A friend posted this first photo. And, naturally, it got me thinking. I have been so fortunate to travel the world.
There are so few trips or experiences I would never do again. But there are a few:
I probably would not take the Trans-Siberian Railway again. It is a long trip, covers one third of the earth’s surface, the food is horrible, and the taiga and tundra are endless. And you know I passed on a “free” trip to Kiev, Ukraine!
TSR facts: The TSR is the world’s longest direct train service. With two scheduled trains, an express departing once every two days and a regular service departing daily, the Trans-Siberian route from Moscow to Vladivostok is the longest direct train journey in the world. It covers 5,772 miles (9,289km), crosses eight time zones and takes 166 hours (144 hours on the express) to complete, which is equivalent to almost a full week. The train has 142 stops and passes through 87 cities and towns.
And I definitely would not fly over Mount Everest on Buddha Airlines out of Katmandu. We waited for several hours for the fog to clear before taking off. When the pilot pointed out Everest, all of the tourists scuffled to one side of the rickety old plane, causing a very scary dip. Really now, Buddha Air? What was I thinking?
Since I get dizzy so easily, I would choose not to ride the Mad Tea Party at Disneyland. I recall riding it once, as perhaps a ten-year-old. And I am certain I barfed my guts out after, or maybe during. In fact, I had the same response on the Star Tours ride there! Never again!
As far as food on my travels, the very worst was in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The innocent looking soup put me out of commission for almost three days! Even the Prime Minister of Swaziland told me to stay away from it, AFTER it was too late!
Actually, the first time I tried durian in Kuala Lumpur might have come close to the Ethiopian soup. But it did not make me sick for 3 days. But for those 3 minutes, I was gagging and ready to barf. I managed to keep it down, somehow.
You know I love train travel, right? So, let me add the VIA Canadian to the anti-bucket brigade. It took a full two days LONGER, from Toronto to Vancouver. I even ran out of underwear. But in her infinite wisdom, my cute little rail riding pal xxxx, suggested turning them inside out. TMI!!!!
The bumpy shuttle van ride up to Monteverde in Costa Rica is just about the worst road I have ever ridden, twice in fact! Dusty, rocky, winding, slow, it was an endless daymare. But adding to this insult, an old barge transported us across to the Nicoya peninsula. The barge was open air, and naturally, it poured rain like 50 garden hoses. Not only did we get soaked, but our baggage was also soaked. The ride was wet, cold, and seemingly endless.
I hope I never see or experience anything like the Jan. 6 insurrection by trump’s supporters. Yes, I was tear gassed during the 1964 Free Speech Movement, and the 1969 Anti War protests in Berkeley. But it was peaceful, and nobody got hurt or killed!!
Perhaps you have some stories to share? If you can top any of mine, you win the grand prize. You can have some durian, or the Ethiopian soup.
golfkat Travel Blog 