Feb 08 2009
I’ve Been Tagged–More About Me
I was “tagged” recently by Coffee Break, a great blog with all kinds of coffee-related information—recommendations on how to make it, info about the coffee industry, and even tips on where to find free Starbucks coffee. I enjoy the blog and I thought I could use this “tag” as a way to tell my readers a few more things about me and why travel is so important to me…
1. 1. I have lived in 2 continents, 3 countries, and 9 cities. I have visited 5 continents and 38 countries (roughly). I’m 28 and have only lived in the US for six years (which includes four years of college).
2. 2. I know that moving around has very much shaped who I am, what I believe, and how I form relationships—both positively and negatively. In college, I was a “Global Nomad” and went to a special orientation and the book Third Culture Kids (about children like me who grew up in a mix of two cultures) taught me a lot.
3. 3. One of my favorite books, even though it’s from my childhood, is From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg. I credit that book with a bit of my sense of adventure. In it, two children run away from home to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, hide out there, then research an angelic statue that captivates them. How cool would that be?
4. 4. I’ve eaten rotten shark in Iceland, felt the ground shake as a silverback gorilla beat his chest in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, spent the night in an igloo in Germany, built a playground for children in Romania, taken a cooking class in Turkey, eaten at a 3-star Michelin restaurant in London, floated in the Dead Sea in Israel, and done many other cool things—I know I’m lucky.
5. 5. I have a friend from high school in Italy and a friend from college in Virginia who are now friends with each other living in D.C. (I had nothing to do with them meeting) and a few other stories that reveal just how small of a world it really is.
6. 6. I spent 6 ½ years working for the Armed Forces Recreation Center in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany,which serves the men and women of our US military and their families. I worked as a waitress, a front desk clerk, a night auditor, an income auditor, and a Front Office Manager. I helped re-open a hotel with two weeks notice to serve the men and women on their two week R&R from OIF/OEF and helped turn a 94-room operation into a beautiful 330-room resort. It was a stressful, demanding, educational, and extremely rewarding time.
7. 7. Since college, I have made an effort to travel every year on my birthday and I use that trip to help gauge my memories: 2003—Ireland, 2004—Egypt, 2005—Canary Islands, 2006—Tuscany, 2007—Vienna, 2008—London, 2009–???.
Now, I’m supposed to tag seven more blogs to do the same. These are blogs that I truly enjoy visiting (in no particular order)…
Travel for the Over 30s: Lis has some wonderful travel tips and great destination information for travelers of any age.
Family Travel Adventures: This traveling Mom has some great tips on making traveling fun, educational, and entertaining for the whole family.
A Malaysian Abroad: Lynne is a Malaysian/Swiss woman living in Chicago and sharing her travel advice, knowledge about “her” three countries, and other expatriate info on her interesting blog (be sure to check out her 2009 Postcard/Link Exchange).
Nonfiction Lover: Although it isn’t a travel/expat site, I’m a book lover and Hava has a great sense of humor on working in a library (sounds somewhat similar to working in a hotel) and she does review some travel books.
A Postcard a Day: I love the premise of this site—Sheila posts a new postcard everyday from somewhere in the world with a few thoughts or facts on the site featured. There’s great variety and it’s fun!
Bulgarian Slivatree: This blog explores life in Bulgaria, a country I have not visited yet, but I enjoy the honest and personal observations and truths shared.
My City by the Bay: San Francisco is one of the cities I’ve never visited, but Joanne’s postings that range from news stories to upcoming cultural events definitely make it move higher on my “to visit” list.
And, although the site’s already been tagged, Postcards from Miss Igorata is another one to check out—this is another site where I love the premise—Miss Iggy is a doll that travels the world!
As a reminder, if you were tagged, you’re supposed to:
1. Display the tag (which can be downloaded from above).
2. Blog about seven facts about yourself.
3. Tag 7 other blogs in your post.
4. Tell the other blogs about the tag.
Thanks for the tag! And hey, this is a great way to get a second postcard too
I’ll try to get to this meme sometime - what with the traveling on the docket for the next few weeks, I might just forget.
… I’m going to have to look up Third Culture Kids, sounds like one of the few non-fiction books I’d be willing to read this year
… you really *are* well-travelled - that’s awesome! How much of all the traveling is “your own” vs having been brought along during family vacations? The annual vacation is a great thing, I used to do it too, for a while: made my one and only trip to China (just Beijing) that way.
I’m so glad I tagged you - what a fascinating life you’ve lived! I love the way this “Tag” opens us up to share a little bit about the person behind the blog.
P.S. - I adore Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, and read it out loud to my kids when they were little - and they adore it too. I wish I had Claudia’s adventurous spirit! Sounds like it rubbed off on you.
Martin–I enjoy your blog, so I thought I should “share the love”!
Lynne–”Third Culture Kids” really is a great book for expat children and expat parents. I’m not sure if they’ve done any updates to it, though, in the almost ten years since I read it… I’d say that most of the traveling has been my own. I had a lot as a child growing up in Europe, but since moving back on my own in 2002, I’ve been to many places (and this time I actually remember the trips!)
Miss Igorata–I am lucky and I try to remember that and appreciate all the wonderful opportunities I’ve been blessed with.
Santosh–My list keeps growing too. If only I didn’t have to work and pay for my trips…
Chameleonsdream–I’m glad you found it interesting! And good for you for sharing “Mrs. Frankweiler” with your kids–all kids should know that story in my opinion!
Jenny (I can use that name as I am your dad) you are an amazing lady. You are truly enjoying life and sharing your joy with others. Your mom and I miss having you nearby, but we really enjoy reading about all you have done and are doing.
We expect an article about your upcoming trip home this summer!!!
Dad