread with my usual verbose response.

Sorry!!!!

Please all fell free to provide your input while I sit on the sideline!!!

No I'm, sorry. I started reading your post but nodded off half way through. I'll drink some strong coffee and try again!

[tbm3fan]

No I'm, sorry. I started reading your post but nodded off half way through. I'll drink some strong coffee and try again!

A bennie might do the trick for you...

[tbm3fan]

My trips, out of country, came in bunches so it was feast or famine. 1976 I spent 3 months in Europe, enjoyed it, and always thought I would get back. That has never happened. Started grad school and then private practice and really couldn't get away for more than a week. Europe requires two minimum and at best four weeks.

In 1990 I was able to get away, partner took care, and was to go to Singapore for three weeks to visit a girl. My Swedish friend, across the street from me in San Francisco persuaded me to go over with him to the Philippines first, then fly onto Singapore but not to spend three weeks there. His live in girlfriend was a gorgeous Filipina whose father happened to once be the spokesperson for Marcos. Now the whole family was in Daly City where I met the entire family and even one of her sisters became a girlfriend of mine in 1989.. I digress, so back to Manila we arrive and his driver picks us up. My friend looked very much like Rod Stewart and dressed like him. Should say Rod dressed like Lars since Lars was older. Lars dealt in antiques and was well known so we traveled to fancy places, met politicians, and ended up as extras in a movie. Needless to say an American like me in Manila was eyeballed by almost every Filipina I came in contact with. The leading question was always where is your wife. No wife? Well. you can guess what that meant and many suggested a taste. Trump talks about the Art of the Deal. Well he knows crap, after Lars taught me the deal.

So, I did go to Singapore. A very clean city compared to Manila. A very orderly city compared to Manila. Seemed hotter and more humid than Manila. Also was boring compared to Manila. Met my friend there but she worked so the days were to myself. She obviously had some ideas as she came to the U.S. a year later to visit me. Only I was no longer THAT interested. I had such a great time in Manila that I had to go back and I did to a tune of three times a year from 1990-2003. There were two side trips to Thailand so I got a taste of that country. The reason I stopped in 2003 was because that is when my fiance arrived from the Philippines. I had seen and dated many a Filipina right up to Nov. 18, 2000 when I SAW her. We met Nov.20 and have been together ever since. I did go back once a year from 04-08 for a reunion of sorts which stopped after a few deaths. It seems the Philippines is not conducive to a long life especially if you drink and are a diabetic. Go figure.

Now working on my own meant no more two week trips as the office wouldn't be covered. Covid changed things around and so the family flew back and arrived in Manila on my birthday in December 2022. Went south to scuba dive, spent time at the family's house and visited a few friends who had managed to stay alive all those years without killing themselves.

[Albany Rifles]

My trips, out of country, came in bunches so it was feast or famine. 1976 I spent 3 months in Europe, enjoyed it, and always thought I would get back. That has never happened. Started grad school and then private practice and really couldn't get away for more than a week. Europe requires two minimum and at best four weeks.

In 1990 I was able to get away, partner took care, and was to go to Singapore for three weeks to visit a girl. My Swedish friend, across the street from me in San Francisco persuaded me to go over with him to the Philippines first, then fly onto Singapore but not to spend three weeks there. His live in girlfriend was a gorgeous Filipina whose father happened to once be the spokesperson for Marcos. Now the whole family was in Daly City where I met the entire family and even one of her sisters became a girlfriend of mine in 1989.. I digress, so back to Manila we arrive and his driver picks us up. My friend looked very much like Rod Stewart and dressed like him. Should say Rod dressed like Lars since Lars was older. Lars dealt in antiques and was well known so we traveled to fancy places, met politicians, and ended up as extras in a movie. Needless to say an American like me in Manila was eyeballed by almost every Filipina I came in contact with. The leading question was always where is your wife. No wife? Well. you can guess what that meant and many suggested a taste. Trump talks about the Art of the Deal. Well he knows crap, after Lars taught me the deal.

So, I did go to Singapore. A very clean city compared to Manila. A very orderly city compared to Manila. Seemed hotter and more humid than Manila. Also was boring compared to Manila. Met my friend there but she worked so the days were to myself. She obviously had some ideas as she came to the U.S. a year later to visit me. Only I was no longer THAT interested. I had such a great time in Manila that I had to go back and I did to a tune of three times a year from 1990-2003. There were two side trips to Thailand so I got a taste of that country. The reason I stopped in 2003 was because that is when my fiance arrived from the Philippines. I had seen and dated many a Filipina right up to Nov. 18, 2000 when I SAW her. We met Nov.20 and have been together ever since. I did go back once a year from 04-08 for a reunion of sorts which stopped after a few deaths. It seems the Philippines is not conducive to a long life especially if you drink and are a diabetic. Go figure.

