195 Countries To Visit Before I Die ... Maybe?
May 18th, 2010, 12:40 PM
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195 Countries To Visit Before I Die ... Maybe?
Many years ago, I received as a gift “1000 Places To See Before I Die”. This seemed like an impossible task until with the inspiration of my best friend we manage to rework the numbers using a bit of Enron and Wall Street accounting practices. Instead of 1000, How about 195? …. Instead of Places, How about Countries? We are still working on the dying part but I have a head start.
Having been born in a country it's now 194... My work and passion for travel knocks off another 40. The numbers are falling like my 401k retirement account but makes this task seem more and more possible.
Please join me with your stories, comments and suggestions as I chronicle (with sometimes questionable memory) my life through two of the many things I enjoy, travel and writing.
Visit my blog at: www.dmbtraveler195.blogspot.com and with your help we will share the journey of a life time and hopefully the longest trip report ever.
I will begin with the most important country, my birthplace.
Having been born in a country it's now 194... My work and passion for travel knocks off another 40. The numbers are falling like my 401k retirement account but makes this task seem more and more possible.
Please join me with your stories, comments and suggestions as I chronicle (with sometimes questionable memory) my life through two of the many things I enjoy, travel and writing.
Visit my blog at: www.dmbtraveler195.blogspot.com and with your help we will share the journey of a life time and hopefully the longest trip report ever.
I will begin with the most important country, my birthplace.
May 18th, 2010, 01:31 PM
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THE BAHAMAS – 700 ISLANDS IN THE SUN
I have been told that 1962 was a “Good Year” in The Bahamas. Although a rum and tequila man myself, the years since have been like a fine bottle of wine.
Most visitors first introduction to The Bahamas is at Nassau International Airport where if you are lucky enough you will be welcomed with the sounds of steel drums from a local band. Be careful your hips may start “whining”.
The norm here is a slow and relaxing way of doing things and this is true where ever you find Bahamians. I think we invented being “fashionably late”. As a kid, it was often joked that Bahamians would be late for their own funerals. I am counting on this to complete the challenge before me.
For tourist, the immigration and customs process is straight forward. However, it can be interesting to watch returning residents engage with customs officials about their many purchases from abroad.
Exiting customs, walk over to the nearby convenience store and purchase a cold “Goombay Punch” or “Junkanoo Punch” along with a “Coconut or Bennie Cake”. All loaded with sugar... but refreshing and yummy.
Tour companies and rental car agencies are also available in this area with no special requirement for car rentals. Just switch your brain around to drive on the left and you will be okay. Don't expect your car to be there if you are late during a busy period as it becomes first come first serve even if you had a reservation. Calling ahead may help but messages are not handled well. Have a hard copy of your reservation and eventually you'll be taken care of.
“Don't Worry, Be Happy”.
The normal route to your hotel will be along the western beaches of Nassau. Ask your drive to make a quick stop at “The Caves” where you can explore and dip your toes in the warm turquoise waters of the beach nearby.
For a more local scenery route, surprise your driver and ask to be taken to “Dirties” in Bain Town. If your driver does not know about “Dirties” jump out of the cab, you have an imposter!
Located on the corner of Nassau and Meadow Street, Rosalies aka Dirities serves without a doubt the best “Crack Conch” in Nassau. This is a dish you must have for a true Bahamian experience. It is first place I stop when visiting my birthplace.
While waiting for your order, “Snack or Dinner” ($8-10) walk over to the nearby liquor store and grab the “Kalik or Bacardi And Rum Special”. Kalik, The Bahamian Beer is full flavored and not as weak as most American beers. Wrapped in a brown paper bag, you can secretly .. wink, wink start enjoying your “Kalik” without delay. Except for drinking and driving, the alcohol laws are relaxed here and the brown bag ritual goes back as long as I can remember.
For a sit down local dining experience, visit “The Shoal” restaurant just down the street from “Dirties” but don't be in a hurry the food is worth the island style service.
Primarily a resort type island, inexpensive nice accommodations can be hard to find. Start at Junkanoo Beach, Downtown Nassau, Cable Beach or if you have a huge trust fund .. send some of it to me before you check in at Atlantis.
If you happen to stay at Cable Beach or ride “The Jitney” - local bus out there for the day, you can enjoy a fresh Bahamian smoothie just outside the local straw market across from the hotels. Add some local rum for that extra kick.
Once on Cable Beach itself, meet one of the original members of The Bahamian Witness Protection Program. “Cage” aka “Coffin” aka “Smoky” aka “Candy Man” aka “Action”. . Born as Renwick is a childhood friend of mine that runs “Action Water Sports”. Ask him about his “Dilly Tree Wasp Experience” while you bargain for a Jet Ski, Para-sailing or Banana Boat Ride.
