A Whole New World

They take the time to learn English, we could do the same for them. =)



With your dedication and knowlage you have already, I'm sure you'll be speaking it in no time at all! =]



I could rob a bank? =D



@-,-'-,-'-----

You'll also be surprised at how far English will get you. There always seems to be somebody around any where in the world who speaks or understands English. It's always a plus to speak a few words of other people's language as they are usually more helpful because you made the effort to learn some of theirs. Then always have that English/other language Dictionary with you. It might be slow but with that and some sign language it can go a long ways.



I'm hoping to be fluent in Spanish some day as I would like to visit many Spanish speaking countries including returning to Spain.



An exchange program sounds interesting if you can find a way to raise the money. Be creative!



Best Wishes! Mel

Hehe, no worries. =)



You're fortunate to have a job where you can travel and that’s accessible from any part of the world (as long as there's internet connection, that is. =P ) I'm sure you will: there are hundreds of new people wanting to put their book on the market and with reputable company and good quality in service; they'll be running your way.



We have 2/3 available exchange programs as far as I know in my school: United Kingdom and Austria/Deutschland, though paying for airliner tickets are our own problem and since we don't have the funds and I haven't been (and can't, really) sponsored, it's a tad bit difficult. Though, I have German as a 3rd additional language subject and can understand it relatively well. I plan to become as fluent as a non-German can be in it, so that will help me if I ever want to work overseas in European grounds and with the bits of other languages I know, it'd make it easier. I'm not keen on taking a gap-year, so possibly studying overseas can be considered. =)



That sounds fantastic! Hope you get there had have a ball. =D

Mea Culpa! I don't think I was told there was a follow-up comment here or I would have responded sooner.



Most of my traveling was while I was in the U.S.M.C. for 8 years and that's where I was able to live overseas. I did visit Hawaii 3 times since and made the trip to Canada.



I'm working hard to make my part/full time job publishing books more than enough to replace my income so I can than travel. All I need is an internet connection then to process the orders and have them shipped so I can do that from anywhere. I've made real good progress towards that goal and I'm hoping I'll reach it later this year. I'd probably still work my security job(s) to use the extra income then to pay off debts as fast as possible.



There are many ways you could even work in some of the countries you intend to visit which would supplement your $$$ and certainly allow you to be in country longer and be able to see and experience a lot more. Sometimes you might only need to work 4 hours a day to cover your room and board, then the rest of the time is yours to explore.



For our family vacation we are thinking East Coast somewhere... the children will ultimately decide...



Best Wishes! Mel

Are your travels mainly for business, but you get time to look around or do you go for your own recreation? I notice you've traveled mainly in the northern hemisphere. Any specific reason as to why?



That's a really great idea. You do that? I shall certainly place a few pictures up in my room. Regrettably, money will be the thing keeping me from going to many places. =( Budgeting should help, though if I could ever have enough, I wouldn't know.



I hope and pray that your foot will heal so that you can go hiking (and where ever you want for that matter of face). Seems I have quite a few trips to the gym lined up for me before I go on any walking route. =P



I wish you and your family the best of time! =D So lucky! Where will you be diving? Have fun! All the best!

I guess it would have been fair to let you know where I plan to go next. If my feet can hold up to some serious hiking I would like to do the 20 day round trip to the Base Camp of Mt Everest, but I have a bone spur on my left foot and I don't want to have it operated on as it seems that causes more problems than before surgery. If the Base Camp hike is not doable, then I would like to go to Tokyo and for a 2nd time climb Mt Fuji. Its an awesome experience. So one or the other and this would happen in 2011.



This year we're having our last family vacation together in the U.S. before the girls start to go off to college..etc.



My treat this year is I am going Sky Diving for the first time this spring and will ride in a Hot Air Balloon. Just put that money into savings and now its just waiting for warm weather to return.



Best Wishes! Mel

Yes, I have traveled and within 5 years that's all I intend on doing is travel, travel, travel.



I've been blessed to have lived in Japan, Hawaii, and Spain. I have been to Taiwan, Philippines, Korea, Canada, Portugal, Germany, England, the city Spanish city Ceuta on the coast of Morocco, Rock of Gibralter and Luxembourg.



If you haven't already, may I suggest you write down your first choice or better yet to print out some pictures of places in India and Singapore and hang them up where you frequent in your house/apt to constantly remind yourself of your goals. You could also do a preliminary search to determine costs for the trip and develop a budget to save up the money for the trip unless money is no object in which case I'd be more than happy to carry your luggage around. Just kidding. :-) But seriously planning it out makes it more real and you'll find it becomes a reality much faster than you realized.



Best Wishes! Mel

Hi lovelife2themax! Thank you so much for the boosting reassurance! If I got my way, visiting Singapore and India would be my 1st choice. Though, I really wouldn't mind where I went, as long as I can. =] Have you traveled much?

Floydess, You can see all these places! Where are you planning to go first? Best Wishes! Mel