Country

[Conner]

Yes it is called life. I worked and raised three foster kids and my niece and nephew as well as a daughter. then for last 16 years have been back in a relationship(long distance unfortunatly) with my old college lover. Only recently have I done a lot of traveling. Figure I earned it before I urn it.. lol. Pax All Steve (emphasis added)

 

Great line, Steve. I just peed on it, so it's mine! You can't use it anymore! It certainly sounds like the last 3 years have been a great experience for you. Raising 6 kids...WOW!

 

Maybe I sould try and stay on topic this time around. I live in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada's western most province. Vancouver is tucked into the south-west corner, right on the Pacific Ocean. It's absolutely awesome living here. I spent most of my life in Montreal, Quebec, where I was born, and in Toronto and Ottawa, Ontario. In terms of scenery, it's just breathtaking here and all over BC. Vancouver can be damp, we have Seattle-like weather. When the sun is shining, though, nothing compares. The Canadian Rockies are just a quick trip to our neighbouring province, Alberta.

 

Did I mention that the 2010 Winter Olympics will be held here?

 

BC weed has an international reputation. I don't inhale, though. There's no bud like BC bud.

 

In terms of other parts of Canada, I would like to spend more time In Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. I have driven across this great nation four times.

 

Other countries i have visited include: USA, Mexico, Australia, Ireland, England, France, Switzerland, Sweden, Belgium, Hungary, Denmark, Russia, China, Taiwan and S Korea. I've been most fortunate in having a job that required me to travel. Most of the time, someone else was picking up the tab.

 

Cities that I have enjoyed the most were: San Diego, San Francisco, New York, Sydney, everywhere in Ireland, Paris, Geneva, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Moscow, Beijing and Soeul.

 

Once I retire, I hope to be able to spend 3 to 4 months in Ireland (using Dublin as my base I want to hit every pub in the country ), 3 months touring American cities who have major league baseball teams and the rest of the time here in Vancouver.

 

I never want to go to New Jersey. :nuke: Sorry, dawg. It slipped out again.

 

Conner

Edited August 23, 2007 by Conner

[Gandalf]

Thanks Connor, My dream next sailing trip is to spend a summer sailing up the St. Laurence and thru the great lakes then ship my boat to Vancouver so I can go up to Alaska then down the west coast to Panama then the Carribean and home to Maine. By then I will be ready to live in New Mexico or back in Sevilla and never see the ocean again. But who knows.

 

By the way My Mom came from Northern New Jersey and when I show peeps pics of her family farm people think it is from Vermont where I also lived and went to school many years ago.

 

Pax Steve

[old bob]

Other countries i have visited include: ....... Switzerland...... I've been most fortunate in having a job that required me to travel.

Cities that I have enjoyed the most were: .......Paris, Geneva.....

Conner

hey Conner,

Did you come to Switzerland for job or holidays and how long did you stay ?

What you prefer, Paris or Geneva ? and why ? I had the chance to live in both and I couldn't say which one I prefer :wacko: .

BTW; its always fun to hear somebody telling that he enjoyed my town

[TonyM]

I'm originally from a small town in eastern-central California but grew up in a suburb of San Diego. I moved to Quebec City, Canada just over 3 years ago and love it. I still love southern California but don't think I could live there again anytime soon. There's just too many damn people that live there now! My mental health was suffering thanks to road rage. I'm not sure where I'll end up, but for now Quebec is home.

[pitchan]

Hmm... I dont really care where I live as long as I dont spend more than say...6 years in a place. Ive gotten too used to moving around to really settle down much. Im mainly from India and am of Indian ethnicity, but have only lived here for about 4 years max. Ive lived in many different countries before. Was born in USA (Miami, Florida), but never really stayed there. Ive lived in Caracas, Venezuela; Madrid, Spain; Shanghai, China; Dublin, Ireland. Ive visited loads of other countries all over Europe as well. Currently doing University here in India, but plan on doing Masters course outside India (as much as I love India, I just cant stay in one place too long before wishing I could move xD)

[D Writes]

Traveling is one of my major hobbies. I've traveled almost the whole of India. And that is a whole lot considering the number of sight-seeing places + monuments there are there in India...

