Sex as a Foreign Language
Oh, that title is going to get us an inundation of SPAM…if your comments don’t show up forthwith, give us a chance to play catch-up, okay?
It’s sad, because this blog isn’t about sex.
I’m using that title because I’m reading a Blaze, SEX AS A SECOND LANGUAGE, by Jamie Sobrato. What a fun book! Very, very, very sexy…and it uses a blog as a device, which should make all of us here wish we had such interesting conversations. Okay, our conversations are INTERESTING, but not like these! As I was reading, I came up with my blog topic–foreign travel.
Jamie writes about Rome beautifully…and coming on the heels of just finishing M.J. Rose’s book, THE REINCARNATIONIST (fascinating book!) also set in Rome, I’m start to get pangs for foreign travel, particularly to the “homeland.” I’ve never been to Italy. You all know if you’ve read this blog that my parents have gone, but I’ve never really been much interested in going overseas.
I know that’s weird. Most people can’t wait to go to London, Paris, Rome, etc. But I’ve never been interested. I’ve looked much more forward to exploring American cities like Chicago, New Orleans, New York, San Francisco. I’ve set multiple books in all of these cities just so I could go do research! My current book is set in Los Angeles and I haven’t been there since I was 16.
But reading all these books set in Italy really makes me want to go. My daughter, who you all know LOVES to travel and has been doing so since her first plane ride to Key West at 9 months, is dying to go.
I told her we couldn’t even start planning a trip to Italy until she learned to be a more adventurous eater. Her answer, of course, is, “They have plenty of pasta in Italy, Mom. I’ll be fine.” I wonder how many Italian restaurants would agree to make her “plain pasta with olive oil, no garlic and tons of parmesan cheese” every night of the week? I mean, it could be worse…she could be addicted to McDonald’s. She actually hates McDonalds. She’s not much for fast food at all. She’s the pickiest eater in the world, which makes me wonder if she’d either starve or learn to be more adventurous if we went to another country.
Hmmmm….
So, if you’ve traveled overseas, what were your favorite places. If you haven’t, where would you want to go? Have you ever been interested in going somewhere because you’ve read about it in a book?
I would love to go to Ireland and Greece. I’ve never traveled outside the US with the exception of Canada. I loved going there though. It was Christmas time, cold and snowing.
For everyone who lives in the cold and snow this probably doesn’t seem like tons of fun. But when you leave in Florida playing in the snow is just that, playing in the snow.
Comment by Vicki — October 17, 2007 @ 6:32 am
My only trip overseas was on our maiden cruise 2 years ago. We went to Tortola, British VI and St. Martin’s (both sides). Needless to say you don’t get to really see that much, but I enjoyed the time we had there.
Other than PR and Canada, that’s it folks.
I would love to go to Scotland and Australia. Maybe Italy.
But like Julie, I would rather spend my time and money here at home. There is so much to see and do.
And I really don’t want to fly these days.
Comment by ev — October 17, 2007 @ 6:53 am
I’d love to go to London (because of all those historical romances I can’t quit reading), Ireland (because of my husband’s heritage), and Scotland (thank you, Diana Gabaldon!). One of these days we’ll make it.
I was lucky enough to spend 10 days in Italy the summer I turned 18. Don’t worry, your daughter won’t starve - there are tons of gelato places everywhere!
I’d go back just for that.
Comment by Jamie — October 17, 2007 @ 8:13 am
I went to Mexico in high school with my spanish club and it was…interesting. Some cool things, some weird things (like a guy who almost drowned in the pool of a hotel straight out of a Stephen King novel), depressing.
And I’ve been to St. Thomas and Bahamas - not really overseas but..
But I’d love to go Assisi and Lourdes. I’m not Catholic but I have the Prayer of St. Francis on my bedroom wall and a couple of statues that people have given me. And then I read about St. Bernadette and the peace walk that happens every night in Lourdes and I’m determined to make it there someday.
And a trip to Australia would be really cool…especially if Keith Urban agreed to be my tour guide!
Comment by Jodie — October 17, 2007 @ 8:37 am
as a student i spent 3 weeks in France. Paris is absolutely beautiful,but i have to say that i enjoyed touring the northern part of the country more. The scenery is spectacular and we visted lots of palaces, and historical places. It would be hard to name all of them..
My daughter took a school spanish trip to Spain for several weeks.. and she said it was the trip of a lifetime too..I personally would love to go back to France and tour some more.
My hubby has a dream that once Iraq is quiet and rebuilt he wants to take me there.. now hows that for romance..lol.. but he wants to see it not destroyed by war..i think its just more for his peace of mind after being there for 16 months..
Comment by Jolene — October 17, 2007 @ 8:39 am
I have never left the United States.
but I would love to go to England and also visit Ireland.
Big pipedream though, I could never get my DH to go across the ocean.
I guess that is why I read so much and whatch shows on the BBC.
