Skip to main content

Thursday Thirteen #4


Thirteen Things about South Carolina Mom

13 places I have been or would like to go. . .

1. Santiago, Chile, South America
This was my first trip when I was in the military. It was awesome!

2. Virginia Beach, Virginia, U.S.
Traveled here with the military. I had a great time, although I only stayed for a few nights. It was too cold to swim in the ocean but it was nice to see the beach.

3. Palermo, Sicily, Europe
This is my family's roots. My great-grandparents immigrated to the U.S. from Palermo, and it was so awesome to be able to share in my heritage. I traveled here while in the military, and I loved every bit of this country. Mt. Etna is also located in Sicily, and on several occasions (I've been to Sicily several times), Mt. Etna was erupting. It was majestic to see, especially at night. Too many highlights to say what my favorite part of this country was, but the memories I hold will definitely last a lifetime.

4. Rota, Spain, Europe
Again, traveled here with the military. Rota is on the Mediterranean Ocean, and it was beautiful. I've also been here several times, and one trip we stayed in a villa overlooking the ocean. The hotel was a square shape, with a pool in the center. The climate is similar to that in the Southeastern U.S.

5. Al Dhafra, United Arab Emirates, Asia
This is located about an hour outside of Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. The 763rd Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron conducts in-flight refueling missions throughout Southwest Asia in support of Operation Southern Watch, a coalition force tasked to monitor United Nations Security Council resolutions restricting air and ground operations in Southern Iraq. The Air Force operates KC-10 refueling planes which are involved in sustaining US warplanes covering the southern no-flight zone over Iraq. Arab nation, Arab customs. I did learn a few Indian (from the country of India, not Native Americans) words as many Indian nationals lived and worked on the base. Sand everywhere, and I'm not kidding! High heat even in December and low humidity. I enjoyed learning new customs but truly was scared. This was during the time that Saddam Hussein was still leading Iraq. I was glad to leave and return home.

6. Suffolk, England, Europe
Again, I traveled here while in the Air Force. I met a friend of mine who was stationed at the base (I had not seen him in over a year) and he showed me around a bit. It was cool to eat at an English pub, and a bit scary to drive on the other side of the road. It was December when I went there, so it was very cold and rainy, much like England is portrayed in movies and such.

7. Oahu, Hawaii, U.S.
Beautiful! Once again, I traveled here with the military. A friend that I traveled with had friends here, and it was neat to tour the island with a local resident. I went hiking and of course swimming, along with shopping. The airplane "broke" while we were here, and it was the first time I replaced an APU (Auxiliary Power Unit- what provides power while the plane is just sitting on the ground before the engines start up). This was the best learning experience for me and I couldn't have wanted it to happen in a better place. We had to wait 2 days for another APU to arrive from the mainland, so we spent our time sightseeing. It was the first time I saw a rainbow while it was raining, and we were driving around in a convertible. It was so much fun! Obviously I have great memories of this place, and TJ and I had talked of returning together (he's been here, too). We'll see if that ever happens.

8. Yokota, Japan, Asia
Cold when I visited. I did not travel into Tokyo, which is the nearest big city, because of the weather. It was also rainy and foggy. I only visited once and would like to go back just to sight see.

9. Paris, France, Europe
I traveled here as an exchange student in high school. I visited many other cities besides Paris, and I have wonderful memories from the summer I spent here. I learned so much about French culture and language, and I am so glad I went. Traveling to France is what prompted my desire to travel the world, and had I not gone here, I probably would still be living in Ohio and never joined the Air Force. Most of my fears when joining the military were subsided because I had already spent time in a foreign country away from my friends and family.

10. Niagara Falls, Canada, North America
I traveled here on vacation with my family. I loved it, and TJ and I plan to bring our children here when they are a few years older. So much history and geography to learn here! The falls are breathtaking and I encourage you to visit if you have not.

11. Alaska
I have never been here, but I would love to visit one day. TJ's grandmother did an Alaskan cruise and had plenty of good things to say. Maybe for our 10 year anniversary coming up in '09?. . .


12. The Caribbean
I have never been here, either, but would love to, especially the Virgin Islands. That, too, would be an awesome anniversary gift (hint hint!)

13. Scotland, Ireland, Wales
I have never been but I was very close. I just couldn't raise enough money to get there. It was another exchange program, similar to the one I participated in when I traveled to France. I would still love to go, perhaps as a 25th wedding anniversary or something. I don't think I could go while my kids are young (and I couldn't afford to bring them with me!)


Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others' comments. It’s easy, and fun! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!



Comments

SJ Reidhead said…
I've been to #12 (many times) Wales, England, France, and grew up in SC in Fair Play, near Seneca and Clemson.