 

 

The BeaStKid

 

 

Beastkid, did u ever come to the North-East of India?? If you do, dont forget to visit me

 

 

Well, Beastkid has already described a lot about India, so I dont think I need to say much. Though its a beautiful country, its also one of the bigotted societies. I had a major discussion with Viv about this sometime back. She was like... Is that so?? I was like...Mmhmm

 

But yeah, with all the beauty and the not so beautiful stuff, India is one amazing place and I am very happy to call myself an Indian (maybe not that proud like Beastkid )

 

The country that I would love to visit is the US to meet Viv.

As I've already travelled to Canada, I can vouch for it as a place-you-must-visit

[Conner]

hey Conner,

Did you come to Switzerland for job or holidays and how long did you stay ?

What you prefer, Paris or Geneva ? and why ? I had the chance to live in both and I couldn't say which one I prefer :wacko: .

BTW; its always fun to hear somebody telling that he enjoyed my town

 

I've made 2 trips to Switzerland, both were business trips. I spent a week each time. The first trip was to Lucerne. What a beautiful place! The buildings seemed palatial to me. I felt like I was a character in a fairy tale. Lucerne Lake was just stunning. The meeting was only 3 days so I rented a car and toured the area. It was breathtaking. It was woderful to see the Swiss style homes all over the mountains. I felt like I was in a postcard. The food was divine everywhere I went.

 

A few years after that, I was in Geneva. That visit was actually one of the highlites of my career. I was asked to chair a meeting of experts by WHO. We developed their current guidelines for GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) for pharmaceuticals. I didn't have as much time to sightsee, but I felt so much at home there.

 

My trip to Paris had the advantage of more personal time. I spent 4 days walking all over the city. J'adore Paris. But don't make me choose.

 

Conner

Edited August 24, 2007 by Conner

[BeaStKid]

Beastkid, did u ever come to the North-East of India?? If you do, dont forget to visit me

I never visited that far off. But I lived in Siliguri and Calcutta for some time.

[The Reaper]

I live in Michigan of the United States and i hate it in the US. I absolutely hate it (except in california, but the rest sucks).

 

Why do i hate it? Because its a terrible country. You want a GREAT country to live in go live in Canada, the US is so f*cked up beyond repair its not even funny. People try to help the homeless and all that but do you think it works?

 

Maybe for a select few who get help, but what about the other 40 million living in poverty? People look at Ethiopia as a third world country, WAKE UP DUMB ASS!!! THIS, is a third world country. Now, i live in the nice suburbs of one of the richest cities in America (has the highest income per capita in the US), and ya know what? You walk two blocks down the wrong way and your in one of the poorest cities in America right now. How F*CKED up is that?

 

Now, ive been to the ghetto, i have friends in the ghetto, and all i see is the poor getting poorer and the rich getting richer. I have friends that live in 50 million dollar homes (no joke, he's got three elevators in his house), and all he's doing is getting richer.

 

Ive been to detroit, its a beautiful city and i wish that people would stop f*cking it up like Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick. I turned on the news the other day not to see that detroit is putting more funding into reviving the wonder inner city shops and the local economy, but no, their putting in another 300 million hotel for rich white people to stay at in the OUTSKIRTS of the city. That brings me to a point, if anyone ever goes to Detroit, you'll notice this. If you take I-75 to Detroit, you never hit the INNER Detroit, you go around it to the casinos and Greek town and Canada but no, you never have to go inside the city.

 

Now drugs may be a big factor in this but not in a bad way. The only bad thing about drugs are the negative views on it. But i wont even get into the unbeatable market of selling drugs to suburban kids...especially when the demand for drugs form the kids is at its highest levels than ever thanks to our government.