Atlantis is a very beautiful resort where life styles of the rich and famous can be seen on a daily basis. However, it lacks a true Bahamian experience and island feeling. Though the free aquarium there is worth the visit.
Stroll across the bridge that leads back to Nassau and after taking in the views, make a u-turn at the bottom. Here you can get a unique Bahamian experience. Buy fresh fish or fruits, sample “pig feet souse” from a mobile mostly “mom” kitchen or join a game of checkers or dominoes if you dare.
You are at Potter Cay Dock a bustling area for local marine transactions. Here you can board Bahamas Ferries for quick day trips to The Exumas, Eleuthera or other out islands. For shopping, sightseeing and free rum samples, head west from Potter Cay towards Bay Street.
Rawson Square is the center of downtown and many local attractions are nearby. The Queen's Staircase within walking distance of downtown leads to another great view of Nassau. From there you can easily visit the pink and white … Government House. Down Blue Hill Street and you are at The Hilton Hotel formerly British Colonial, the back drop of many James Bond 007 movies.
Just outside The Hilton hop a “Jitney” west to “Fish Fry”, a local and tourist hangout for fresh Bahamian food and weekend entertainment. Goldie's is my favorite here for conch fritters, a cold Kalik and fresh conch salad that can be made soo hot it makes your head sweat. Be careful how you order it!
If you are fortunate to visit Nassau between Christmas and New Year's Day, make every effort to participate in Junkanoo a carnival type parade that takes place on Boxing Day and New Year's Day except when they fall on a Sunday. Your participation requires only a little sense of adventure. If you can blow a whistle or shake a “cowbell”, you are good to go. Bring an old pair of jeans and shirt then find a local to help you “paste” a costume which is not difficult. This will allow you to walk the main street as the parade is going on and you will get the opportunity to rush scrap.
Depending on your level of participation, Junkanoo celebration can start from 9 in the evening and go until early afternoon the next day.
Large groups compete with music, dance and costumes for not only a prize pool but more importantly bragging rights. Fans in the stand shout their favorites groups as they go by …. “Saxons”, “Saxons”... “The Valley Boys”, “The Valley Boys”.
Done right, Junkanoo is a fun filled exhausting event that ends with heavy eye lids, a breakfast of boil fish and johnny cake or if you are lucky enough, crack conch from “Dirties”.
A folk song ask the question... “If The Good Lord Never Went On Holiday, Then Tell Me Why He Made The Bahamas?” I hope you will get the opportunity to ask the same question about my birthplace only one of 700 Islands In The Sun.
I have been told that 1962 was a “Good Year” in The Bahamas. Although a rum and tequila man myself, the years since have been like a fine bottle of wine.
Most visitors first introduction to The Bahamas is at Nassau International Airport where if you are lucky enough you will be welcomed with the sounds of steel drums from a local band. Be careful your hips may start “whining”.
The norm here is a slow and relaxing way of doing things and this is true where ever you find Bahamians. I think we invented being “fashionably late”. As a kid, it was often joked that Bahamians would be late for their own funerals. I am counting on this to complete the challenge before me.
For tourist, the immigration and customs process is straight forward. However, it can be interesting to watch returning residents engage with customs officials about their many purchases from abroad.
Exiting customs, walk over to the nearby convenience store and purchase a cold “Goombay Punch” or “Junkanoo Punch” along with a “Coconut or Bennie Cake”. All loaded with sugar... but refreshing and yummy.
Tour companies and rental car agencies are also available in this area with no special requirement for car rentals. Just switch your brain around to drive on the left and you will be okay. Don't expect your car to be there if you are late during a busy period as it becomes first come first serve even if you had a reservation. Calling ahead may help but messages are not handled well. Have a hard copy of your reservation and eventually you'll be taken care of.
“Don't Worry, Be Happy”.
The normal route to your hotel will be along the western beaches of Nassau. Ask your drive to make a quick stop at “The Caves” where you can explore and dip your toes in the warm turquoise waters of the beach nearby.
For a more local scenery route, surprise your driver and ask to be taken to “Dirties” in Bain Town. If your driver does not know about “Dirties” jump out of the cab, you have an imposter!
Located on the corner of Nassau and Meadow Street, Rosalies aka Dirities serves without a doubt the best “Crack Conch” in Nassau. This is a dish you must have for a true Bahamian experience. It is first place I stop when visiting my birthplace.
