World Travels

I thought I finally had these Saturday afternoons holed up in the third floor of the library behind me. But alas, here I am. Same project for work, same Brian.

Same blog to distract me.

A while ago, Mama Woerner requested a post detailing trips I've taken abroad over the years. I may work in some pictures later to make this a more interesting read, but I really don't feel like it right now.

The first time I left the US, I was a freshman in high school. I went on a mission trip to Aldama, Mexico, with the Belle Aire youth group. I loved it. It was very eye-opening and probably contributed (to some degree) to the course my life has taken since then--the degree in International Studies, etc. The best two memories I have from this trip involve (a) Graham, Ashley, and an exploding Coke bottle and (b) Shannon and a looot of parsley . . . but those are stories for another time.

I repeated the Mexico mission trip experience a few years later in my senior year. Different set of people that time around and a generally different experience. The strongest memory from that trip involves a bunch of little boys in some town we visited. We were handing out toys and one saluted me--God knows why--so I saluted back. Seeing this, every other kid in line from that point on saluted me to get a toy. The makings of my world-conquering army.

Next Came Montenegro, which I kinda think of as my first big international trip. I spent a couple weeks touring the sites of Montenegro proper (amaaazing little coastal towns with amaaazing fried ice cream) and then spent a few days in Belgrade (nicer than expected, and the best banana split I have ever had).

Sophomore year in college I went to Spain with my friend Missy. We spent time in Madrid and Barcelona. In Madrid, I got to see the royal palace (picture along the side) and my favorite painting (Picasso's Guernica). Barcelona gave me the opportunity to see all of Gaudi's architectural exploits and spend New Years Eve with an actual Spanish family enjoyed the traditional meal of infinite courses (we started eating around 7 and dessert was served after midnight). Best meal I've ever had.

And, finally, my most recent trip to Paris and Brussels. Paris was absolutely amazing, everything I dreamed it would be. You can't walk three feet without bumping into something of historical or cultural significance. Brussels was neat, too, but a whole lot more laid-back. Have to go back to Paris, but I think I've seen all I need to of Brussels.

Anyway, that brings us up to present day. I still have a bajillion places to visit on my list, I just need the funds. Oh, and to not lose my passport (it disappeared between Spain and Paris and had to be replaced).

Where has everyone else been/still need to go?