 

This country also has an addiction to violence for some reason, every time i turn on the news its not "oh, yes we're out here int he freezing cold helping stray kittens," its always "Oh my lord. Breaking news people. Im sorry for interrupting the kitten segment but i just got word that 3 people died in a car crash that is never going to help you in your daily life by knowing the details of."

 

No, i really dont give two shits about some drunk idiot who killed a woman and her baby, it happens every what, like 20 seconds i believe. Thats some f*cked up shit.

 

Although, i do recognize that the US does have the most freedoms and i do know the positives of the US. But honestly, as soon as i get the chance, its either California or f*ckin Canada my friends, i cant take much more of this savage bullshit im being fed by this country's golden spoon of bullshit.

Edited August 25, 2007 by The Reaper

[Benji]

I live in Michigan of the United States and i hate it in the US. I absolutely hate it (except in california, but the rest sucks).

 

Why do i hate it? Because its a terrible country. You want a GREAT country to live in go live in Canada, the US is so f*cked up beyond repair its not even funny. People try to help the homeless and all that but do you think it works?

 

Maybe for a select few who get help, but what about the other 40 million living in poverty? People look at Ethiopia as a third world country, WAKE UP DUMB ASS!!! THIS, is a third world country. Now, i live in the nice suburbs of one of the richest cities in America (has the highest income per capita in the US), and ya know what? You walk two blocks down the wrong way and your in one of the poorest cities in America right now. How F*CKED up is that?

 

Now, ive been to the ghetto, i have friends in the ghetto, and all i see is the poor getting poorer and the rich getting richer. I have friends that live in 50 million dollar homes (no joke, he's got three elevators in his house), and all he's doing is getting richer.

 

Ive been to detroit, its a beautiful city and i wish that people would stop f*cking it up like Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick. I turned on the news the other day not to see that detroit is putting more funding into reviving the wonder inner city shops and the local economy, but no, their putting in another 300 million hotel for rich white people to stay at in the OUTSKIRTS of the city. That brings me to a point, if anyone ever goes to Detroit, you'll notice this. If you take I-75 to Detroit, you never hit the INNER Detroit, you go around it to the casinos and Greek town and Canada but no, you never have to go inside the city.

 

Now drugs may be a big factor in this but not in a bad way. The only bad thing about drugs are the negative views on it. But i wont even get into the unbeatable market of selling drugs to suburban kids...especially when the demand for drugs form the kids is at its highest levels than ever thanks to our government.

 

This country also has an addiction to violence for some reason, every time i turn on the news its not "oh, yes we're out here int he freezing cold helping stray kittens," its always "Oh my lord. Breaking news people. Im sorry for interrupting the kitten segment but i just got word that 3 people died in a car crash that is never going to help you in your daily life by knowing the details of."

 

No, i really dont give two shits about some drunk idiot who killed a woman and her baby, it happens every what, like 20 seconds i believe. Thats some f*cked up shit.

 

Although, i do recognize that the US does have the most freedoms and i do know the positives of the US. But honestly, as soon as i get the chance, its either California or f*ckin Canada my friends, i cant take much more of this savage bullshit im being fed by this country's golden spoon of bullshit.

 

 

............WOW kid!, quit beating around the bush and tell us how you really feel!! If I don't like the TV channel I'm watching I switch channels. I don't like the political views of a certain candidate, I vote elsewhere. Don't like the country, leave! I grew up in poverty with my 5 brothers and one sister, my widowed mother raised us to believe that there were no handouts to be given, that we had to work for what we wanted to get out of life, and that we did. Have you ever been to a third world country? I've been to several, in Singapore I was invited to watch canings of criminals whose crimes wouldn't even merit a ticket here in the States. Besides western nations, what country would you pick to be gay in? I'm a vietnam vet and proud to say that I fought the good fight so you can spew your opinion.

