What was your most enjoyable travel experience and why? How long ago was it and would you go back?

Thailand. I was there over a month. It began right after the tsunami. No, I wouldn't go back. I almost went native that time.

Did you go to different parts of Thailand or just one general area?

I worked at an air field about thirty miles from Pattaya for most of it, well - actually, I was only working the first week or so - very long days, but the next month, we didn't have much to do at all. I spent the last couple days in Bangkok.

What was it like in Bangkok? I've heard of it but not much from others. I'd like to hear about it from someone who actually went there.

I liked what I saw of it. I stayed in a super nice hotel, ate in some good restaurants. It was pretty much average big city. I liked where I stayed outside Pataya more. Every time I visit a country I always have more fun and learn more about the people once I've gotten off the beaten path and away from the tourist traps.

Yeah I know what you mean. I wonder why they make the tourist traps different from their country. I mean like it won't show the essence of what the country is.

Its how they make money. Its a weird thing. There's a good Korean place I go to downtown here. Almost every time I'm there a tour bus of Korean tourists arrives and they eat there. I don't get it.

Anyway, I guess people like stuff that is familiar to them even when they're on vacation.

I'd say my trip to Seattle. I really enjoyed it becuase the city was vibrant with people, green with large trees, attractive with great views of the bay and mountains. And we would a pretty slick club the last night called Contour and enjoyed ending the night at the Hurricane.

I guess you're right. I mean I try to do different stuff when I go to places and see what its like there but I guess not a whole lot of people do that. I'll admit though, sometimes I'm drawn to what I most closely relate with there too.

It sounds like someone had a nice time out on the town. Seattle...that has that one thing. I can't remember the name of it but did you get to go there?

A really I love Fiji. I love the family centred and relaxed orientation of the people there. In January I head to Italy and specifically Rome, Pompeii and Herculaneum. I have a feeling this may take over as no 1. Time will tell.

Pompeii is a city? I'm sorry but I had heard the name labeled on something else. Never expected it to be a city. So how long will you be staying in each place? Or do you not know yet?

Tour goes something like:-

5 Days in Rome taking in much it has to offer including: walking tour of city; visits to Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Roman Forum, Circus Maximus, Colosseum, Vatican Museum; day trip to Ostia Antica.

6 Days at Vico Enquense as base for trips to Pompeii, Herculaneum, Climb of Mt Vesuvius, Capri and trip to Amalfi coast (Paestum).

I'm tagging along as a supervising parent on my daughter's year 12 ancient history tour. Not so lucky for her but we should have a great time regardless.

Seattle is a really cool city. Did you check out the Pike Place Market at all?

Oh yea Pike Place Market was very cool. That whole area around it was bustling with people and you could get all sorts of fresh products... I took a bunch of pictures if you'd like to see. My flickr Pike Place Market set