Australia

This week we will talk about Australia- another fascinating part of the world. Many people aspire to go there but few do, mainly because it is so far away. If you live on the East Coast of the United States you must first fly to Los Angeles or San Francisco and then board another flight for 14 hours.

I've been fortunate to visit Australia 4 times with another visit planned for this July. I have a good friend who lives there so when I am there I get an inside perspective of this beautiful country.

I will talk more about the country and its people in class, but until then, what are your thoughts and perceptions of this country? What have you heard about it's people and culture? Would you want to go there? If so, where would you like to visit? Many people can only get to Sydney or the Barrier Reef when they are there but the country is rich with incredible cities and sites such as Melbourne, Perth, Darwin, Alice Springs, and the Kimberly.

I'm looking forward to reading your thoughts.

Africa & the Middle East

When we began this course, many of you wrote that you were most looking forward to our discussion of Africa and the Middle East. For this week's blog, tell me why you feel this way? What intrigues you about this part of the world?

Also- on a side note- are any of you interested in travel to the Middle East despite it being such a dangerous part of the world? If so, discuss why you would do so.

The deadline for posting to this in Thursday, Jan. 25th by 2:30 PM.

Fascinating Places

What is the most fascinating place you have ever seen? It could be something you saw in the United States as well as a site you visited out of the country.

In my case, I would say that the Grand Canyon is the most spectacular site I have visited. If you ever have a chance, try and get there. In fact, I have found that Northern Arizona itself is quite spectacular. The mountain cities of Sedona and Flagstaff are quite beautiful and are certainly a contrast to the desert cities of Phoenix and Tucson.

Internationally, without a doubt, the Great Barrier Reef in Northern Australia is the most amazing site I have seen. I went snorkeling there many years ago. It's unbelievable! I've also snorkeled in the Caribbean, the U.S. and Mexico but they don't compare to the Great Barrier Reef.

Runners-up would include some of the magnificent waterfalls in Iceland (because you can get very close to them) as well as Uluru (Ayer's Rock) in Central Australia. Both are really once-in-a lifetime experiences. In the U.S. I've also enjoyed the beaches of San Diego and San Francisco. And of course, standing in New York City's Time Square at night is something not to be missed.