While waiting for your order, “Snack or Dinner” ($8-10) walk over to the nearby liquor store and grab the “Kalik or Bacardi And Rum Special”. Kalik, The Bahamian Beer is full flavored and not as weak as most American beers. Wrapped in a brown paper bag, you can secretly .. wink, wink start enjoying your “Kalik” without delay. Except for drinking and driving, the alcohol laws are relaxed here and the brown bag ritual goes back as long as I can remember.
For a sit down local dining experience, visit “The Shoal” restaurant just down the street from “Dirties” but don't be in a hurry the food is worth the island style service.
Primarily a resort type island, inexpensive nice accommodations can be hard to find. Start at Junkanoo Beach, Downtown Nassau, Cable Beach or if you have a huge trust fund .. send some of it to me before you check in at Atlantis.
If you happen to stay at Cable Beach or ride “The Jitney” - local bus out there for the day, you can enjoy a fresh Bahamian smoothie just outside the local straw market across from the hotels. Add some local rum for that extra kick.
Once on Cable Beach itself, meet one of the original members of The Bahamian Witness Protection Program. “Cage” aka “Coffin” aka “Smoky” aka “Candy Man” aka “Action”. . Born as Renwick is a childhood friend of mine that runs “Action Water Sports”. Ask him about his “Dilly Tree Wasp Experience” while you bargain for a Jet Ski, Para-sailing or Banana Boat Ride.
Atlantis is a very beautiful resort where life styles of the rich and famous can be seen on a daily basis. However, it lacks a true Bahamian experience and island feeling. Though the free aquarium there is worth the visit.
Stroll across the bridge that leads back to Nassau and after taking in the views, make a u-turn at the bottom. Here you can get a unique Bahamian experience. Buy fresh fish or fruits, sample “pig feet souse” from a mobile mostly “mom” kitchen or join a game of checkers or dominoes if you dare.
You are at Potter Cay Dock a bustling area for local marine transactions. Here you can board Bahamas Ferries for quick day trips to The Exumas, Eleuthera or other out islands. For shopping, sightseeing and free rum samples, head west from Potter Cay towards Bay Street.
Rawson Square is the center of downtown and many local attractions are nearby. The Queen's Staircase within walking distance of downtown leads to another great view of Nassau. From there you can easily visit the pink and white … Government House. Down Blue Hill Street and you are at The Hilton Hotel formerly British Colonial, the back drop of many James Bond 007 movies.
Just outside The Hilton hop a “Jitney” west to “Fish Fry”, a local and tourist hangout for fresh Bahamian food and weekend entertainment. Goldie's is my favorite here for conch fritters, a cold Kalik and fresh conch salad that can be made soo hot it makes your head sweat. Be careful how you order it!
If you are fortunate to visit Nassau between Christmas and New Year's Day, make every effort to participate in Junkanoo a carnival type parade that takes place on Boxing Day and New Year's Day except when they fall on a Sunday. Your participation requires only a little sense of adventure. If you can blow a whistle or shake a “cowbell”, you are good to go. Bring an old pair of jeans and shirt then find a local to help you “paste” a costume which is not difficult. This will allow you to walk the main street as the parade is going on and you will get the opportunity to rush scrap.
Depending on your level of participation, Junkanoo celebration can start from 9 in the evening and go until early afternoon the next day.
Large groups compete with music, dance and costumes for not only a prize pool but more importantly bragging rights. Fans in the stand shout their favorites groups as they go by …. “Saxons”, “Saxons”... “The Valley Boys”, “The Valley Boys”.
Done right, Junkanoo is a fun filled exhausting event that ends with heavy eye lids, a breakfast of boil fish and johnny cake or if you are lucky enough, crack conch from “Dirties”.
A folk song ask the question... “If The Good Lord Never Went On Holiday, Then Tell Me Why He Made The Bahamas?” I hope you will get the opportunity to ask the same question about my birthplace only one of 700 Islands In The Sun.
May 18th, 2010, 08:01 PM
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Nueman605 ... All it required was creativity and a sense of humor which I am glad to see that you have. I am sure before I am six feet under it will be closer to 1,000 so you can continue to feel SOOOOOO, SOOOOOO much better. I hope you continue to join me on my journey.
May 19th, 2010, 05:27 AM
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Neuman605 ... That is dissapointing to hear. Do you care to share what countries? I hope my experiences will be different but I know dissappointments are a part of life and travel. However, when I get lemons I try to make lemonade.
May 19th, 2010, 05:35 AM
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DMBTraveler,
Actually specifically I was referring to the Sandy Lane hotel in Barbados. Yes it is a very nice hotel but I think I could have gone through life without seeing it!
