A friend of mine told me this year that she was having a challenge in keeping up with where I was.  Yes, I traveled a great deal this year.  I thought I would share with you my thoughts on many of the destinations I was able to explore.  I added a few pictures in order to try and break up all the text a bit.  If you have a contradicting opinion to what is written below, I would love to hear from you.

 

Destination	Scooter's Thoughts
Miami	Miami At Night Hot and Humid.  Okay, that’s the obvious.  Lots of sights to see, even if you have just one day.  Just pick it and see it, but plan on some of the worst traffic you’ll encounter.  If it’s raining, expect flooded streets almost anywhere you go.  The best things about Miami are the friends that live there.
Nassau	Armpit of the world.  (Not even a can of "Right Guard" can protect you here!)  Unless you are at a resort, the island itself is nothing to brag about.  Be ready for offers of drugs and frequent rat sightings on the streets of downtown Nassau.
Freeport	A waste of time.
Barbados	Barbados Sun and sand and a laid back atmosphere.  The island is beautiful, friendly, and has a bit of a British air about it.  Check out the Concord Museum if you have the time.
The Azores	Quaint.  Friendly
Acapulco	Can you say swine flu?  I arrived during the outbreak.  The bars and clubs continue to have a spring break atmosphere, no matter what time of year it is.  The smog is disappointing as you fly in.
Puerto Vallarta	Enjoy the beach.
Los Angeles	Can’t make a comment this year as we were detained onboard by the officials.  But hey, I love LA and I am sure you will too.  Once again, a city that offers a great deal for everyone.
Vancouver	Who doesn’t LOVE Vancouver?  If you have ever been, you are a devoted fan of this diverse city.  If you haven’t been, make sure you plan a visit at some point in the future.  The city is gorgeous and Stanley Park is worth a visit.
Juneau	Enjoy Traci’s Crab Shack.
Ketchikan	Two words: Burger Queen.  Yes, Burger Queen...this is not a typo.  Though a bit expensive, it is worth a visit for the best burger in Alaska.  Expect a bit of a wait as it is very popular.  If you want, wait across the street at the Happy Bears bar.  They deliver.
Skagway	Rustic.  Get into the mountains with the train or do a helicopter glacier tour.
Victoria, BC	A place I want to return to and soon.  Talk about a beautiful city.  On top of seeing this beautiful place, I got to visit with two friends over dirty martinis.  Ranks right up there with Vancouver.  Them there Canadians know how to make you feel welcome.  (This last sentence should be read with a severe Southern drawl.)
Prince Rupert, BC	Check out the crab boats returning with their catch.
Glacier Bay, Alaska	Multiple glaciers surround you with beauty.
Tracy Arm, Alaska	A beautiful fjord which is home to North Sawyer Glacier and South Sawyer Glacier.  If don't know what a fjord is, Google it and you will realize the what an experience it is to sail into a fjord.
Seattle	Seattle Granola! These people are down to earth.  The Pike Market is awesome to visit.  Anything you could possibly need for food, flowers, crafts, it has everything and it is a fun, congested market that beckons you to smile.  The needle is great too, so don’t miss a visit to the top.  One bad thing about Seattle – the taxi drivers.  Unfortunately, I experienced 4 bad taxi drivers out of 5.  If they are the welcome committee to Seattle, it is amazing anyone returns.  Luckily, once you get away from the taxi drivers, the great citizens of this city ensure you will feel welcome to return.
Boston	Historical.  You can’t help but feel the pride of the patriots who established this city.  The architecture is both modern and historical – side by side.  People are friendly in this East Coast City.  Enjoy the Public Gardens and Boston Common in the summer and don't forget to visit the original Cheers Bar too.  (Another plus: I get to visit my friend Janice.)
Bermuda	Can you say expensive?  But, it is a beautiful tropical island.  If you can get a good deal, visit it at least once in your life.  9 Beaches is a great resort to hang out at.
Halifax, Nova Scotia	Peggy’s Cove, a wonderful side trip when visiting this Canadian city on the Atlantic coast.  It is a very “alternative” city as well.  Just take a look around.
