Far From Home

[jellyfishannah]

I was born in a little town in Alabama. Boring. I travelled all over America as a kid but (much to my great dismay), besides Mexico, I've never been out of the country. *sigh* I hope to go to Greece with my godmother next summer. Hope hope hope! And I also plan to visit russia and the ukraine in a few years.

And who here doesn't want to visit New Zealand?

[sun-star]

Originally posted by jellyfishannah
I was born in a little town in Alabama. Boring.

To me, Alabama qualifies as exotic

I was born in England and not even an interesting part of England . I've never been outside Europe (yet) but I've been to France, Italy, Germany, Austria, etc. which are so different from Britain that they seem "exotic" as well.

[Bridgette]

Born and raised (well I guess I'm not really raised yet... ok, raised as much as I have been) in a tiny town near Toronto, Ontario. Been to Florda, Maryland, South & North Carolina (and maybe some other states along the way that I just can't remember), Quebec, Prince Edward Island, and New Brunswick. I hope to travel more when I'm older, though.

[Falagar]

I'm born and raised (mostly) in Oslo, Norway. Not the most interesting or exotic city, but could have been worse (could have been born in Bergen ).

Haven't been outside Europe either (though most of my family have), but been to Germany (twice), Polan, Italy, France, Hellas (can't remember the english name right now), Sweden (a few times), Denmark (several times) and Austria. These are the ones I can remember, at least...

Always wanted to travel around the world, but I have never really gotten the time or money. When I get older, however...

[Beor]

I was born and raised in Minnesota, and I've lived in New York, Germany (my son was born in Landstul), and I've lived the last six months in Baghdad.

[Valandil]

Beor,

You active duty personnel? Then my Veterans' Day appreciation extends to you as well! May God bless and keep you and your family. Keep your head low, stay safe and come back in one piece, ok?

[Radagast The Brown]

Originally posted by Artanis
Through the years I've been to all countries in the western part of Europe, and some of the eastern countries, and to Israel, Egypt and Morocco.

You were in Israel! For how long? What did you see? Tell me everything!

Born and raised in Israel. I moved one time fro a city to a town nearby. I was in England, Netherlands, Belgium (I was in Belgium for few hours only) and Italy. Not really 'exotic', but fun.

[Insidious Rex]

Originally posted by hectorberlioz
yes there is. its not to nice either.
kinda a mix of new yorkian and a regular hillbilly accent.
glad i dont have it.

must not extend to the northern portion of the state which sounds as normal and bland as any other. Must mean downstaters. Now where is little Elvelyn when you need to tease her...

[Artanis]

Originally posted by Radagast The Brown
You were in Israel! For how long? What did you see? Tell me everything!

Everything? Nooo. But a little.
I was in Israel about 15 years ago. My boyfriend and I was on holiday in Cyprus around Easter time, and we were bored, so we jumped on this 3-days guided tour to Israel. It was interesting. We travelled by boat to Haifa and spent some time on a market there, and to Betlehem, and also visited a place where they were manufacturing diamonds. But the main visit was to Jerusalem. In spite of all the tourists it was a special experience, being in that historic city. I remember feeling tense because of the soldiers that seemed to be everywhere. And I was surprised to hear that all boys and girls served as much as three years in the armed forces.

I also remember when my bf and I were straying along alone in Haifa, people there took us for locals. They spoke to us, and were surprised when we didn't understand what they were saying.

[Radagast The Brown]

Originally posted by Artanis
Everything? Nooo. But a little.
I was in Israel about 15 years ago. My boyfriend and I was on holiday in Cyprus around Easter time, and we were bored, so we jumped on this 3-days guided tour to Israel. It was interesting. We travelled by boat to Haifa and spent some time on a market there, and to Betlehem, and also visited a place where they were manufacturing diamonds.

Nice. You did a lot for three days; I was only one time in Haifa all my life, about 2 times in Jerusalem, and never in Betlehem - it's dangerous there for Israelis.
I think this city could be one of two - or Ramat Gan, with the diamonds' stock exchange, or Natania, which is called city of diamonds fro some reason.
WAs it fun?

But the main visit was to Jerusalem. In spite of all the tourists it was a special experience, being in that historic city. I remember feeling tense because of the soldiers that seemed to be everywhere. And I was surprised to hear that all boys and girls served as much as three years in the armed forces.

In the ancient city, I would guess tere are many soldiers - especially now - because it's the arab city, and some trrorists come from there.
Actually - only boys serve three years. Girls serve 2 years, and most of them do less. (I'll be in the army too more 4 years) It's necessary to have all guys and girls in the army, to be protected from the enemy. (right now it's Syria and Palestinians)
Religious don't serve in the army, and arabs don't.

Would you consider Israel as exotic country?

[Artanis]

Originally posted by Radagast The Brown
WAs it fun?

The most fun part was in Haifa, on the market and when we went on alone in the city.

Would you consider Israel as exotic country?

