I am closing in on an international vacation plan for the end of summer. The country requires travelers to have a passport expiration date at least 6 months past your arrival date. I double-checked our passports. Looks like Dean and I issued our passports within one month of each other. Mine expires November 2016. His expires December 2016.
I believe I’ve had a total of 3 passports issued because I definitely went to the Philippines at least twice prior to my 2nd passport being issued in 1997, the year I graduated. Maybe my mom has my 1st passport; it’s not in my possession. I’ve got my expired 2nd passport and my current 3rd passport, and what a treasure flipping through the pages and trying to decipher the country stamps!
Here’s what I can read from Passport #2 issued in January 1997 and expiring January 2007. Note, they’re not in chronological order. They’re in the order that the stamps are shown – which is totally random.
Mexico – this was the cruise my startup took in 1999 after we officially launched the company. I know, crazy, right?
Australia – to celebrate the 2000 new millennium. Can’t believe that was a dozen years ago. Damn, I’m old.
Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong – all a blur.
Guatemala and Belize – This is the second foray into that area. Wonder where Costa Rica is because that’s the first time I went to Central America. Love Central America!!!
Argentina – Steak and Havana alfajores. Heaven in your mouth.
Indonesia – Yep, I’ve been to Bali. Hated it.
Ecuador – Oh my goodness, I so loved the Galapagos and the Amazon. Definitely a special place in my travel heart.
Brazil – Buzios!
Kenya and Tanzania – Another blur.
South Africa – Ahhh, phenomenal memories with business school friends.
Now Passport #3 issued in November 2006.
Peru and Bolivia – Again, love love Central and South America.
Nicaragua – I did mention that I love Central America, right? You know what I distinctly remember about this trip? Waking up early, feeding the chickens, milking the cows, and helping make breakfast. The farm workers were so encouraging as I tried to knead the cornmeal, smiling heartily. They didn’t speak English. I didn’t speak Spanish. But wow, was that a good breakfast.
Turkey – Hot air balloons, paragliding. Best ever.
Canada – Ahhh, the natural, elegant beauty of British Columbia.
China – I got Shanghai’d in Shanghai. Fuckers. Can’t say I’d go back, but such a culture shock, handing the cab driver written instructions (in Chinese) because you have zero ability to communicate.
Hardly a comprehensive list of all the places I’ve gone. Not sure how I missed a bunch of stamps. Still, ahhh, a walk down travel lane. I feel so lucky.
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