What are the most interesting places you've ever been?

finnbow · #1 01-27-2011, 08:42 PM

What places have you visited that you found the most interesting, enlightening or educational and why?

I've been to over 50 countries and all 50 states, and of all these places, the most interesting 3 were:

1. Soviet Union, April 1981 (Year after Olympic boycott). I went on a 8 day tour, 4 days Leningrad, 4 days Moscow. It gave me a clear view of what Soviet communism was all about. Dreary but highly educational.

2. Israel - 2 week vacation, Christmas/New Years 1983. Jerusalem is a mind-blowing place. Its sense of history overwhelms any other place I've been.

3. Kenya - 2 week photo safari, early 1980's. Seeing all the Wild Kingdom stuff up close and personal. Visits to Masai tribal villages was a trip too.

4. Runner Up - Istanbul. Beyond the fantastic sights (Topkapi Palace and Blue Mosque are incredible), the people are the most kind, gracious people I've ever met.

Charles · #2 01-27-2011, 09:09 PM

I've been to Arkansas and the county fair.

I liked Arkansas better.

Chas

finnbow · #3 01-27-2011, 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charles

I've been to Arkansas and the county fair.

I liked Arkansas better.

Chas

Funnel cakes got you down?

Charles · #4 01-28-2011, 05:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by finnbow

Funnel cakes got you down?

It was showing hogs that soured me.

Ever give a hog a bath?

Chas

Combwork · #5 01-28-2011, 07:08 AM

1971 Kuala Lumpur. Went for three weeks to try to untangle a mess (failed) and ended up staying 3 months, mostly driving old ex British Army trucks for the Red Cross during the floods. Nope, I didn't know how to drive a truck; it's a steep learning curve trying to drive the thing full of supplies down a flooded causeway accompanied by a map reader who couldn't speak English. We soon had some words in common, "Oh Shit" being two of them.

Brother_Karl · #6 01-28-2011, 07:12 AM

I havent been anywhere noteworthy.
Ive been to France, Spain, Italy, Wales, Scotland (possibly), Germany (possibly), Switzerland, Crete and Cyprus. So, I have never really been out of Europe.

Quote:

Originally Posted by finnbow

1. Soviet Union, April 1981 (Year after Olympic boycott). I went on a 8 day tour, 4 days Leningrad, 4 days Moscow. It gave me a clear view of what Soviet communism was all about. Dreary but highly educational.

I am so jealous. What was your impression? Did any of your views get changed or challenged while you were there or were your views simply confirmed? Why did you decide to go in the first place? How much did you enjoy it there? Was there anything particulary weird about the place that stood out to you?

Charles · #7 01-28-2011, 07:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brother_Karl

I havent been anywhere noteworthy.
Ive been to France, Spain, Italy, Wales, Scotland (possibly), Germany (possibly), Switzerland, Crete and Cyprus. So, I have never really been out of Europe.

I am so jealous. What was your impression? Did any of your views get changed or challenged while you were there or were your views simply confirmed? Why did you decide to go in the first place? How much did you enjoy it there? Was there anything particulary weird about the place that stood out to you?

Sounds to me like you've been around.

Chas