Edited August 27, 2007 by Benji

[old bob]

............WOW kid!, Besides western nations, what country would you pick to be gay in? I'm a vietnam vet and proud to say that I fought the good fight so you can spew your opinion.

Wow Benji!

You are rough with the kid !

The situation when we were young is not the same as today .

Everybody has at least the right to have and to tell his opinion.

I like kids who have the courage to do it, even when we don't agree .

I had to fight 70 years (YES !) to have this courage. Elders shout better understand the liveliness of the youngsters .

A good day for both (live and let live) .

[Benji]

Wow Benji!

You are rough with the kid !

The situation when we were young is not the same as today .

Everybody has at least the right to have and to tell his opinion.

I like kids who have the courage to do it, even when we don't agree .

I had to fight 70 years (YES !) to have this courage. Elders shout better understand the liveliness of the youngsters .

A good day for both (live and let live) .

 

 

.......Actually Bob I bit my tongue more than you can imagine. kids have it easier today than in yours and yes my day. But I'm going to tell it like it is, if you don't like it, do something about! He's stated that his opinion of this country rather colorfully, I stated mine.

[Ieshwar]

All I would say is that "The grass appears greener on the other side!"

 

I mean, The Reaper is right! So is Benji!

 

The Reaper is talking according to what he lives. He never knows the real poverty where you're not sure if he's getting food tomorrow. But yes, he has seen the hypocrisy of human kind (it's damn hard, believe me). And he want to get out!

 

Benji, you've seen the real hardship of your time- war! YOU have seen what poverty means. What sacrifice means! For you, these things are much more important! Coz you lived it!!!

 

Just coz here it's shit, it doesn't mean out there it's gold!

 

Hope I talked a bit of sense here!

 

Ieshwar

[old bob]

.......Actually Bob I bit my tongue more than you can imagine. kids have it easier today than in yours and yes my day. But I'm going to tell it like it is, if you don't like it, do something about! He's stated that his opinion of this country rather colorfully, I stated mine.

Hey, I did with my comment

Not to quarrel about

It's now up to you both !

Perhaps Ian has something to say ?

[Benji]

Hey, I did with my comment

Not to quarrel about

It's now up to you both !

Perhaps Ian has something to say ?

 

 

..........When I said do something about it, I was referring to ones self not to the responder, I should have stated it You do something about it.......no quarrel.......Ieshwar has a point, the grass is always greener over the septic tank .......Ian ?

[CoLeYy]

im alittle late here on this thread butttt

 

IMA REPRESENT THE EAST COAST AS WELL!

 

I'm from New York City . i live in one of the five boroughs which is Queens . Other then staten Island its proubly more urban but with a hint of rural now and then. I really like it here . I mean its not hard 2 get anywhere using the train or bus. Driving? be prepared to hit traffic and i mean TRAFFIC . Theres so much to do here i mean u can take the train to Manhattan and go sight seeing there or theres even place in Queens that are historic . Ever see men in black? the last scene on that space ship looking thing is in Flushing Meadows Corona Park and thats in Queens.

 

I've been to Puerto Rico where i have alot of family . I dont think i would want to move there but it is a beautiful place 2 visit.

 

I want to go visit Germany. I never been there and i am part German . My dad recently told me there is a town in Germany that is the same name as my last name. I wanna go there in pictures on google it looks beautiful . I also want to go all around Europe.

 

As far as moving and living i really want to move to Pennsylvania . I have lived in the city for all my life and having family in p.a I love the out doors feeling. Not having you neighbors right next door to you Farms and all that good stuff by you. It's beautiful i love it !

 

Beast kid...

those are some beautiful pictures ! i'd love to see the actuall place after seeing those photos

Edited August 29, 2007 by CoLeYy

[The Reaper]

To be honest, i dont care what others think. I know that sounds kind of dickish but im not here to make friends haha (although its a nice perk), im here to state my view. Most people dont like my views for they're not so...patriotic, and thats fine if they dont like them. Say what you want about anything thats the beauty of the world.