Saint John, New Brunswick	Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada Interesting and yet again, a friendly city.  Check out the reversing falls and all the unique sculptures of people doing everyday activities in the downtown area.  (I hope to see you next time Brenda.)
Bar Harbor, Maine	One word: Lobster.  Follow that up with blueberry pie and you will have a great visit.  If you're lucky to visit in the fall, the colors are phenomenal.
New York City	The new Time's Square Crazy place, but you’ve gotta love it.  You have every extreme in this great city.  Not quite sure I like what they have done to Times Square by making it pedestrian only, but then again, I only had a moment to experience the change during a recent visit.  No trip to The Big Apple is complete without visiting Ellen.  Can't wait until March 2010 when I get to visit again.
Newport, Rhode Island	Arrogance abounds in this city of the upper crust.  Not sure I would ever return unless work provides the opportunity.
The island of Oahu	The city of Honolulu is just like any other big city in the US.  Get out of town and enjoy the rest of the island to get a taste of the true culture the island has to offer.  Pali Lookout is a must.  (Hawaii, in general, is expensive.  Be prepared if you plan to visit.)
The Big Island of Hawaii	Diverse.  This island has 7 different eco-systems.  From lush rain forests to lava fields, farms, ranches, and more.  If you take a cruise around the island, you may be lucky enough to sail past the active volcano and witness lava flowing into the sea.
The island of Kauai	Home of Waimai Canyon and the Napoli Coast, Kauai is home to natural beauty beyond belief.  In my opinion, THE island to visit on a trip to Hawaii.  Take a helicopter of the island to enjoy all of it's glory.
The island of Maui	"Aloha Lavender" (that's the name I gave it) - Maui, Hawaii If you get the chance while in Maui, visit the Lavender farm.  It is truly beautiful with over 40 different varieties of lavender.  Of course, no trip to Maui is complete without a trip along the Road to Hana.
Europe	A quick note to anyone planning on visiting Europe anytime soon.  The value of the dollar continues to plummet at the time of this writing.  Be prepared for an expensive vacation until the dollar strengthens against the Euro.  Unfortunately, I don't think this will happen anytime soon.  You need to be aware of your surroundings at all times.  In crowded tourist sights, pick pockets abound in a higher number than any US Resident is used to.  You might want to leave your American bravado at home.  Blend in, don't stand out.  Don't display your patriotism.  Leave the flag pins, patches, and stickers behind.  Oh, I almost forgot. . .LOOK BOTH WAYS WHEN CROSSING THE STREET.
Barcelona, Spain	Las Ramblas is a great way to start your visit to Barcelona.  The colorful people you find on this street will bring a smile to your face.  Street performers abound and if you enjoy them, don't forget to tip them.  For some, this is their only source of income.
Valleta, Malta	Malta Every time I visit Malta, I think of gladiators, knights, old world charm.  A very historical and grand destination.  I would love to return and spend at least a week to explore all it has to offer.
Civatavechia, Italy	A port of entry in order to visit the city of Rome, this city has all the charm any Italian city has to offer.  If you don't get into Rome, take the time to explore this city instead.
Naples, Italy	Can you say Pizza?  The world's best can be found at Gino Sorbillo's.
Livorno, Italy	The market in Livorno Yet another Italian city you can explore.  BUT, the best part about being in Livorno is that you have the opportunity to visit both Pisa and Florence.  Get out of town and visit these two great destinations.  You won't regret it.  (If you stay in Livorno, visit the local market.  Did you know they sell horse meet in Italy?)
Villefranche, France	The harbor of Villefranche (as taken on my 43rd birthday) Quaint village on the sea.  This is what you expect when you think of the French Riviera.  Enjoy fresh French pastries for breakfast, take the train to Monte Carlo, or explore the area on foot.  (I got to spend my 43rd birthday in this wonderful place, taking the day to absorb the "Frenchness" it has to offer.  The great thing is that Southern France is much friendlier than Northern France.)
