Explore the World
- Thread starter jj999
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Europe as a whole.
I love immersing myself in the history, architecture, food, culture, and landscapes.
I’ve been to around 10 different countries, but want to explore some of the hidden gems and/or overlooked countries as they tend to have a more “Old World European” feel to them like Albania, Hungary or Montenegro.
While I did enjoy London, there are aspects of it that felt like Toronto, in that it’s large, hectic, and noisy. I love Toronto, but when I go to Europe, I want to experience something new and unfamiliar.
I was thinking of heading to Curacao for the Canada vs Curacao Nations League game this weekend. But hobbying is only legal in the Red Light District and the Red Light District is closed. So, instead I'm heading to Toronto next week to watch the game at BMO and go hobbying to get some strange.
I would like to drive up to Tuktoyaktuk on the Arctic Ocean. From the pictures I've seen the scenery in the far north is spectacular. The trip across Canada to get there would also be great.
The farm in Yorkshire where my family came from in the 1800's is still owned by members of my family and is now a B&B, close to the North Yorkshire National Park. I would like to see it and stay there for a few days.
The farm in Yorkshire where my family came from in the 1800's is still owned by members of my family and is now a B&B, close to the North Yorkshire National Park. I would like to see it and stay there for a few days.
Been lots of places but I really want to double down on Europe before it just changes too much. I enjoy and embrace inevitable change but I really enjoy the classic European experience.
For example, Portofino. I've been several times but but oh, how I wish I could have experienced spending a romantic summer in the old Portofino, or even attending Bocelli's open air evening concert on the Piazza Martiri dell'Olivetta. I regret not accepting every invitation or opportunity to enjoy or create these perishable experiences.
For example, Portofino. I've been several times but but oh, how I wish I could have experienced spending a romantic summer in the old Portofino, or even attending Bocelli's open air evening concert on the Piazza Martiri dell'Olivetta. I regret not accepting every invitation or opportunity to enjoy or create these perishable experiences.
Europe is awesome.
I went to Prague and Vienna recently and enjoyed the whole experience. I love the architecture in Prague. Classical concerts in Vienna were nice. And the people were so friendly.
I am thinking of exploring Eastern Europe. Maybe Budapest and Warsaw. Where would you recommend?
Nice. I learned about Protofino from you. It is now on my bucket list travel.
Have you been to Rome, Venice, or Florence? If yes, how was the experience?
Eastern Europe is on my bucket list.
I’d love to go to Prague, but haven’t had an opportunity yet. I should have stopped there when I visited Germany.
You’ve probably done France, Spain, and Italy.
If so, I would recommend visiting Croatia. Hvar, Split, and Dubrovnik were all great and I would highly recommend visiting them.
Portofino is beautiful! How to enjoy it depends a lot on your budget and time. It's expensive but a doable touch and go day trip from Genoa or Florence on a budget. If you can afford a few thousand a day, the accommodations, dining, music, history , architecture and sea are well worth every euro. Timing is everything. Worth planning around functions, concerts, exhibitions etc.
The rest of the Italian Riviera is quite nice too, less expensive than Portofino and has its own charm. Cinque Terre and especially Sestri Levante are must see.
Not been to Rome nor anywhere south of Florence.
Florence (Firenze) is incredibly interesting! You could spend weeks there. The old university is awe inspiring when you consider what happened in those halls. The medical theater classroom gives me goosebumps. The science library with such well preserved old books... omg. How brilliant were these people!
Driving a car in Italy, especially the Municipalty of Fierenze is a fucking shake down when it comes to traffic tickets. i learned my lesson never to drive there, ever. Thousands of euros of tickets forwarded by the Rental Car company kept arriving in the mail for months afterwards. For dates and places I was never there. And absolutely no way to inquire nor dispute them. Fucking racket. Take the train.
Venice was Venice. We went in the spring, before the big tourist season started so it was nice and open, not crowded. But, meh, I didn't feel the vibe I hoped for. However, I really enjoyed Murano, an adjacent island. Loved the glass making craftsmen and other artisans. Spent 2 out of the 3 days there when visiting Venice.
Milano was cool in its own way. I love the Emilia-Romagna region! Been there several times. Parma ?!!! Modena! LOVE the food in the region. More than Tuscany!
I have some very interesting friends in the north so I really get to live the beautiful life as their guest so there's that!
There is a really interesting, high end brothel up that way too. Was incredible. Looked like a hotel. Name escapes me and a quick online search didn't ring a bell. I think it is actually just outside of the northern border of Italy.
This summer I'd actually like to go to Southern Italy, like Sicily. Just for the fresh tomatoes and seasonal foods.
Not much interest in Rome.
Hope you have a great time! LMK if you think of anything else when the time is closer.
Ciao!
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Eastern Europe is not for me. I am darker than skim milk.
That would be an adventure.
I wanted to bus it to Yellowknife from Edmonton at one time, but hotels would have been hard. Prebook.
