December is supposed to be a time for reflections, turning to thoughts of the future at the end of the month. My passport was returned to me today after a flying visit to London for processing at the Tanzanian High Commission, so I ended up doing both.
Flicking through it to check my new visa made me look forward to going to Africa next month. It also provoked memories of the past trips which got my passport stamped. I’ve only had this passport 4 years, so was surprised how many places it brought back.
Turkey twice – Istanbul and Kınılıada for sure, and I think Bodrum and Ortahisar too.
Ortahisar
Seems like a distant memory, but so much has changed since then.
Croatia twice (Zagreb & Dubrovnik), and the same for Bosnia & Hercegovina (Sarajevo & Mostar) as well as Serbia (a wee tour, but mostly Belgrade). Macedonia and Montenegro too, but only one visit each. So far…
Sarajevo
Can anyone tell me why we use the Italian name for Montenegro? I like Crna Gora better. Maybe it’s just that Montenegro is easier to pronounce. Kotor has mixed memories, but it’s a country I’d like to see more of.
Crna Gora
Morocco for Christmas 2 years ago. I was easily converted to an Islamic Christmas. Sunshine and 22° helped, of course. Spending Christmas Day on the Marrakech Express was fun.
Moulay Idriss Zerhoun
The USA last year. That was memorable. A real example of fortune rewarding the brave. Going on holiday with 2 women… crazy stuff.
partners in crime...
But what a great mixture of re-visiting old haunts – like East Hampton, Westhampton Beach, plus the bar in the Willard Hotel in Washington – and making new friends in new places.
It also provided one of those nights out which I’ll never forget – Sammy T’s (and then an Irish pub which is just a vague memory) in Fredericksburg, VA.
Downtown Fred (on a busy day)
Thanks to Sue & Chris for that. I laughed so much that it hurt. We all did.
© iain taylor 2011