hat53's VirtualTourist Home Page

The value of the memories you collect on your travels can't be expressed in money.
Meeting people, impressive wildlife, sleeping under the stars, being outdoors and experiencing the freedom of traveling.

They say it is better to travel one mile than to read a thousand book. I fully agree. If you can leave your prejudice at home and have respect for the people and nature you will be surprised.
Stranger inviting you to come and drink a cup of tea. Animals that suddenly surround you or mother nature that gives you a private show. Maybe we were lucky, but don't you think that you get what you deserve?

When I was 10 years old I made my first big trip. With my parents in the car to St. Lunaire in Brittany France. Camping. I still remember the first time I saw hills. This was a wonder for me, living in the flat Netherlands. We also learned during these holidays that I have high anxiety. A lot of new experiences. Nevertheless I wanted more. When I was 18 and had my drivers license I started to discover Europe with my tent in the back of my car. First Italy and the next year Yugoslavia, (nowadays Croatia) followed by Italy again, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Spain. I learned a lot about European history during these travel, I always like to combine excursions with relaxation.

Our first big overseas trip was in 2000. I won a Sales incentive at my work. One week to the Bahamas. That was when I decided that I wanted to see more outside Europe. Due to sad family circumstances we couldn't make our first big trip until 2002. We wanted to see the rain forests of Costa Rica and Panama. It was a great experience. Watching turtles lay eggs, monteverde, and the volcanoes.
In 2003 we planned to visit Syria and Jordan, unfortunately G.W. Bush decided to start a war against Iraq and we were advised by the Dutch government not to go to Syria or Jordan. So we changed our plans and went to Morocco. Also great experiences, seeing the medina’s, sleeping under the stars in the dessert and the hospitality of the Moroccan people.
That summer we planned a big tour trough Southern Africa. 3 weeks and 7000 kilometers. We visited 5 countries (RSA, Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe/Zambia). Again I returned with great experiences wildlife, desolate nature and an accepted proposal.
Our next trip was in April 2004 our honeymoon to Hawaii, seeing the lava flow on the Big Island and the unforgettable Na Pali coast of Kauai.
One hot spot wasn't enough that summer we visited another one: Iceland. Rough nature, glaciers and the power of nature.

In May 2005 we visited Syria, Jordan and we made a day trip to Lebanon. We saw lot's of old architecture and were impressed by the beauty of Wadi Rum and the kind people in Syria.

July 16th we left for a trip to the Baltic states and a visit to Saint Petersburg. This was a very interesting trip. The Baltics, it is like going back in time 100 years. Not that many tourists and a relaxed atmosphere, if you leave the capitals. These countries have great potential. St. Petersburg is amazing. I think it is the most beautiful city op Europe, a combination of Amsterdam, Venice, Paris and Russian nostalgia.

Booked a trip to Istanbul, Turkey. Leaving October 16 and had to return in a hurry the next day... We must go back some day.

For 2006 we did not plan a big trip. We bought a new house and had a lot of work to do. After moving and decorating the house we booked a Hotel in Tunesia for relaxing after the hard work... NOT. Afraid of boredom at the pool side we booked a two day trip to the south. A long trip but woth the efford.

For summer holiday we had a discussion we to go. It had to be Malaria free. Finaly we agreed on Cuba but that trip was cancelled a few weeks before departure. Looking for other option Ethiopia and Jemen passed by but we decided to go to Uzbekistan. What great choice. It was all we expected and all we did not expect. A friendly nation in the middle of Asia. And we returned with a great new souvenir.

In April 2007 the greatest journey of all will start; parenthood. So, next two years we will stay in Europe and pick up camping again and explore unrevealed countries near home, if can wait that long.