 

 

"Patriotism is the virtue of the vicious."

[AFriendlyFace]

Figure I earned it before I urn it.. lol.

HAHA, I loved that too!

 

Great line, Steve. I just peed on it, so it's mine! You can't use it anymore!

LOL, when I first read that I thought you meant you laughed so hard you peed yourself

 

I've made 2 trips to Switzerland, both were business trips. I spent a week each time. The first trip was to Lucerne. What a beautiful place! The buildings seemed palatial to me. I felt like I was a character in a fairy tale. Lucerne Lake was just stunning. The meeting was only 3 days so I rented a car and toured the area. It was breathtaking. It was woderful to see the Swiss style homes all over the mountains. I felt like I was in a postcard. The food was divine everywhere I went.

My gosh! That does sound beautiful! Now I want to go there and see if I can meet my own Swiss prince Charming

 

I have a few thoughts on Ian and Benji''s posts since, as on most matters, I seem to find myself somewhere in the middle of the two extremes. I won't quote the standard way because I'd hit the limit, but please correct me if I take anything out of context.

 

First Ian's:

 

the US is so f*cked up beyond repair its not even funny.

It's my opinion that countries, like people, are never "F*cked up beyond repair", things can always get better, especially if individuals don't give up but instead work to improve things.

 

Maybe for a select few who get help, but what about the other 40 million living in poverty? People look at Ethiopia as a third world country, WAKE UP DUMB ASS!!! THIS, is a third world country.

A strong rhetorical argument, however, I would disagree nonetheless. It is better to be poor in America (or any first world nation) versus being poor in a third world country. Yeah, it still sucks, but you can usually find running water, basic sanitation, and a modicum of nourishment.

 

Now, i live in the nice suburbs of one of the richest cities in America (has the highest income per capita in the US), and ya know what? You walk two blocks down the wrong way and your in one of the poorest cities in America right now. How F*CKED up is that?

It depends on how you look at it. Yes, the disparity between the quality of life for these communities is pretty crumby, however, many would argue that just the fact that the two groups coexist in such a close proximity is a sign of hope for ultimate inclusion and resources for the poorer one.

 

 

This country also has an addiction to violence for some reason, every time i turn on the news its not "oh, yes we're out here int he freezing cold helping stray kittens," its always "Oh my lord. Breaking news people. Im sorry for interrupting the kitten segment but i just got word that 3 people died in a car crash that is never going to help you in your daily life by knowing the details of."

An interesting observation, and one I can't help but agree with. I've always thought it a pity that the emphasis is always on the bad news, and I also agree that personally I'd rather not know about the plight of someone whom I'm not connected with and can't help. Don't get me wrong, if it's someone I can help, even if it's only with emotional support, I do want to know, but if it truly is some anonymous, sucky event then yes I would indeed much rather live in blissful ignorance. In fact I choose to do just that. I don't watch TV, yet alone the news, I don't read the papers or any news websites, and the nearest I even come to finding out "what's going on" is reading Newsweek and Reader's Digest (and this forum).

 

I did once read somewhere that the fact that a bad event is reported at all is a good sign. It means that the event is "newsworthy" and thus uncommon enough to take note of.

Although, i do recognize that the US does have the most freedoms and i do know the positives of the US. But honestly, as soon as i get the chance, its either California or f*ckin Canada my friends, i cant take much more of this savage bullshit im being fed by this country's golden spoon of bullshit.

It would be extremely hypocritical of me to fault this attitude since in all truthfulness I've always viewed California and Canada (as well as NYC) to be kind of "promised lands" myself. However, I really don't think it's all that dire, I think it's extremely easy to be very happy and content in any geographic region of the U.S., I just personally think that my own personality, and philosophies would make me better suited to a more socially liberal, urban area (I also agree that you probably would be too).