Comment by Gigi — October 17, 2007 @ 8:45 am
I generally travel within the United States as there are so many wonderful and exciting things to see, but I have taken a trip to Churchill, Manitoba to see the polar bears which was awesome and a Carribean cruise which was very relaxing and great fun. A trip I would love to go on would be to take several weeks and travel throughout Australia. A friend of mine did this and her adventures were so interesting and the beautiful pictures she had really peaked my interest.
Comment by Shari C — October 17, 2007 @ 8:54 am
I would love to go to Ireland and Scotland. I’ve read so many books that take place somewhere in Ireland or Scotland it just makes me want to visit both places.
My best friends and I are planning to go to Italy the year we turn 50 (we are doing Vegas at 40). We are saving up so we can spend at least 3 weeks touring Italy.
Comment by Liza — October 17, 2007 @ 8:55 am
OMG, don’t get me started on Italy or I may never shut up. I love that country! I was in the USAF and stationed overseas (met my DH in Germany; we were married in Denmark), so I got to travel a lot when I was single, and Italy was one of my favorites.
Julie: GO!
Comment by Karen Lingefelt — October 17, 2007 @ 9:21 am
I spent 2 weeks on a tour of Spain & Portugal and LOVED it. Seville was awesome and I really wish we’d had more time in Salamanca.
One day I’d like to visit Italy, but I REALLY want to spend about a month touring England, Ireland, Scotland & Wales. I’d also like to go to Australia sometime.
I also want to eventually visit 48 of the 50 states. I don’t really care about Hawaii or Alaska right now.
As you can see, I love to travel. My problem is that I can’t afford to travel near as much as I’d like. The other thing is I don’t like to travel by myself and my best travel buddy got married and moved away.
Comment by Julie — October 17, 2007 @ 9:37 am
I have been to Australia twice as an exchange student and would LOVE to go again. I felt I was too busy ’studying’ to really do it justice.
I would LOVE to go to Europe and Africa (and I have a desire to see parts of South America). There are parts of Asia, I would love to see. Okay, let’s just say, every place but Antartica. That’s way too cold for me (although, I would love to do it, I am not sure I have the courage).
Comment by katie — October 17, 2007 @ 10:09 am
I adored Ireland and would go back there in a second. My fantasy is to win the lottery, buy a cottage on the rocky coast in Cork or Kerry, and spend part of the year there.
I’d also love to go to other parts of Europe–northern Italy, southern France. My sister is going to Paris in a couple of weeks. I’d love to go to Paris in order to spend a solid week in the Louvre!
Comment by Leslie — October 17, 2007 @ 10:12 am
Off topic - I gotta brag a sec…4590 words so far in 70 Days of Sweat with Sven. I’m pretty sure I won’t get anymore done today, trying to pack to go away (my stuff and hubby’s
- like I know a fly fishing reel from any other reel), so I’m sure my word count is done for today. But I’m extremely pleased - and definitely see where having that challenge helps. I won’t let myself go to bed until I’ve done those words each night.
Comment by Jodie — October 17, 2007 @ 10:41 am
I was raised as an Army “brat” so I lived over seas until I reached the age of 18. I lived in Pisa, Italy, Izmir, Turkey, and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. I had the time of my life! I want so much to go back to Italy and Brazil so that I can see these countries through my more mature eyes. But I am also trying to make up for lost time by visiting every state in the Union. I just spent some time in Savannah, Ga. and I am so in love with that city. My next trip will be to New England. Can’t wait!
Comment by Carol R — October 17, 2007 @ 10:59 am
Good morning Plotmonkeys and everyone!
I’ve been to England, Belgium, France, Switzerland and Canada. I went to England and the continent over 20 years ago when I was single. My husband, daughter and I did a road trip to Canada when Lilly was about 6.
I would LOVE to go back to England and do Scotland and Ireland as well. I would like to do ALL the touristy stuff–tour the Tower, sit on the step where Elizabeth sat and refused to go in the Tower, visit Henry’s place and hope to catch a glimpse of a ghost, shop at Harrad’s :-)) Just everything.
Have a great day all,
Cher
Comment by Cher — October 17, 2007 @ 11:52 am
Hi Julie! I’d love to go to the Amalfi Coast one day. I’ve never been to Europe and would like to see so much! I’ve been to Australia and would love to go there again. And there are so many places I’d like to visit here in the states, like Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, and Disneyworld!
Jodie, Yay on the word count! That’s great.
Comment by Robin — October 17, 2007 @ 12:26 pm
My only overseas travel was to Ireland (the Republic and Northern). BEAUTIFUL countries!!! As far as your daughter becoming a more adventurous eater I wouldn’t bet on it. I am a very picky eater and as a result I lost 10 lbs while on my month long trip to Ireland.
DH is not much of a traveler but if I ever did travel overseas again I would probably go back to Ireland. I know that is very boring of me but I loved it there and would love to go back someday.
I have thought about visiting other cities as a result of reading a book but nothing out of the country.
