MM212's VirtualTourist Home Page
| Page Views: 11,168 | Back in France by MM212 - last update: Jul 2, 2009  |
| ...I would travel the world! |
Magic Carpet If only I had one... Who am I?Someone who grew up in multiple cultures, exposed to multiple languages, and has roots in several countries. As a result, I am a cross between a true world citizen, a nomad and a chameleon, not belonging anywhere in particular nor fitting any stereotype. Where am I?New York City has been home for the past 14 years. It is a fascinating city with perhaps the most direct flights to destinations around the world, giving it easy access, distance notwithstanding, to the far reaches of Earth. New York City is wonderful, but I take every opportunity available to leave the city and see the world. About Travelling...While I have been travelling since childhood, my earlier travels had been confined to five countries. Since the beginning of the '90s, my goal had been to visit at least one (any) new place each year. I was successful for a good part of the following decade, but quickly realised there were more places I wanted to see than there were years left in my life expectancy! By then, in 2004, I caught the proverbial travel bug and there was no turning back. With a mixture of pure luck (short sabbatical, business travel) and determination (regular holiday travel), I've been travelling more than I had imagined. Where do I travel?The Mediterranean region, by far, appeals to me the most, yet I definitely enjoy travelling everywhere. I am most fascinated by architecture, ancient civilisations, history, local cuisine and culture, especially in areas that have been dominated by different empires throughout their history or have existed where civilisations came in contact. These areas tend to have the richest heritage and traditions (e.g., Istanbul, Lebanon, Andalucía and Mexico City). I like to mix with the locals, sample their food, understand their traditions, learn their history and admire their architecture, and if possible at the end of the day, return to an elegant and comfortable hotel. Although I find first-time visits most exciting, I tend to enjoy even more returning to places I've already seen. In addition to personal holidays, my work has allowed me to travel frequently to the Middle East and Europe, as my travel history indicates. Add VT to the mix...VT has definitely altered the way I travel. Not only has it nurtured my desire to travel (thanks to other members), but it has also enhanced the way I travel, look at things and photograph them. With digital photography, I now take photos of most things I encounter with the hopes of finding something intriguing to share with VT members. I am certain many of you VT members would understand...
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| Casa Batllò - Barcelona - Feb 2005 |
|  | Upcoming Trips We all seem to agree: there are so many places, but such little time. I find myself always attempting to maximise travel given the negligible amount of holiday time allowed...
June/July: la Côte d'Azur, with a possible side trip to Italy
Three incredible years now on VT (as of the 12th January 2009)! In 2008, I made 11 distinct trips, 8 of which were outside of North America, in a total of 15 countries (not counting the Frankfurt Airport). These trips included four new countries (Oman, Jordan, Argentina, and Brazil) and 8 or 9 new locations. Not only were there many highlights, including Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro and second visits to Syria and Barcelona, but also a couple of surprises, such as a day trip to Beirut and a day in Amman. Although I made fewer trips than 2007 in total number, they tended to be longer and to cover more countries. The trend, though, was very similar to the past couple of years. 2009, however, is likely to be rather different, with business travel largely over for me, but the dream of taking several months off now a reality! |
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 Comments for MM212 | | | | |
Delia_Madalina Sat Jun 27, 2009 12:46 UTC
France? Do you stand still for more than a week? :) Thank you. It was a self reminder for later on. I can't wait so share the impressions. | Tijavi Mon Jun 22, 2009 14:38 UTC
Thanks for the note on my Siena page. Oh, what lovely opening photo from Pisa. Did you get to climb the Leaning Tower? It was probably one of the highlights of my trip. | call_me_rhia Fri Jun 19, 2009 14:10 UTC
summer hols have started today... and it's raining... :-) how is to be back in the big apple after such al ong time? | joiwatani Tue Jun 16, 2009 12:35 UTC
Great pages! Will follow your Italian pages! I was there in Feb but haven't posted them yet. |
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