Jen

Free Tibet

The people in Burma were the friendliest I met on my Asia trip. They were always wanting to help and to talk. They talked to me about the oppressive regime they are living under. A couple monks invited me to talk to their English school they hold at their monestary.

We always tried to give our support to small hostels and local buses instead of supporting the government run businesses. However, some things cannot be avoided; such as the fees to visit some of the archaelogical sites.

Bagan was a phenomenal archaelogical place to visit (would have been even better if I wasn’t “templed-out” after months looking at Budhist temples and having visited Angkor Wat).

I flew in from Bangkok since the land border crossings are still dangerous due to freedom fighters/terrorists (depending on your point of view).

Ecuador and the Galapagos islands are a fabulous trip. My sister and I went and had a great time. The eco-tourism on the Galapagos islands was on a boat called “Lobo Del Mar”, which had only a few people on it. I recommend you select a smaller boat because we saw the huge crowds getting off the large boats and you wouldn’t be able to see as many animals. They aren’t shy, but even animals have their limits.

We also really enjoyed hanging out in the Jungle and Quito is a great city.

Turkey was the best country for me when I went on my 4-month Europe backpacking trip.

Everything was so different from what I am used to. Very exotic, but also lots of archaeology sites to visit and friendly people (especially the men!)

Highlights: Oludinez, Butterfly Valley, Olympus, Istanbul, Gerome Region, Pamukalee

Greece was a highlight of my Europe trip. The islands are fabulous and the ferrys are a great way to get around.

Great place to visit, but very expensive for backpackers.

Highlights: Mont Blanc, Chocolate, landscapes

My friends Mickie and Michael live here and I have enjoyed visiting them twice.

Highlights were: Amsterdam, miniature town, Van Gogh museum, Anne-Frank’s house.

Amazing sheer cliffs above beautiful beaches.

I loved visiting Spain. I actually lived there between ages 3-4, but don’t remember, so it was great to go back.

Madrid has my favourite art gallery in the world – the Prado

Granada was the best historical site.

Very easy to travel around the country on their fast train. Don’t miss out on the Louvre.