Comment by Kelly H — October 17, 2007 @ 12:46 pm
Have been to parts of Japan, China, and Taiwan and would love to go back (China is HUGE, and there are so many places to see…
Have briefly visited London and Paris, and would love to go back there, too! Would love to see the rest of Europe, especially Italy. Would love to visit Australia… I’d pretty much love to go just about anywhere! My husband, on the other hand, has been tons of places already, and isn’t all that excited to go again… oh well! We’ll have to see! 
Comment by Fedora — October 17, 2007 @ 1:10 pm
I live in Miami and can easily travel to Little Havana or Ltltle Haiti!
But I have always wanted to go to England for the theater and to see the sighs. I recently have develoed an interest in going to Italy for the museums, and the food! :cheer
The only foreign country I have ever been to was a high school trip to Mexico. It was fun and the pyramids were beautful.
Comment by Sue Mont — October 17, 2007 @ 2:29 pm
At this point in life I want to see & explore a great deal of the United States before I consider traveling to another country. I have been to Canada but it was long ago & I would love to go back & see much more. If I were going to go to a foreign country I think Germany & Italy would be first choices then maybe Scotland & Ireland. My background is Germany where my ancestors immigrated from in the 1800’s.
Travel is a wonderful thing that expands people and gives them a broader sense of the world. My younger daughter is leaving for England & France on the 21st. I can’t wait for her to get back so I can hear all about her trip & see the pictures. She is a picky eater so I will be interested to see how she does with the food in those countries. She is my younger daughter but she is in her late 30’s so I have no qualms about her traveling !!
Comment by Donna M — October 17, 2007 @ 3:35 pm
Absolutely loved Paris! London was nice. Kind of weird-in a neat way-to see all the historical buildings, places, and things that I learned about in social studies classes.
I would love to go to Asia (China, Hong Kong, Singapore), Dubai (’cuz I’m fascinated by this playground for the super rich), Africa (almost any country), Panama (my paternal homeland), and Canada (because they’re so close and it seems like such a waste not to get there.
Comment by Patricia W — October 17, 2007 @ 3:35 pm
I have never been out of the US, but would love to see Ireland.
Comment by Estella — October 17, 2007 @ 3:50 pm
All of this talk about travelling, makes me want to go!
Comment by katie — October 17, 2007 @ 4:03 pm
I would love to spend a week in Paris to see everything in the Louvre. Not sure if I could see everything, but would love to try.
Comment by Liza — October 17, 2007 @ 4:23 pm
I
France!!! Don’t believe what you hear — the people are warm and gracious and v. polite. The food is divine!! Especially the bread!! And the pastries!!! And the cheese!!! Especially paired with the wine!!! There aren’t enough exclamation points in the universe for me to describe all the things I love about France. I can’t say the same about Italy. Except for the coastal town we stayed at in Cinque Terre and the drive we took through Tuscany, Italy didn’t meet up with our expectations — perhaps because people hyped it too much for us. I’ve also been to London, England and I really liked it there, too, although it is no France. 
I’d love to go to Scotland and Ireland because I’ve read about them, but I’ve heard mixed reviews from those who’ve been. Everything comes down to expectation and perspective, I suppose. I also would love to go to Austria and to Prague in the Czech Republic — I’ve heard Prague rocks! And basically everywhere else in Europe. I love to travel here in the U.S., but there’s just something about Europe that really draws me to it. I’ve heard that Quebec City is v. much like Europe (only walled city in N. America) and I’m dying to go there (hopefully someday soon).
Great blog topic. If you go to Italy be prepared for lots of seafood dishes — there’s nary a chicken to be found — it is a peninsula after all.
Comment by Kelly R. — October 17, 2007 @ 5:04 pm
Julie, I can’t believe this was your blog topic, I went to Italy for ten days over the summer and it was the most amazing trip. My friend just sent me pictures from our trip today and I was wishing I could go back. I fell in love with Florence and Venice, I thought Rome was a lot like Washington DC, and it was very very
over 100 dergees each day we were there. I must say Vatican City was amazing it was like walking back in time. Italy is worth leaving the country for , if you can spend a few days in Tuscany the wine is out of this world, the food was great even picky eaters can find something amazing to eat like gelato 
Comment by erin — October 17, 2007 @ 9:02 pm
The two places I’d like to visit are Scotland and Hawaii. Everywhere else is in the contiguous US, though I’d like to travel around just to SEE things, to say that I’ve been there.
Comment by Kate Scott — October 17, 2007 @ 9:59 pm
No chicken in Italy? Where do they get the marsala from?
Seriously…no chicken?
Erin, et. al…you’re all making me want to go. I think my daughter would be perfectly content to live on ice cream (gelato) for a few weeks, but her father might have some objections, LOL!
We’re just going to have to plan a trip.
Comment by Julie Leto — October 17, 2007 @ 10:38 pm
I think I only found chicken on the menu once or twice the whole time we were in Italy (maybe more than that but it was rare). It probably depends where you go, of course.
Comment by Kelly R. — October 18, 2007 @ 1:57 pm