Most of the sites in the countries (only 40 so far) have been worth the visit.
And yes there are times when we do make gallons of lemonade!!
Actually specifically I was referring to the Sandy Lane hotel in Barbados. Yes it is a very nice hotel but I think I could have gone through life without seeing it!
Most of the sites in the countries (only 40 so far) have been worth the visit.
And yes there are times when we do make gallons of lemonade!!
May 19th, 2010, 09:24 AM
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Neuman605... I am glad you also enjoy lemonade! Thanks for the heads up on Sandy Lane Hotel. I once stayed at a hotel in Amman where at check in I was handed a box of matches for the manual in room heater.. Needless to say I just layed myself to keep warm as I did not want an explosive hotel experience.
May 27th, 2010, 01:25 PM
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Twiggers, here's the link I am using for my reference: HTTP://geography.about.com/od/countr.../capitals.htmm. Interestingly, many places I want and will probably visit anyway are territories! So far 41 Countries, 6 Continents and 50 States. Are you blogging your travels, send me a link. DMBTraveler. www.dmbtraveler195.blogspot.com.
May 27th, 2010, 01:34 PM
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Hi DMB,
Hmmmm....I was using a Wikipedia reference based on UN recognition and had 193 as a total. I'll have to compare my spreadsheet and see where the differences lie.
Very jealous of your travels
I just started traveling (after finishing a PhD) and have 9 countries, 2 continents, 32 states, and 5 provinces (Canada - where I was born). Have several trips planned later this year that will help with a few more countries and Alaska/Yukon.
I haven't been blogging yet.....might be a good idea, but I don't travel very often (a couple big trips per year) right now.
Hmmmm....I was using a Wikipedia reference based on UN recognition and had 193 as a total. I'll have to compare my spreadsheet and see where the differences lie.
Very jealous of your travels
I just started traveling (after finishing a PhD) and have 9 countries, 2 continents, 32 states, and 5 provinces (Canada - where I was born). Have several trips planned later this year that will help with a few more countries and Alaska/Yukon.I haven't been blogging yet.....might be a good idea, but I don't travel very often (a couple big trips per year) right now.
May 27th, 2010, 01:37 PM
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OK, so this was my reference citing 192 + Vatican City:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_sovereign_states
The 192 are recognized by the UN as sovereign states. It also lists some de facto states which aren't fully recognized.
Hmmm....what are the differences between your list and mine?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_sovereign_states
The 192 are recognized by the UN as sovereign states. It also lists some de facto states which aren't fully recognized.
Hmmm....what are the differences between your list and mine?
May 28th, 2010, 02:47 AM
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Twiggers, You are of to a good start. I just recently started blogging and I am still learning the process. It is a good way to build a keepsake which later you can have printed as a book. I think the difference in our list is politics! Between both of us maybe we will see them all.
Certainly still working at it...
May 28th, 2010, 02:21 PM
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Ahhhh, N. Dakota....that is one of the ones I have (right below where I was born in Canada). But it is a hard state to make it to.
Oregon is one of the ones I haven't visited either...and I lived in CA for 5 years!
DMB: Are you going to try and do all provinces in Canada?
My countries so far are:
Canada
US
UK
Sweden
Mexico
Honduras
Belize
Haiti
Jamaica
Also been to Grand Cayman (territory).
Trips this year include:
Bahamas (quick weekend jaunt)
Belgium
Netherlands
Luxembourg
US Virgin Islands (territory)
Puerto Rico (territory)
St. Lucia
St. Kitts
Grenada
St Martin/St. Maarten (both territories)
Next year we only have Alaska/Yukon planned.
I'm living in Miami right now, so we've been taking advantage of cruising. A great way to knock off all those Caribbean/C. American countries.
What upcoming travel do you have DMB?
Oregon is one of the ones I haven't visited either...and I lived in CA for 5 years!
DMB: Are you going to try and do all provinces in Canada?
My countries so far are:
Canada
US
UK
Sweden
Mexico
Honduras
Belize
Haiti
Jamaica
Also been to Grand Cayman (territory).
Trips this year include:
Bahamas (quick weekend jaunt)
Belgium
Netherlands
Luxembourg
US Virgin Islands (territory)
Puerto Rico (territory)
St. Lucia
St. Kitts
Grenada
St Martin/St. Maarten (both territories)
Next year we only have Alaska/Yukon planned.
I'm living in Miami right now, so we've been taking advantage of cruising. A great way to knock off all those Caribbean/C. American countries.
What upcoming travel do you have DMB?
