indytravel

I've enjoyed Germany, Finland, Holland, the UK and many other countries. But for me it's France.

I know why too. I had 5 years of French in high school and college. It gives me a challenge and a sense of use and accomplishment to go to France and use my French.

I honestly believe if I'd have taken German or Italian in school that I would be infatuated with that country.

Why do you love visiting a specific country?

HuisClos

While we go to France more often than any other Western European destination for the same reasons that you love France, I'd say Norway (I wonder if I'm the only one who will say this?) because its beauty and the kindness of the people who live there makes my heart stop in total awe.

cigalechanta

For me France because as a teen I read the French writers and liked the clothes designers when I grew into a woman and when finally going there, I saw how different each part of France was, How different the food. I met so many people who made me feel loved. And a big Plus, the South of France food was very much like what my Italian mother cooked.. Cap that with the singing of the cigales and the greeting in the morning of the mourning doves, toss in a rooster or two cock-a-doodling away, and you have one happy person here.

crazymina

Mimi, your description of France makes me wonder if I need to give it a better chance.

I love Ireland, and Croatia. No concrete reason that I can give, except that my experiences in those countries just tugged on a heartstring.

Statia

I have to admit, I thought France was IT for me until I visited Italy.

I still love France, and all that it entails, but Italy has a special meaning that I never thought would overcome my French experiences, special occassions included.

cigalechanta

Nice to see you here, Mina. But each of us have our own idea of happiness, paradise or a safe harbour. We all find our own. You are trully a world traveller. I would love to read the Australian trip.

crazymina

No Australia trip in the near future Mimi...they all keep coming here!

I have seen your trip report, and am waiting to get some really good down time to read it with a glass of wine. It's great that you took the time to do one.

MelissaHI

It's France for me, but the wierd thing is that I have not taken any French lessons yet. I am just so overwhelmed by the warmth & hospitality of the French people! In my travels, I have found Italians to be nice, as were many Germans. But the French people have been consistently nice, no matter where I go in that country. Their way of living and embracing life is always a joy to experience, as well.

OK and it certainly helps that the food is delicious!

KangaGirl

For me it will have to be Italy - for a few very good reasons - the food, the wine, the history, culture and the way of life. They make life 1st and most important, and that is something that unfortunately doesn't exist in the working world of Sydney! Since I have returned home after a European fling I haven't felt like I have been on A HOLIDAY since leaving Italy. Prague will have to be my next choice - as an Art lover (Alphonse Mucha), Art Noveau is everywhere!

SloJan

I don't really have a first love. We travel to so many different ones and they all have something special.

My top two (for now) are Italy and Portugal. Italy for the wine, food, warmth of the people and their attitude toward children. Portugal for all of the above, but also that is my heritage and I felt at home. Of course, I saw my twin on every corner!

I need to give France more of a chance. I think it is the contrarian in me that makes me not want to visit.

So many more to visit, though...

Cheers,
Jan

SeaUrchin

When you find the country that is your true love you know because it makes you feel more alive and yet more at home.

On my first trip to Italy I stepped out of the train and felt like I had come home to some place I had known all along but hadn't realized yet. I felt like jumping in the air and shouting, "this is the place! I have been looking for this feeling for a long time!" (good thing I didn't though)

I had visited many places around the world before Italy and now that I have fallen in love with it I just keep returning like to a lover.

Mucky

Australia for me.
I simply love the climate and the friendly people. The outdoor life they can have and the laid back attitude.

Also they don't give a hoot if the neighbour buys something new, here in the UK if neighbour has a new car you can bet that many others soon will too.
I hate the "keeping up with the Jones's" attitude we have, Oz does not seem to have this at all.
And Christmas is just as it should be, limited commercialism and hardly any decorations...lol and most of all sunshine.
I love it
Muck

grimmy

I feel most at home when I am in France as I speak French fluently and love the culture. Each region seems to have it's own attraction for me.
I do feel like I'm in heaven when I'm in Italy. I absolutely love everything about this country. The food, the history, sights, smells etc. Most of all I love its people.
I guess for me it's s toss up. Depends which of these 2 countries I'm in.><
I've enjoyed my travels throughout other countries in Europe but never felt quite the same about them.

TravelRibbon

My country is France as well and my reasons are the same as IndyTravel's - studied it in high school and in college. When I was trying to decide what language to study in high school, my mom told me that she studied French and that she really liked it. So, I decided to follow in her footsteps (at least in the foreign language area).

Great question Indytravel.

mamc

This is difficult. For me, I think it is Italy. Everything about Italy is warm and wonderful, not to mention fun and beautiful. I am more familiar with the language than any other (except English). And the food is absolutely fabulous! France is a very close second because Paris is my very favorite place to visit. We're on our way to Spain in 6 days and maybe it will be added to the list of countries I love. I hope so!

RufusTFirefly

In Europe, it is Germany (though Italy is a darned close second). I just thoroughly enjoy myself every time I go there. The Germans tend not to be quite as effusive as some other nationalities, but they've always been friendly and interested when we do get to meet and have a conversation with someone there. And Rufus loves beers and sausages and well-built blondie girls (looking only).

Worldwide, the Republic of Korea. Korea was where I met Mrs. Fly and her family--what a wonderful experience that has been over the past 33 years. And, though I had lived in and visited numerous countries before going to Korea in 1971, it was the first non-Western country I had ever lived in.

And 33 years ago, that was one heck of an eye opener and mind expander.

ThisBuds4ME888

SCOTLAND!

There are so many reasons to love Scotland. The beautiful land that you can never get tired of, the people are just wonderful, & the history, just to name a few. I went in June for my first time & I can't wait to go back.

SuzieC

France. I had to wait and wait and wait to get there... and once I did, I was as if "home". I don't speak the language very well, but I know food, and am learning about wine. I am exceedingly comfortable in France.
I enjoyed Italy when I was there, but I was a teenager then. I had a terrific time. I want to return to it for another "taste".
I need to see the UK and Ireland as well...
Maybe its just Europe.
Funny though, there is utterly no draw on my soul from any of the other continents.

kismetchimera

Italy , always Italy of course, my second love is France..
When i was a teen, I used to spend my summers beautiful Provence.

I have So many happy memories of the times spent there..Back then I was so young and so carefree..
My favourite song was my version of quot;Douce France....Cher pays de mes vacances.."


I will always have two love in my life: Italy and France.

kismetchimera

oops, forgot to add a <in> beautiful..