Dover, England	Yikes.  Time warp.  This down trodden community makes me sad every time I visit.  Get out of town and enjoy the majestic White Cliffs of Dover.
Copenhagen, Denmark	The Ice Bar in Copenhagen A European city with class.  Castles, Tivoli Gardens, city center...it is all great.  The Danes are friendly too.  Enjoy a waffle or fresh fruit from a street vendor.  Want a unique experience?  Visit the Ice Bar.
Warnemunde, Germany	A resort village by the sea.  Great food.  Quaint cottages.  Sandy beach.  Bicycles.  Majestic Churches and Cathedrals.  Great pedestrian city that serves as a gateway to Berlin.
Berlin, Germany	Loved it! It may be because I had the greatest driver and tour guide anyone could ask for (one from East Berlin, the other from West Berlin.) Another place full of history and one which I want to return when the opportunity arises.
Talin, Estonia	Visit the walled city for culture and history.  Rent a 5 seater bike if you are traveling with 4 others.  Yes, a 5 seater.  Hard to explain, you just have to check it out when you get to visit.
St. Petersburg, Russia	"It's Russia." That is the response anytime something goes wrong.  But, it is a fantastic city to visit.  Even the subways are full of culture (and you can't use your camera in the subway, no matter how tempted you may be.) This city is a photographer's dream come true. St. Petersburg, Russia (formerly Leningrad)
Stockholm, Sweden	The land of beautiful people.  Even their pets are beautiful.  It is a great walking city with art, culture, and history.  Try to find the statue of the little boy which stands merely 6 inches tall.  Claudia and Duffy took me up on the challenge a few years back and they found it, so I challenge you to do the same.  I was lucky enough to overnight in Stockholm last year and yes, it too is another place I would like to visit for an extended period of time.
Helsinki, Finland	Located in Helsinki, Finland The people of Finland are a great people.  I felt at home because they speak very good English and they are a tall group of people.  (I was among my peeps!) Helsinki and the surrounding area has many great opportunities for sight seeing.
Athens, Greece	I feel dirty in Athens.  I think it is the smog, but really not sure.  Lots of history in this ancient city.  Devote more than one day if time allows.
Izmir, Turkey	A trip to Ephesus is a must.  The library ruins are the most spectacular.
Alexandria, Egypt	Important port city for Egypt.  A mix of poverty and wealth, this city offers much in ancient history.  This city is also considered a stepping stone to the pyramids of Giza, a must for any traveler to Egypt.
Antigua	Antigua The most corrupt island in the Caribbean (which is documented).  They say there are enough beaches to where you can visit a new one each day of the year.  I haven't seen all the beaches, but have toured the entire island and found it fascinating, but not overly friendly.
St. Lucia	Not as beautiful as I imagined it would be, but picturesque none the less.  It seems to rain a lot there too, but maybe I was visiting at the wrong time of the year.
British Virgin Islands	True tropical paradise.  If you want to enjoy a day at the beach, go to Virgin Gorda and visit the Baths (not that kind of bath!) British Virgin Islands
Dominican Republic	I don't believe I would ever go back if I had the choice.
Dodge City, Kansas	Dodge City, Kansas Check out the history Dodge City has to offer.  Learn about the wild wild West!
Santa Fe, New Mexico	Santa Fe, New Mexico The historic St. Francis hotel is a great, centrally located hotel.  Enjoy the hotel when you are not out and about in this artistic city that is perfect for getting around on foot.
Cimmaron Canyon, New Mexico	Majestic!
Oklahoma City	I don't know why Texas and Oklahoma have such a rivalry.  Rivalry is for sports only.  Fellow Texans, get over to Oklahoma and enjoy it.  It is more than "OK", it's great.  (Ricardo, Carey Sue, and little Billy make every visit great, but the city has tons to offer to everyone else.)
	Well, there you have it.  Where in the world was Scooter the past two years?  A bit of everywhere.  I probably missed a place or two, but you get the idea.  If you have any questions about the above mentioned destinations, email me and I will be more than happy to reply. Click Here
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