30 Countries

While I was in the US, one of my mom's cousins was talking about how her niece made a goal of visiting 30 countries before she turned 30 years old. She met the goal and continued to travel. This particular conversation revolved around her preparations for a solo trip to Colombia. While I am not yet ambitious enough to take on a Colombian vacation by myself, I am also not yet 30. In doing my 30 before 30, I wonder if I have made it to 30 countries yet. So I decided to compile a list, in no particular order, with a few photos thrown in for fun.

1. USA (does that count?)

2. Canada - Montreal, Niagra Falls

3. England - Lived for 5 months, visited London

4. Spain - Barcelona, Madrid, Conil de la Fontera (below), etc.

5. Netherlands/Holland - Amsterdam, Nordwik am Zee

6. Germany - Lived for 5+ years (Mannheim below)

7. Portugal - Algarve, Lisbon

8. Belgium - Brussels

9. Gibralta (below)

10. France - Paris, Marsellie

11. Italy - Rome, Florence, Pisa, Milan, Venice, Varenna (Lake Como below)

12. Finland - Helsinki

13. Denmark - Skagen, southern boarder towns

14. Norway - Oslo (below), Bergen

15. Czech Republic - Prague (below)

16. Malta - Malta, Gozo
17. Nicaragua - Managua, Little Corn Island

18. Japan - Tokyo (below), Kyoto, etc.

19. Bahamas - Nassau

20. St. Lucia (below)

21. Jamaica - Negril (below), Montego Bay, Ocho Rios (forthcoming)

22. Austria - skiing, Salzburg (below)

23. Switzerland - Zurich, Basel (living here)

24. Vatican - Vatican City

25. Lichtenstein - drove through

26. Luxembourg

27. China - Airport only - not sure this really counts (below)

Looks like I am not going to make it. From now until my birthday, I have one country in the works but that will only give me 27 total, 28 if China counts ;) Although there is a possibility I will remember a place I have forgotten. Either way, I'm quite happy with the places I've been and hope to continue to add countries and photos and experiences to my list.

Next up LCI Part 2.

1 Down, 29 to Go

I am back and on the other side. I met goal number 10 on my 30 before 30 list and successfully defended my dissertation to earn that Dr. title! I defended on a Wednesday and immediately went on vacation for the remainder of the week and the next one. It was a whirlwind of stress, overwhelming emotion, family, friends, support, love and everything else. To be honest, it really didn't set in until returning to my office this week. Upon my return yesterday, I have started tying up lose ends, catching up on tasks which sat on the back burner while I worked on my research and handing over my responsibilities.

This is my last month at the University and my last month in Germany. I guess that needs another post but suddenly its all so real. It is one of those OMG (I use this expression in an effort to convey emotion and keep it PG, in my head I am thinking of some more intense words but this is a public forum) moments. I am moving out of one major phase of my life and into a new one.

I have about 5 major projects on my desk at the moment and am not sure how I am going to get them all done before Oct 26th. I also found out I have a few vacation days I didn't know I had so I need to use those in that time too. In an effort to try and get on top of my to do list, I am planning to head to work on the holiday tomorrow. Oct. 3rd is to Germans what the 4th of July is to Americans. As a foreigner, I get the significance but I need to get a presentation finalized and off my desk. Besides, I've already agreed to help a friend with some painting so there's my celebration for the day!

I think I need to add to my list, "learn to savor the moment" as I find myself constantly thinking of what's next. Right now, I am a Doctor and that feels good. In the spirit of savoring I should note this was not an easy process and I learned a lot about myself. I realized my limitations and my abilities quite clear. I learned that I can lean on my support system and I am sure I would not have made it this far if I did not have such great family and friends. So, to no one in specific and to everyone who was there when I needed to vent, asked for proof reading help or just encouraged me to not give up when I was beyond frustrated, Thank you.

Once I get them, I will post photos of my graduation cap so I can officially check the Dr. title off my list.