I done most of western Europe and some parts of Asia. Not UK, Turkey or Scandinavian area.
Would love to travel North Africa Mediterranean sea shore. From Morocco to Egypt.
39 hours drive from Edmonton 3366km. You have to fill up at every gas station, and have gas stations marked on the map and call to see if they are still open before leaving.
That would be an adventure.
I wanted to bus it to Yellowknife from Edmonton at one time, but hotels would have been hard. Prebook.
What country is this North Yorkshire Park in?
I done most of western Europe and some parts of Asia. Not UK, Turkey or Scandinavian area.
Would love to travel North Africa Mediterranean sea shore. From Morocco to Egypt.
Thanks for mentioning Prague! I forgot about it. Never been but that's on my list now! I have an EU passport and have seriously considered fully retiring in a few years, for a few years, somewhere in Europe but language fluency is an issue to feel really at home. But Prague is a definite must visit!
Vienna is nice too. I went once as an escort to a wedding for a high society friend (with benefits!) in 'Wein'. Private jet there and back, Thursday to Sunday night! Fancy, fancy old money wedding. I'd love to go back, especially for the incredible FKK brothels. I understand they are next level when it comes to the beauty of the women in them. But that's an easy $10k week so will have to find a business reason or new client to make it expensable or at the least, tax deductible!
Budapest is an interesting city that I want to really explore. Again, I only spent three days there, twice. On business first time so was all scheduled. Attended the Red Bull Air Race there along the river and planes under the bridge! WOW!
First trip I saw this! Can't believe it was that long ago! 14 years!
Here is a better race with better city views from a personal side-trip in 2015
Both times I got to meet one of my idols, Peter Besenyie!
My favorite destination is India.
My most memorable experience was the motorcycle trip from Leh to Ladakh on the highest motorable road in the world. The only thing you get to eat during that trip was instant noodles and eggs
Breath taking views, absolutely heavenly. The Himalayas are something else. Just some stock images from the internet.
My most memorable experience was the motorcycle trip from Leh to Ladakh on the highest motorable road in the world. The only thing you get to eat during that trip was instant noodles and eggs
Breath taking views, absolutely heavenly. The Himalayas are something else. Just some stock images from the internet. I, being an 80 year old fart, have been to many countries, Europe, Caribbean, New Zealand, Australia and most states in the USA and every province in Canada except the NWT. My all time favorite site was the Grand Canyon until I visited Croatia and went to the Plitvice National Park and saw some of the most beautiful sites I have ever seen, a d actually the whole Country of Croatia from Zagreb to Dubrovnik and some islands on the Adriatic sea. I have also played golf in about 12 countries, over 25 courses in the U.S. and in Canada, Ont. Que. N.S, PEI, NFLD, ALBERTA & B.C. Too many great ones to mention.
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been to many countries, Europe, Caribbean, New Zealand, Australia
Sounds like you live a beautiful life! Full of exploring and savouring our wonderful world!
I just looked up some pics of Plitvice and it is almost psychedelic in its striking beauty. This place goes to the top of my list! Pre-covid I was in the planning process of organizing a smal group to spend a month in that spring to sail the Dalmation Coast before the main tourist season started. Then onto exploring the cities. I think that I might just skip the big expense of sailing and instead explore Croatia. I can just feel the beauty iof Croatia by your words! A (late) business acquaintance was Croatian and he spent every year from April to July there and said words could not express the beauty of Croatia.
Not much of a golfer but appreciate the landscaping! Did you ever get to play Fox Harb'r in Nova Scotia?
I love planes, but I am really uncomfortable during the experience of going to airports and flying in general... and I'll admit that I never saw the value in travelling to far away destinations. I get bored on beach vacations and spending time researching what to do and where to go and figuring out itineraries... It actually fills me with stress. I'd rather work, make money and deal with that stress.
Anyways, I've finally caved and will start to travel as per my wife's wishes... She's happy... I got an Aeroplan card and everything.
(PS - I'll also admit that Temptations, Desire and Hedonism destinations turn me on... I've hinted... Now that would be an experience!)
Anyways, I've finally caved and will start to travel as per my wife's wishes... She's happy... I got an Aeroplan card and everything.
(PS - I'll also admit that Temptations, Desire and Hedonism destinations turn me on... I've hinted... Now that would be an experience!)
The crush of tourism in Venice during peak season is intense, best to go during the fall. Eat what the locals eat, cicchetti (Venetian tapas), but bring Google Maps with you. It's very easy to get lost in the alleys and side canals of Venice.
I'm in training to get an item off my bucket list. Hiking to the top of Mt. Vesuvius.
i,m Canadian....visiting Peggy,s Cove...and The Rocky Mountaineer would appeal to me....................
Terminal? End it there?
Is there a brothel somewhere I can't see in the pic? ?
But all kidding aside, spectacularly beautiful indeed!