 

 

And Benji's:

 

If I don't like the TV channel I'm watching I switch channels. I don't like the political views of a certain candidate, I vote elsewhere. Don't like the country, leave!

Well said! Not enjoying TV quite literally made me switch it off. It's also very true that one shouldn't simply sit around complaining about something, but should instead take steps to remedy the situation or else remove themselves from it.

 

I grew up in poverty with my 5 brothers and one sister, my widowed mother raised us to believe that there were no handouts to be given, that we had to work for what we wanted to get out of life, and that we did. Have you ever been to a third world country? I've been to several, in Singapore I was invited to watch canings of criminals whose crimes wouldn't even merit a ticket here in the States. Besides western nations, what country would you pick to be gay in?

I certainly can't fault this line of thinking either.

 

I'm a vietnam vet and proud to say that I fought the good fight so you can spew your opinion.

Thank you, Benji. I've always thought it wonderful how some people join the army and defend our nation. I'm deeply indebted to you all. All the more because I know it's not something I ever could, or would, do. I see that it needs doing and as I said I appreciate those that do it, but I'd quite literally rather desert than be in the army, yet alone think about actually fighting. For better or worse pretty much all aspects of my temperament are ill-suited to military life. For one thing I value, and am stronger in, individuality over uniformity, and certainly conformity. I couldn't possibly take orders blindly, and first and foremost I'm a pacifist.

 

I readily recognize that my ideology and lifestyle are only made possible through the efforts of men and women like you, and for that I am very grateful. Hopefully I can give back to the world in other ways.

 

Wow Benji!

You are rough with the kid !

The situation when we were young is not the same as today .

Everybody has at least the right to have and to tell his opinion.

I like kids who have the courage to do it, even when we don't agree .

I had to fight 70 years (YES !) to have this courage. Elders shout better understand the liveliness of the youngsters .

A good day for both (live and let live) .

 

 

All I would say is that "The grass appears greener on the other side!"

 

I mean, The Reaper is right! So is Benji!

 

The Reaper is talking according to what he lives. He never knows the real poverty where you're not sure if he's getting food tomorrow. But yes, he has seen the hypocrisy of human kind (it's damn hard, believe me). And he want to get out!

 

Benji, you've seen the real hardship of your time- war! YOU have seen what poverty means. What sacrifice means! For you, these things are much more important! Coz you lived it!!!

 

Just coz here it's shit, it doesn't mean out there it's gold!

 

Hope I talked a bit of sense here!

 

Ieshwar

 

Old Bob and Ieshwar, as always you both speak with an overwhelming amount of kindness, clarity, and wisdom rooted in a desire to heal divisiveness and soothe hurt!

 

Well said you two! GA, and the world, is lucky to have you!

 

I'm from New York City . i live in one of the five boroughs which is Queens . Other then staten Island its proubly more urban but with a hint of rural now and then. I really like it here . I mean its not hard 2 get anywhere using the train or bus. Driving? be prepared to hit traffic and i mean TRAFFIC . Theres so much to do here i mean u can take the train to Manhattan and go sight seeing there or theres even place in Queens that are historic . Ever see men in black? the last scene on that space ship looking thing is in Flushing Meadows Corona Park and thats in Queens.

So, do you think I would be happy there, Coley?

 

 

I want to go visit Germany. I never been there and i am part German . My dad recently told me there is a town in Germany that is the same name as my last name. I wanna go there in pictures on google it looks beautiful . I also want to go all around Europe.

Oh my gosh, that sounds so cool! A whole town named after you! Actually my mother's side of the family is from Germany too. It would be really fun to go and visit!

 

Let's try to return to the positive, fun tone in which the thread was created; I must say I was thoroughly enjoying hearing about where everyone's from and having them describe their local scenery and culture.

