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Post by Admin on Jul 14, 2013 2:19:08 GMT
The site could do with some travel stories!  And a poll or two!  So, how about a poll to see who's most 'worldly-wise' (my money's on Jim / Thylacine here)? Simple rule: Only count countries that you've spent at least 12 hours in (in case you've been on long coach journeys etc. without getting off to actually experience a little of the country). Similarly, countries where you've merely flown over or caught a connecting flight (without a significant stop over) shouldn't be counted. Pedantic rule: For sake of arguments, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland counts as 'one' (should you have visited the UK as a non-native). If you consider yourself English, but have been to Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, sorry - you can't include them. My example: As a child I went on a school trip to Italy where on both legs of the journey I passed through France, Belgium, Germany and Austria on the way. We overnighted in Koblenz, Germany. Whilst in Italy, we visited the deepest cavern system in Europe (I believe) in Llubljana, Croatia (Yugoslavia at the time). Years later, I lived in Athens, Greece and Tokyo, Japan. Whilst in Japan, I took a holiday to Bali, Indonesia. So, I count 5 there. I'm sure that will easily be beaten but if you're a landlubbing stay-at-home by all means post and explain why, if you like. |
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Fossa
Junior Member
Posts: 77 
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Post by Fossa on Jul 15, 2013 19:20:34 GMT
Before I finished uni, the only foreign country I'd ever visited was France, on one occasion (Normandy). I never had the time or money and was a bit afraid of flying. After finishing uni (2006), I realised that there was a huge world out there to see, miraculously overcame my fear of flying overnight and booked a trip to Australia! I've been trying to make up for lost time since then. This is where I have visited. I'd like to keep travelling but I think the cost of living down here may soon become prohibitive, unfortunately. France (x 3) Italy Australia (x 2 - can I count that twice? It's a big country!) Austria Spain (Tenerife) Portugal (Madeira) Canada USA Iceland Kenya I've also visited Jersey, but I'm not sure that counts. Inspired by Vic and my friend, I'm going to visit Madagascar in October this year.  I'd really like to see a fossa - yes, that is the inspiration for my username. So that is 10, or 11 if you count Madagascar. Sorry Ollie - but you did ask! |
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ollie
New Member
Posts: 36
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Post by ollie on Jul 15, 2013 19:47:13 GMT
Why would you count Madagascar (unless you're back from the future)? Very impressive total all the same, Fossa - you race into the lead! Territories and crown dependencies (or whatever they're called) are a toughie - because they confuse the hell out of me! I've been to the Isle of Man (comparable to your Jersey?). I didn't count it though. It was tiny when I was there and I've grown since, so I expect it'd appear that bit smaller still! Ps. I hope all those visits were over 12 hours in duration! |
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Post by cabbage on Jul 18, 2013 0:43:41 GMT
Why would you count Madagascar (unless you're back from the future)? Very impressive total all the same, Fossa - you race into the lead! Territories and crown dependencies (or whatever they're called) are a toughie - because they confuse the hell out of me! I've been to the Isle of Man (comparable to your Jersey?). I didn't count it though. It was tiny when I was there and I've grown since, so I expect it'd appear that bit smaller still! Ps. I hope all those visits were over 12 hours in duration! I've been to 25 I think. Some of those are a little 'cheaty' though I was in East Germany and West Germany before unification (I've never been to just 'Germany' though), Yugoslavia before it split (I visited what is now Croatia and Serbia), I've been to Czechoslovakia and also The Czech Republic and Slovakia, I'm also counting the Vatican City which is technically a country. I've passed through another two or three and also been to a few of the Canary Islands but as per the rules I'm not counting them! Most of it was done as a kid as my parents loved travelling (and getting away from the Scottish rain) so probably shouldn't count anyway. As an adult I've been to Spain, Italy, Poland, The Vatican City, Greece and Slovakia. Finances dictate I can't really make it abroad much anymore but I'm currently trying to collect Scottish Islands - so far I've got Inchcolm, The Isle of May, Arran, Kerrera, Mull, Iona, Skye, Easdale, and (stretching it a bit) Eilean Donan. I'm off to Islay this year so might be able to add a few more. So the list is Belgium Croatia Cyprus The Czech Republic Czechoslovakia Egypt France East Germany West Germany Greece Israel Italy Poland Malta Morocco The Netherlands Portugal Serbia Slovakia Spain Tunisia Turkey Ukraine Yugoslavia The Vatican City Not many wildlife stories as most were just holidays. Saw, and handled, a lot of snakes in Tunisia, where I was later bitten by a camel (I was also nearly mugged by a man on a camel in Egypt). The only real wildlife trip was the one to Slovakia. Seen some amazing things though, the Sun rising in the Sahara, the Pyramids, a ship sailing through the desert (the Suez Canal), The Sistine Chapel. Friendliest country was Morocco by a country mile. Weirdest trip was the coach journey through Eastern Europe just after the wall fell, or the Israeli soldier who smilingly showed me her Uzi machinegun as I waited to visit the Wailing Wall. Auschwitz is the place I'll never forget. Incidentally whilst at the wailing wall we participated in a local custom where you write a prayer on a piece of paper and stick it into a crack in the wall. Not being religious we asked for Hibs to win the cup. It worked as Hibs duly won the very next cup competition they entered (the league cup in 1991, one of only two wins in my lifetime!). I should really use my powers for good sometime. I think Madagascar is probably the place I'd love to go next I'm so jealous of Fossa! |
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And a poll or two! 
I'd really like to see a fossa - yes, that is the inspiration for my username.
