Vietnam is still at the top of my travel tour list. I had a trip planned for 2020 to Cambodia and Vietnam that had to be postponed of course due to covid. There is still a possibility of resurrecting that trip possibly in to late 2023. Hope you can join us Shy! Stay tuned.

I'm still LOL about your cross country family vacation. I had a similar experience one summer traveling with my family. Might be a topic for another blog! Regarding Banff, your post also brought back memories of my only trip there a few years ago. Was staying in Calgary on business and took a side trip. It was just one day but it was the town and park is a spectacle one never forgets. Did you make it to the Chateau in Lake Louise?

I've done a lot of research on Dubai and the United Arab Emirates. I agree that the spotlight is always on Dubai and especially on real estate investing but I don't know much about Abu Dhabi. Is it being modernized as much as Dubai? Is Abu Dhabi having the same renaissance?

Wow, that looks amazing! I've heard of the orphanages. So glad they have them preserve the elephant. Were they friendly or did you feel threatened at all?

Wow! Looks beautiful there. I've never been - yet! I can see why it would be a popular destination. What are summers like there?

Yes, I have take the Roman Coliseum tour. I find it really fascinating and especially when they take you below ground to where they would house the gladiators and lions/animals. Pretty barbaric but it was quite a popular event in its day. Every time I am in Rome I like to stroll by the Coliseum and I also sit across the street on a park bench sometimes for hours watching the tourists and taking in this breathtaking spectacle. And yes, I've done the Vatican tour several times. Did you get to the catacombs?

I haven't been to Prague (yet!) but have sampled Czech beer once or twice (ok maybe more than that!). Personally I really enjoy European beers and am partial to lagers. You also mentioned Germany - did you make it to Oktoberfest while you were stationed there? I was in Germany and Poland in 2015 and sampled quite a few German and Polish beers during that trip and of course Oktoberfest, a must do for anyone. Word of caution - do it while you're young lol as the beer flows far too freely and is served in Litersteins. It's a fun time but you might feel a bit rough the next morning lol

Love this Shylar! I was just reminiscing the other day on how fortunate I was for a few years BC (before Covid) as I traveled quite extensively. I’m looking forward to seeing your posts. So many great memories and experiences. Here’s one photo of the Roman Coliseum where I visited back in 2018.

Cool! The Temple Bar is a tourist attraction but you have to do it once! I agree, I loved the smaller pubs and trad music. I also found the food awesome - I think I had Irish stew 10 out of the 14 days I was there and every one was different and just as good as the last. Were you able to explore other parts of the country?

I was in Dublin and Ireland in 2019 but not for St. Paddy's (or the more formal St Patrick's) day. The group I was with commented many times during our trip that every day felt like St Paddy's day, especially with all the trad (traditional) music and beer flowing in the pubs everywhere we went. We also visited the Guinness Storehouse and the Smithwick's factory during our trip and had great parties at both of those must do tourist spots as well. Like you, I've experienced St. Paddy's day in other cities including New York City, which has always been a highlight for me. But to experience the real thing in Dublin sounds like something that has to go on my bucket list. Where else did you visit during your trip or were you mainly in Dublin? And did you make it to the Temple bar?

@Shy Bredewold yes, very well done and loved the premiss. And great music of course!

We'll all have to go together one day @Holly B lol

I've been to the Mayan ruins in Tulum but not to Mexico City. Have you been to Chichen Itza?

Such an iconic street. First tour when I'm in London is a Beatles tour - oh and to Liverpool also of course. Still my favourite band of all time.

I'm sure it's going to look awesome when it's completed. I've never been to London but it is at the top of my bucket list (well along with about 50 other places!) lol

Absolutely would go back. Panama is on my radar for a trip in the near future and would definitely want to take a side trip out to the archipelago,

I've actually been through the San Blas Islands on a cruise ship back in the 80's. They are off the cost of Panama and a beautiful chain of islands or archipelago. We spent the day on one of the beach island and met the wonderful local Kuna people of the islands. It's being kept preserved for ecotourism only thankfully!

Great news! And now it's time for revenge travel!