moirholj's VirtualTourist Home Page

So, for Christmas my family gave me a framed map of the world mounted on corkboard with a package of colored pins... the inscription has my name and the title 'World Traveler'. Could it be true??

Australia - Nov '07
New Zealand - Nov/Dec '07
Thailand - Nov '08
Cambodia - Nov/Dec '08
Nepal - Dec '08

I know my travel doesn't hold a candle to some much admired VTers, but for me, with my typical American vacation time, I've really started to pick up the pace. Maybe it was the daunting approach of the 30-something years, or perhaps the ever persistant biological clock breathing down my neck, but travel has become a true priority in the last 5 years with the past 12 months making a perticularly spectacular showing! The only question now is... how long can I keep this good thing going, and where to next?!

CALLING ALL EXPERT VTers.... What do you know about INDIA??!!
Tell me what you know about traveling to India! I JUST booked my tickets to India tonight! (10/12) I have have an invitation to spend time with friends in Kochi, Kerla in December, and after a week there I will tour Northern India on my own for another two weeks. I need all the help I can get from expert VTers! I welcome your advice and stories! I never imagined I would ever get the chance to experience India... I am excited beyond words!!! :-)

In 1992 I was scheduled to embark on my the first international trip of my life... a two week trip to Germany! The highlight of which was to be a visit to Neuschwanstein Castle. A silly thing I'm sure, but I was obsessed with the 'fairy tale castle' and simply couldn't wait to go. The day before I was to board the plane the Dr. diagnosed me with 'Mono' and I was forbidden to travel, let alone get out of bed for 3 months. Trip to Germany: CANCELED!! I was devestated, and remained that way for years and years, just figuring I would never get the chance to visit Germany, let alone 'my' castle. Fast forward 16 Long Years and my better half planned a short 4 day trip for my very special birthday to Munich and Neuschwanstein. Wow... a travel dream realized. Where shall I set my sights now that I've completed my childhood travel dream??

Although I currently reside in Maryland I am originally from Union, New Jersey. A true Jersey Girl at heart, no matter where I go, NJ will always be where I am really 'from'.
And before you ask:
Yes, I had huge hair from 1988 - 1991.
Yes, I love watching "The Sopranos".
Yes, I claim to know someone who knows someone who went to High School with Bon Jovi.
And finally,
Yes, alot of the stereotypes about NJ are in fact true, BUT, there are beautiful parts of NJ that everyone seems to forget, and I encourage you to seek them out and break the cycle of Jersey hating!

As a sidenote, my hometown's claim to fame is that it houses the World's Tallest Watersphere... (no I'm not kidding, check out this link! or the most recent link complete with blog here!

The first time I moved away from NJ was when I went away to college at the University of Dayton in Dayton Ohio.
GO FLYERS!

I love UD.

Dayton itself kind of pales in comparison to the other metropolitan areas in Ohio, like Cleveland and Cincinnati, as far as destination cities go. However, there is still plenty of fun stuff in the Dayton area to keep you busy! I get back to Dayton as often as I can to catch up with all of my friends - we always have a blast!

After Ohio it was off to live in Boston MA for two years. I fell in love with this city and getting to live there and explore every day left me feeling like I know the city inside and out. Just going out and exploring the city on foot (because WHY would you try to drive in Boston?!) was my all time favorite thing to do. It is my goal to someday move back to Boston because you would have to work hard to have a bad time there. There is certainly something for everyone in this big city with a hometown feel.

Rockville Maryland is where I am living these days and for those of you who don't know, it is right outside of DC. I moved here at the begining of 2004 and so far I've been having a great time. Although Rockville is almost totally urban sprawl it has the benefit of a great location. From my house I can be on the subway and in Washington DC within 15-20 min. On the other hand, a 15 - 20 min car trip towards Virginia leaves me driving along the rolling hills of Virginia wine country. It's all about location, and the location here is great!

Here I will insert a lengthy entry about my love of beer and my dream of tasting beers all over the world....but for now, a picture of a plastic flamingo drinking a Rolling Rock.

In the meantime I have started a VT album called
Beers I have loved Around the World Click and Enjoy! And then tell me where you have drunk your favorite beers so I can plan a trip to go there too!

Coming soon.... my dissertation on the importance of art and my life with an incredible Visual Arts Center outside of Washington DC. For now visit the website: www.visartscenter.org