Countries visited: Belgium, France, Germany, Switzerland, Greece, Turkey, Mexico, Colombia, Canada, China
Favorite place: In a way, every place I have visited is my favorite. Each one has something(s) that absolutely stands out
The "pinch myself.I can't believe I am here" place: The Great Wall of China..without a doubt.
Most exotic place: Istanbul, Turkey..especially the Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar.
Coolest place: I just love Mexico!! There is something about the soul of the people and the spirit of the country. It is very intoxicating and highly addictive.
Places I would most like to go, but haven't visited: India, Japan, South Korea, the African Continent, the Nordic countries, New Zealand..the list could go on and on.
Most surreal experience: It's a tie...seeing an elephant walk down the street in Ghent, Belgium on St. Patrick's Day; Watching a gypsy lead a bear across the street in Istanbul, Turkey.
Most intense experience: Poverty...realizing the brutal conditions and futures that some of the worlds citizens face is a very sobering and intense moment in time.
Best story: 1) In Greece in the early 90's, I am staying near the Iraqi embassy. I have forgotten the street address and my only point of reference is the embassy. You should have seen the look I got as an American asking to go to the Iraqi embassy; 2) Being in Mexico for the 2002 World Cup..the evening before the USA had beaten Mexico and knocked them out from the tournament. The next day the streets and city are just silent (very unusual) I am walking past a restaurant that I had been to several times and out of the back I hear this faint and accented chant.."USA, USA"
Best food/meal: Very tough..China, Mexico, etc...all have terrific food; but the best of all has been in Colombia..WOW!!!
Most exotic food/meal: Definitely China..I am not sure what everything was, but it was all very good. My favorite individual meal..hands down...HotPot overlooking the Yangtzee River in Chongqing, China.
Funniest moment: 1) In Mexico one time we were being treated to a very traditional folk dance evening. I look up and one of the dancer's zipper has come down..the poor man had to complete the routine in a very "uncomfortable" manner. I felt bad for laughing, but it was really funny; 2) I am at the "silk" market in Beijing. After a day of shopping/haggling I have one more present to purchase. I don't feel like haggling over a few dollars...so after her first offer I agree. The sales clerk (a young female) looks at me and says "come on...you can do better than that".
Biggest accomplishment: Doing a full lecture on International Economics in Spanish to a class whose English was very limited. It actually went very well...perhaps I should try it here!!!
Most awkward moment: Meeting with the President of the Joint Turkish and Greek Chambers of Commerce. I asked him a pretty lame question and he just looked at me like I was an idiot. In the end, very cool guy with a wealth of interesting things to say.
Biggest faux pas: Letting myself get too run-down and getting sick. I have done this a couple of times..and I know better.
Most embarrassing moment: Being on the beach in Colombia in January. I have zero tan in the winter and most Colombians are blessed with a bit more pigment. To say the least, I stood out quite a bit.
Most frustrating moment: Anytime you deal with airlines...there is frustration. It is a part of the deal. In almost all instances, it works out.
Most spectacular vista: Sunset at the Isle de Rosario near Cartegena, Colombia..stunning!!
Favorite purchase: I picked up some knick-knacks in Corinth, Greece. I can't go into details here...but they are hysterical.
Longest plane ride: From Minneapolis to Tokyo (around 14 hours). It really wasn't that bad..once you got into the rhythm of the flight. The hard one was the four hour flight that followed.
Longest journey: To China...a great experience...but that is a long way.
Best travel tip: Pack light and invest in a good bag. Light, maneuverable, multi-purpose is a good start. Also, a great and positive attitude is the most important ingredient to a fantastic journey.
Favorite misconception of America/Americans: That our life is like they see it on television and the movies. It is astonishing to see the look on their faces when they learn the truth.
Most surprising thing(s) learned: 1) When you travel you learn more about yourself than you ever thought possible; 2) Differences in the alphabet are usually much more challenging than language differences; 3) Food and music is important to many cultures in the world.