Depends on what you mean by exotic. It was definately different from Norway, but still not very different, at least not in the cities. But then I don't think we got the right feeling of the country, it was only 3 days and we were following a guide most of the time. I would like to come back some day and spend some more time in Jerusalem. But not right now, as things are as they are.

Thanks for the info on the army.

[Khamûl]

Originally posted by jellyfishannah
I was born in a little town in Alabama.

I understand that. My theme song should be "Small Town" by John Mellencamp. I was born and raised in a small South Alabama town of about 500 people and now spend my weeks about 60 miles away at Troy State University. I manage to make it home most weekends. Sounds really exotic, doesn't it? (Ok, maybe just to sun-star, since it's Alabama)

[Dúnedain]

Originally posted by Khamûl
I understand that. My theme song should be "Small Town" by John Mellencamp. I was born and raised in a small South Alabama town of about 500 people and now spend my weeks about 60 miles away at Troy State University. I manage to make it home most weekends. Sounds really exotic, doesn't it? (Ok, maybe just to sun-star, since it's Alabama)

What about "Sweet Home Alabama"? That'd be a good theme song too

[Khamûl]

That would also work, except "Small Town" is a bit more specific to my situation. The folks in Birmingham, Montgomery, Mobile, etc., can't identify with that song like I can. "Sweet Home Alabama" applies to everyone.

[jellyfishannah]

Yep, except my family moved right after I was born. And again after that. And again after that! Really crazy. I live in a tiny town in tn, now. As redneck as you can get. The schools are awful...I won't be there too long, though, hopefully. *says quick prayer*

[jerseydevil]

Originally posted by Khamûl
That would also work, except "Small Town" is a bit more specific to my situation. The folks in Birmingham, Montgomery, Mobile, etc., can't identify with that song like I can. "Sweet Home Alabama" applies to everyone.

The thing is Khamul the song is actually about one of the places I lived - Seymour Indiana. I think John Mellencamp is the only thing that came out of Seymour. Although I have friends in Seymour - it's pretty redneck - of course not as small as your town.

[Khamûl]

I didn't realize that John Mellencamp was from Seymour. That's cool. I guess you learn something new every day.

[Aden]

Originally posted by jellyfishannah
I was born in a little town in Alabama. Boring. I travelled all over America as a kid but (much to my great dismay), besides Mexico, I've never been out of the country. *sigh* I hope to go to Greece with my godmother next summer. Hope hope hope! And I also plan to visit russia and the ukraine in a few years.

And who here doesn't want to visit New Zealand?

Well, you should come to Greece, it is ideal for summer vacations.
I suggest Santorini ( in Greece it's the best place to be ).

[GrayMouser]

This could take a while....

I was born in Edmonton, Alberta, but lived in Grande Prairie until I was six, when my parents moved to Vancouver, British Columbia. (thank God!)

I went to school in Vancouver, and continued to live there off and on until I was 32. I say off and on because I spent a lot of time working as a surveyor, first on the railroads and then in oil exploration- doing that, I worked pretty well all over Western and Northern Canada.

I also spent a lot of time travelling- make your money in the Frozen North, spend it in the Sunny South.

I turned 18 in June 1972 and left Canada on September 22nd of that year (the date was deliberately chosen ) , spent a few months in Europe and then headed South, spending the next two years working and travelling in eastern and southern Africa.

When I went back to Canada, I followed the same pattern of working bush, then travelling. My mother and sister live in England, so I used that as a base, but spent most time in the Mediterranean countries- Greece, Italy,Spain, Portugal and North Africa- Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco- anyplace warm and cheap.

I was also plugging away at my college degree, taking distance courses and doing the odd semester, and finally got my B.A. in 1986 ( only took 14 years). I went on an exchange program to China, teaching English and learning Chinese, and was there for about two years- Valandil, must have just missed you .

Wandered down through South-East Asia to Australia where I worked and travelled for seven months, then back up to India and Nepal (almost a year) before ending up in Taiwan, planning to spend six months studying Chinese and making some money teaching English.

That was thirteen years ago....

I now live in a small town on the East Coast of Taiwan, where it's still what the Portuguese explorers called it - "Ilha Formosa", the
Beautiful Isle. With a wife and three kids, I don't get around much anymore- back to Canada for a visit every four or five years, short trips to Thailand or Malaysia every couple of years in the school holiday- not the same as throwing the backpack on and letting the Road sweep you away.

Still, tomorrow's Saturday and we'll be barbecuing at the beach under the palm trees, so I guess I can live with that.

" The Road goes ever on and on
Out from the door where it began.
Now far ahead the Road has gone,
Let others follow it who can!
Let them a journey new begin,
But I at last with weary feet
Will turn towards the lighted inn,
My evening rest and sleep to meet."

[Valandil]

WOW! Fascinating...

We'll have to talk more... love to meet you some day! One dream of mine is to go to China summer of 2008 - but probably just before Olympics (I expect a zoo during), bring my family along for a kind of 20th anniversay thing. Is your wife a native Formosan?

How's Fafrad? (is that the right name?)