Me, being one of those people with a champagne taste and a decidedly beer budget, take my pleasures whenever I can get them. Traveling to far away places is something I dream of; a big part of my bucket list. So when NBC announced the popular “Where in the World is Matt Lauer” series was back this year, I waited with giddy anticipation to see just “Where in the World” Matt would show up. I was not disappointed, this year’s offerings were spectacular, fun-filled and very much a lesson in history and geography. The countries visited were breathtaking. The culture angles (my favorite) taught us all about the people, languages and dialects spoken, the music, customs and traditions, traditional dress and of course–the food, there must always be food.
I’ve followed this series over the years and always take something away from it; each place visited offers an opportunity to see how the rest of the world lives. Fascinating. For example the Swiss Alps, looked beautiful and inviting, but all I could think of was “it must be cold out there”. I lived through twenty years of winter weather in New York City, and even though I love this city, winter is not the time I would chose to visit.
I come from a warm, tropical weather country, Panama, but still prefer temperatures that fluctuate somewhere between 50 and 85 degrees. Not always attainable, but preferred nonetheless. Case in point? We currently live in SW Florida, enough said.
With that in mind, my two favorite of the featured countries this year were Madrid and Barbados; with Kuala Lumpur following right behind; they have all now been added to my bucket list. I constantly barrage the hubby with travel ideas “torture” as he calls it, but my travel dreams include visits to Greece and Rome too. A few years ago I managed to land a 3-week trip that took me to London and Paris; it was part of a global perspective class I took at Eckerd College, where I completed an undergraduate degree. It was a glorious experience, one I will never forget, and the best part of it? It was a “real” credit class with lots of writing required to document the experience.

We spent two weeks in London, where we visited the essential sights: Westminster Abbey, the Globe Theater, Buckingham Palace, the National Portrait Museum, and many more. In Paris, where we only stayed five days, the most memorable sites include The Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, Musee’ D’ Orsay and Notre-Dame Cathedral. Of course; in both places we experienced fabulous and delicious cuisine as well as enjoyed daily tours that informed the mind. Charles Dickens‘ home comes to mind.
This trip took place five years ago but I will forever relish the memories. The mind is a powerful tool, it serves to keep snapshots of points and places in time. Taking lots of photos, helps too.
If you missed “Where in the World is Matt Lauer” last week, here is a link: http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/45285715#45254966
Oh, how amazing. A 3-week trip abroad AND it counted for credit. Congrads to the graduate on the degree! I just got mine 4 years ago. It feels like ages ago! I think you get so much more out of it if you go back as an “adult.” ha!
And my husband too looks at my travel plans as “torture.” What is wrong with them?!!
I am so glad I took that class; even though I had been to London before, that visit cemented the deal. I love both cities so much I am itching to go back. You are right Adult Ed makes much more sense to me, at that point in life you “really” get it and dive into it.
Don’t know what’s up with the guys, I will go traveling in a NY minute, if only I had the cash. LOL!
Me too! Me too! Maybe we’ll meet on a plane one day. You never know. Weirder things have happened. It’s a small world!! 🙂 Then we could write a book about it!
That would be so interesting, I keep looking out for writing conferences I might be able to go to. Maybe one day…!
I’ll be looking too. We’re close to the same area. Let me know if you find one first!
I will!
I’ve always wanted to go to London; you rock!
It is one of my favorite cities along with NYC. I hope I can go back soon!
I too love to travel to far away places in my imagination. It seems that whenever I read a book, I add to the the list of places I’d like to visit. Since I am hooked on historical fiction, many of these places are out of my little world in Northeast Florida, but I always dream of the day when I can really visit. Until then, I’ll visit through my reading and imagine of what it was like to be there in that time, place and circumstance!.
Keep up the great writing here……
I apologyze for taking this long to respond; I took off for Thanksgiving. Had a wonderful few days with the family and am now ready for Christmas! Thanks for leaving a comment, I am loving the connections on LinkedIn. Hope you had a wonderful holiday.
I felt like I was a magic carpet reading your blog post. I kept hearing myself say: I want to be there NOW! But its good to savour the longing to explore and wonder what new places are like, so I am grateful that your post invited me to explore these feelings. Inspiring journey, life immensely rich, even if drinking beer or Kool-aid. Out of dreams reality is born. You gave yourself the permission to dream and to walk into your dreams but turning them into reality. Travel for me is deluxe conscious dreaming, where we hold hands with mystery, trusting that we are in her good hands.Thanks Marcia
Thanks for your kind words, Edgar. I truly appreciate your comments.
Given the opportunity, I would get on plane, go visit my “bucket list” of places to see, and write about it. I find the combination between words and intriguing locales fascinating. I love to explore, report and dig into cultural lifestyles. If we all had the same approach to life we would get along easily. Nothing beats getting into each other’s psyches to see where we are coming from to foster understanding. Besides that, I love to see ancient architecture.
Thanks again!
Have you made it to Australia? Just got back from Philippines on Saturday 🙂 a short trip in comparison!!!
I am so jealous,.. Philippines! Never been to Australia, but hope to do so one day. I am slowly adding to my list. I traveled from London to Paris on the Eurostar and loved the experience. I am hoping to travel Europe by train whenever I can.
One can dream, right?
Nice post. The phrase about budgets you used is funny. My Nana says, “He has champagne taste on a kool-aid budget.” LOL
Traveling is great, even if in our minds or when we watch others do it on television or online.
I miss England. I havent been in a few years. I love it there too 🙂
Thanks. Anyway you phrase–it comes out the same “no money”. Lol! I’ve been to England twice, Paris once; love them both! I am a city girl at heart, love museums, concerts, plays all that stuff. I lived in NY for 20 years and got my city training there. So am always comparing and pining for big city stuff. Thanks for your comments, let’s stay in touch.