This is one of my favorite pictures, taken a few years ago during a trip to London; I took this picture during a cruise through the River Thames on one of those days when the London weather decided to cooperate. That day we discovered that one of the best ways to see London’s famous landmarks, is from the river. As we went past London County Hall, I was duly impressed with the architecture of its building and had to snap this picture. You can see a corner of the London Eye peeking through on the left side as well a ship passing by. This week’s photo challenge: Two subjects.
A few years ago, fresh on the heels of Dan Brown‘s published novel The Da Vinci Code, I embarked on a three-week Global Perspective course in London, sponsored by the college I was attending at the time. I saw enrollment as a unique opportunity to study abroad while enjoying a bit of adventure and relaxation.
Sign post in London points to the Temple church
A few of my classmates (whom I met a week before the trip) had been reading The Da Vinci Code as well, so we decided to set out on a “decoding mission” while in London. Of course, we would do this on our own time. Needless to say,
Entrance to the Temple Church
it was a fun-filled adventure; of course it was a work of fiction–but what was the harm? Because many of the sites included in our course outline already included some of the places we planned to visit–The Temple Church for instance, the visit here became one of discovery. Would we be able to follow the clues to uncover the Holy Grail? I think not, but we had a lot of fun trying to. LOL
Yes, this venture was sheer indulgence, one with long-lasting cherished memories!
I received this challenge from Johanna Bradley, of http://restlessjo.wordpress.com a few days ago, and it made me think…a lot;(Thanks Jo, LOL) it also made me realize I need to get going on my bucket list pronto! Therefore, if there are any travel companies out there listening, I am letting you know now–I am available for travel assignments. LOL.
A: Age at which you went on your first trip abroad:
Nineteen, when I left Panama for the very first time–went to Brooklyn, New York, on a 6-month visit, yeah!
B: Best foreign beer you have had and where:
I am not much of a beer drinker, but I prefer light beers–Heineken, or when I travel to Miami, Cerveza Panama.
C: Cuisine:
Give me some Latin or Caribbean food any day of the week, (Panama, Cuba, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, etc.) closely followed by Indian and Mediterranean. I, however, am known for trying all kinds of foods at least once.
D: Destinations, favorite, least favorite, and why:
Image via Wikipedia
I love big cities New York, Miami, Orlando, and Atlanta where I once lived and still have family are favorites. I also love London and Paris, and Panama of course, even though it is not a big city—it is where I come from. I do not have a least favorite destination…yet.
E: Event you experienced abroad that made you say, “Wow!”
There are many, but the first time I saw a skyscraper in New York City, that image remains etched on my mind. I was nineteen years old and it was the first time I’d been away from my parents’ watchful eyes, I will never forget it.
F: Favorite mode of transportation:
Airplanes, I want to get there fast!
G: Greatest feeling while travelling:
Anticipation, Icannot wait to get where I am going, let the fun begin.
H: Hottest place you have travelled to, where?
Florida, in July and still we went ahead and moved here, LOL
I: Incredible service you have experienced and why:
Pampering received during a 7-day cruise to Bermuda, because they catered to my every whim and I loved it!
J: Journey that took the longest:
My sister and I, took a road trip from New York to Florida, twice; just for the fun of it and with our young children in tow. I would never do that one again!
K: Keepsake from your travels:
I bought two handbags in Paris; and a few Pashmina scarves in London. I usually shop for things that are practical and wearable, not too big on keepsakes.
L: Letdown sight, where and why:
I am sure there are some, but I just cannot remember them.
M: Moment when you fell in love with travel:
The first time I got on a plane, from Panama to New York. That was it!
N: Nicest hotel you have stayed at while traveling:
We travel as cheaply as possible. However, any Marriott usually does the trick.
O: Obsession: what are you obsessed with taking photos of when you travel:
Boats, beaches, sunsets, old churches, museums, and gardens usually get my attention as well as unusual sights. Architectural structures that are unique and beautiful.
P: Passport stamps, how many and from where:
Very few in the last few years–London, Paris, Bermuda and Panama; I better get going on that bucket list!
Q: Quirkiest attraction you have visited and where:
Image via Wikipedia
Orlando’s only upside-down attraction, WonderWorks, an amusement park for the mind featuring over one hundred interactive exhibits for people of all ages. I had the weirdest experience upon entering the exhibit building, thought it was moving–not. LOL. That was a very funny experience.
S: Splurge; something you have no problem forking out money for when travelling:
I do not mind splurging for a room with a view, and dinner at a fancy restaurant now and then.
T: Touristy thing you have done:
When I arrived in New York for the first time, I made sure to tour all the big attractions–Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, Rockefeller Center, Central Park, and all the museums I could get into; that was a lot of fun. Who knew I would be living there for the next twenty years and would get to visit those sites over and over every time friends and family would come to visit. LOL
U: Unforgettable travel memory:
Roundtrip London to Paris on the Chunnel, which included visits to many, must see sites and some off the beaten path places.
V: Visas, how many and for where:
I can only wish, but so far none.
W: Wine, best glass of wine had while travelling, where:
The best wine I have ever drank was had in Paris, at a friend’s home.
X: eXcellent view and from where:
Port Charlotte Beach Complex
Sunsets on the beach, in Florida
Y: Years spent travelling:
More than I can remember, but mostly within the states. Seriously, I have to get that bucket list thing going. LOL
Z: Zealous sports fans and where:
New York Yankees fans; don’t even mention the Mets to them.
Well, this has been a fun exercise (but it made me think too much) so now I pass it on to some of my fellow bloggers. Let us see, who is next?
Chica on the Move 