SJR
The Pink Flamingo
http://thepinkflamingo.blogharbor.com/blog/_archives/2008/1/23/3482443.html
Melanie said…
You are quite the world traveler! I love to travel. Since having babies I have pretty much stuck around here in the states...but once they get older I hope we can do some over the seas type trips! Fun stuff!
Greatfullivin said…
I have been to #'s 2,7,10 and 12. But would love to see 3 and 13. You are well travelled. I appreciate your service to our country too!
ellen b. said…
How wonderful that you have traveled to so many interesting places. We'd like to go to Ireland next. We've been to Great Britain and would go again in an instant...
Sandee said…
You are very well travelled. I hope you get to do the last three. Very enjoyable read. Have a great TT. :)
jenn said…
I never knew you were an exchange student. That's pretty cool!
Happy tt!
Anonymous said…
I've been to a few of those, but I'd be very interested to see the UAE. I have seen the inside of Abu Dhabi airport, but that doesn't count.
Unknown said…
You must've already gone to Rome??? I agree with VA Beach!
Anonymous said…
I would love to go to England or France. I have never been out of the country except for a missions trip to upper Canada.

I would love to have you stop by to check out 13 Phrases & their Origins. Also you may want to submit a recipe to win a programable slow cooker (shipping included in continental U.S.) for the contest I am offering for National Soup Month. Happy TT! Blessings, Cricket
SandyCarlson said…
You have a great travel shopping list!
Joyismygoal said…
been to #10 many time and I want to go to all th rest too
Gosh how fun to learn a little more about you! I've been to your blog before and always think: "gosh, she has beautiful skin." What did you do in the military?

I hope you get that chance to travel!

Happy TT!
Natalie said…
You've been to so many cool places! I'd love to be able to travel someday. :)
Anonymous said…
Visiting Alaska has always been a dream of mine. Hope you make it come true.
Man, I'm jealous of where you've been. I love to travel and see new things, but it's not easy to pull off anymore.
Joyful Days said…
I've been to Niagra! Lucky you for all the neat travels.
Anonymous said…
The UAE is not scary anymore! You should come and visit again, especially Dubai. It is cold here right now at 50F (I don't know if it's cold to you but we have summers of over 120F here)!

Thanks for visiting my TT.
Very divers list! I hope you make it to the countries that are still on the to-do list!
Liberty said…
Oh Alaska! That would be wonderful!

Happy TT!


Lib
Laura Paxton said…
I'm a SC girl, too...and living in Virginia now, thanks to the military...Ireland is BEAUTIFUL...I got to go when I was in college. I WANT to go back! Happy T-13!
I've been to some of those places and some I have never considered going to, until now :)
Anonymous said…
Next time when you travel in Japan visit Tokyo! It's like you never been to Japan actually:) hehe We could have a drink or two! Can't wait for our next trip come summer to Europe:)
i'll go with you, ok!?
great tt!
Sarai said…
I have a similar list I am dying to go to Alaska and see nature at it's best minus the pipeline. And Ireland is also on the list!
Sarai
http://www.saraij.blogspot.com
Nissa said…
You've been to lots of neat places!
Happy TT!
Darla said…
24 years either in the military or as a military spouse, and I still haven't been to half these places!
Cindy Swanson said…
I've got a lot in common with you! I've ALWAYS wanted to go to Scotland, Ireland, England and Wales...and Paris too, for that matter.

But guess what...I've also always wanted to go to South Carolina...and you're there! I would love to visit Charleston and Sullivan's Island. I've read a lot of Anne Rivers Siddons and Dorothea Benton Frank!
Unknown said…
You've been to a lot of places!! You should visit South Africa too :)
Anonymous said…
Scotland! I've been to Edinburgh, and even if I hadn't already been in love with the country, that would have done it.

I'd love to go to Paris.

Happy TT!
Randilin said…
I've been to Hawaii and it really was an amazing vacation and I had a wonderful time. Hope you make it

Happy TT

Popular posts from this blog

Thursday Thirteen #3

Thirteen Things about South Carolina Mom 13 jobs I have held. . . 1. Special Olympics Swim Coach Best job ever and very rewarding! 2. Preschool/Youth swim instructor My first job (I volunteered until I got hired on at the Y, then I was paid.) 3. Lifeguard This was my first paid job. 4. Crew Chief/aircraft mechanic on the KC-10 I loved it- I saw the world on this plane and pushed myself the farthest mentally and physically I ever have or ever will again. Of course I missed my family and friends, but if I had to do it all over again, I would in a heartbeat. 5. Debrief personnel I talked with aircrews after they landed about their flight/mission. I learned the logistical side of flying. 6. Tool Crib personnel I gave the mechanics tools for various jobs needed to fix the airplane. I also inventoried and ordered new tools, and that was fun. Until this job, I had no idea that tool companies have a representative drive around in a truck full of tools for people to use and try. It was during t

Thursday Thirteen #6

Thirteen Things about South Carolina Mom 13 Pictures from my life. . . Th, May 2007 Ta, May 2007 At the OBX, June 2007 Ta, OBX 2007 T.G. and Jenna, 1 of our dogs Th turning 5 in Sep. 2007 Eating cake, Sep. 2007 Me and TJ at the Wilds At the zoo, Oct. 2007 Nov. 2007 Thanksgiving 2007 Christmas 2007 All of us Get the Thursday Thirteen code here! The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others' comments. It’s easy, and fun! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted! View More Thursday Thirteen Participants