Travel

I saw this on Lisa's blog. You can go to this website and create a map of all the countries you have been before. This is mine - clearly lacking in red. :( According to the site I've seen less than 1% of the world. It's not that I don't want to go to all these place, I've always had places I wanted to go. Places to see. However, money, reality and responsibilites get in the way. So far, I've seen very few. Granted, I've been to lots of places within the borders of my own country. My dad was in the Marines and we moved a lot. I was born in North Carolina and quickly moved to California (lived a few places there), moved to Washington, Mississippi and back to Washington again. I graduated high school and went to Ricks College (now known as BYU-Idaho) in Idaho. Then went to BYU-Hawaii. That was one of the first places that I was really able to experience a little of a new culture - even though it is in the United States, it is very different from the culture and lifestyle of living on the mainland. I loved it. Then I went to BYU in Utah. I met Eric and he took me to Mexico once. We didn't stay long, so I didn't add it to my map. 30 minutes doesn't count. Then Eric and I came back to live in Washington. It wasn't until I was pregnant with Matthew that I really went out of the United States. We went to Vancouver, Canada. We love it there and have gone back several times, even venturing up to Whistler once.

But that is the extent of my traveling. one of my goals in life to to go and see some of the amazing places in the world. I would love to travel to Norway to see where my ancestors are from. To see where they lived and experience that culture. I'd love to see some of the beautiful countries of Europe - the famous buildings, landscapes, ruins. I have always wanted to go to Asia. My dad went to Okinawa when I was in 4th grade. I wish we could have gone along and seen and experienced that. Before I got married I wanted to go on a mission for my church. I always thought that Asia would be somewhere I wanted to go. Maybe someday I will make it over there. You never know. I'd love to go to Venezuela where my husband served his mission. I'd love to see the things he talks about, meet the people he grew to love and try the foods he ate. This is his map...

I know this is why the tv show, Amazing Race appeals to me so much. They are going and seeing places I can only dream of going to. I would LOVE to be a contestant on that show. It wouldn't even be about the million dollars (of course, I would gladly take it!) but what a awesome time that would be. Seeing the world and the cultures that are in it. Maybe someday when our kids are grown and have families of their own, Eric and I can go and see the world and experience some of these exciting and different places. I am SO excited about our plan for next year. It will be our 10th anniversary and we're going on a vacation. Just him and I. Our thoughts are currently thinking of going to Aruba and Venezuela. I can't wait.....a chance to see a little part of the world that I've never been to. Discovering and trying new things. According that the map, it will bump me up to 1%.

Comments

[Shannon Montez]

I totally could've written most of this! My map would look exactly the same. And I have this BURNING desire to travel. Almost didn't want to get married so I could go to Europe first, but decided he would be a better choice. LLLuuuhuuuuvvv the Amazing Race. I wish it was me. And our 10th anniversary is in December and we're going to do something exotic too! (not sure what, but it's in the plans!)

[Mom G]

Words of wisdom:
My grandmother Danny told my Mom after my Grandpa died very young " I have 2 choices. I can either rise above this or let it consume me."
Think this is good advice to all when they are tried,and suffer for any reason.

[Mom G]

Loved that site-i actually had 8%. Sure leeves alot of the world to see doesn't it.
Love, Mom

[Florence]

Thanks for the link!

[Lisa BC]

I loved reading this, Amy! I was just thinking of you today as I was going through my Hawaii photos since we camped so close to BYU Hawaii. Derek is totally into the Amazing Race and wants to do it, too. Aruba and Venezula would make an awesome trip. Congratulations on your upcoming anniversary!