Now working on my own meant no more two week trips as the office wouldn't be covered. Covid changed things around and so the family flew back and arrived in Manila on my birthday in December 2022. Went south to scuba dive, spent time at the family's house and visited a few friends who had managed to stay alive all those years without killing themselves.

That's what I love about the WAB...we have so many diverse life experiences and all bring a lot to the game.

Except for Monash. He is a stick in the mud!

[DOR]

Still can’t find Paris, for some reason (see above).

We got off the Eurostar from London in Lille, France, then drove to Bastogne (Belgium), across to Luxembourg, then south to Strasbourg dodging in and out of Germany and France along the way. Five countries in one day is a record for me, and something like 20 border crossings to do it,

You knew when you crossed a border because of the change in speed limits. 50kph (30s mph) through a Luxembourg village, then up to 70 (45) or 90 (58), or 100 on the highway. Enter Germany, and no speed limits. Back into France (same road), and it’s 120-130 (75-85), down to 70-100, then no limit.

Rinse and repeat.

[Monash]

That's what I love about the WAB...we have so many diverse life experiences and all bring a lot to the game.

Except for Monash. He is a stick in the mud!

I'm a 'stick in the mud'.!!! Whose the guy re-fighting the civil war in his head?

[Albany Rifles]

I'm a 'stick in the mud'.!!! Whose the guy re-fighting the civil war in his head?

You left out the Revolutionary War and World War 2

[statquo]

So I've done about 30 countries. Done all of North America except a couple islands and Greenland (Greenland is part of North America no?) I've admittingly not done a lot in the US other than for golf trips in the south and a recent trip to the Midwest. Also never touched South American soil. Done most of Southeast Asia and a bit into Africa and Europe.

Haven't really had any bad experiences other than Egypt. Have never been hassled more in my life by the locals and authorities. You want to complain about bureaucracy? Go over and get a taste of it there. It's exhausting. The Pyramids are amazing but I wouldn't recommend it. It's just not worth it.

Favorites in no particular order: Vietnam, Spain, Turkey, Cuba, Malaysia/Borneo. Could and will go back to those 5 for sure.

Next up will be India and Sri Lanka, and then Peru and Galapagos Islands.

[Albany Rifles]

So I've done about 30 countries. Done all of North America except a couple islands and Greenland (Greenland is part of North America no?) I've admittingly not done a lot in the US other than for golf trips in the south and a recent trip to the Midwest. Also never touched South American soil. Done most of Southeast Asia and a bit into Africa and Europe.

Haven't really had any bad experiences other than Egypt. Have never been hassled more in my life by the locals and authorities. You want to complain about bureaucracy? Go over and get a taste of it there. It's exhausting. The Pyramids are amazing but I wouldn't recommend it. It's just not worth it.

Favorites in no particular order: Vietnam, Spain, Turkey, Cuba, Malaysia/Borneo. Could and will go back to those 5 for sure.

Next up will be India and Sri Lanka, and then Peru and Galapagos Islands.

Those sound like some tremendous trips!!! I am envious!!! The one place I was hassled the most was Paris...but only in pockets. Still love the city. But once you get out of the city I really love France, especially Normandy! The more small town you get in Europe the more I like it!

And as for Greenland...well, it may be in North America but don't tell that to Denmark! They are a little tetchy since Trump tried to buy it!

[statquo]

Those sound like some tremendous trips!!! I am envious!!! The one place I was hassled the most was Paris...but only in pockets. Still love the city. But once you get out of the city I really love France, especially Normandy! The more small town you get in Europe the more I like it!

And as for Greenland...well, it may be in North America but don't tell that to Denmark! They are a little tetchy since Trump tried to buy it!

I think visiting outside the cities and the rural areas are essential in getting know a country. I make the effort to visit the rural areas and have been fortunate to homestay with locals a few times. You get to know the culture and the local customs and partake in them as well which is always a fun experience.

For example, I home stayed with a family in a village in Sarawak in Borneo. It was a communal village, so there’s like 50 people staying in each lodge. They had a huge supper and danced around, sang karaoke and we drank their rice wine. Their rice wine had a dead python inside the jar. They said it’s good for your blood pressure and keeps “other” parts of the body in good order. It may as well have been pure gasoline. I ended up sleeping on a gym mat in their living room. I was a little dry in the morning.