 

Have an awesome day all and take care

Kevin

[Ieshwar]

Old Bob and Ieshwar, as always you both speak with an overwhelming amount of kindness, clarity, and wisdom rooted in a desire to heal divisiveness and soothe hurt!

 

Damn, here goes the dream of being a politician! Just joking.

 

Thanks Kevin! I must admit it's the influence of being surrounded by intelligent and cool persons.

 

And Old Bob is definitely a symbol of wisdom at GA! His words are very deep and wise indeed!

 

Well said you two! GA, and the world, is lucky to have you!

 

Nah, I'm looking for just one nice boy! This is a bit too much

 

Ieshwar

 

P.S Kevin, your sig is too cool! It's exactly my thought on you!

[CoLeYy]

Kevin

you would most deff. be happy. The one reason why i love NYC so much is because its such a huge melting pot. I mean Manhattan is pretty big. There are all these cultures combined. Theres so many parades for different places around the world for example , we have the puerto rican day parade, the dominican parade, the phillipines parade, the gay pride parade , etc the list goess onn and onn. I can actually say that i have lived in NYC all my life and still have not seen all of manhattan or all the historic sites. Broadway is beautiful. The plays and the history behind them is so interesting. Ive been to 4 broadway plays in my life so far and i want to see soooo many more. I mean getting an apt in Manhattan itself is pretty pricey but, you can always go to any of the 5 boroughs or even Long Island. Theres transportation everywhere i love it. It's one place you can be yourself and not get judged.

I mean there are downsides and since i live here i can come with a list that never ends. I don't drive yet but driving in Manhattan is NUTS !!!! There are a lot of homeless and it is kind of dirty to an extent. I lived thru 911 and since i did live here it does get a little nerve racking when you walk down the streets in Manhattan. It really just depends if you like the city life. If you do then you will be happy with New York

 

oh yeah and for the record kevin

 

LOTS OF PLACES TO GO SHOPPING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

you can basically shop ANYWHERE and find something cool

Edited August 30, 2007 by CoLeYy

[BeaStKid]

Beast kid...

those are some beautiful pictures ! i'd love to see the actuall place after seeing those photos

 

Please do come and visit us!!

 

Damn, here goes the dream of being a politician! Just joking.

Damn, and here I thought you'd like to be one...just to give me company!!!

[Bondwriter]

I'm from Picardie. It's farm land, where potatoes, sugar beets, corn and wheat are grown. The particular district I live in the Somme District, is mainly famous for its battle in 1916 during WWI. Hence, we have lots of U.S., British, Australian, South-African, Canadian, New Zealand cemeteries throughout the countryside. When I lived in the midwest, the landscapes were not that exotic.

 

Besides having lots of cemeteries, and farm land that's more and more managed by big business rather than farmers, we have lots of unemployment in what used to be late 19th century industries, like textile.

 

My hometown features a famous cathedral, which brings bus loads of tourists roaming around, and strolling through the streets. My neighborhood has been largely remodeled to be super cute for the tourists. It is, and I still enjoy the view and scenery as I walk around.

 

Having lived in other places, I like it here mainly because I have lots of friends and relatives. It's not too expensive; I'm one hour and a half away from the center of Paris. It's reasonably big for cultural venues, and there is some beautiful countryside within walking distance.

[old bob]

I'm from Picardie. It's farm land, where potatoes, sugar beets, corn and wheat are grown. The particular district I live in the Somme District, is mainly famous for its battle in 1916 during WWI. Hence, we have lots of U.S., British, Australian, South-African, Canadian, New Zealand cemeteries throughout the countryside. .

My comment has nothing to do with the topic

Hey Fran

[The Reaper]

I'm from Picardie.

 

 

France is so beautiful, im so jealous.

Edited August 31, 2007 by The Reaper

[sungod]

Hey Dalmatia .

GA Forums are here too meet people As you see you had already a lot of answers on your post

As you can see it in my profile, I live in Geneva (Switzerland). here a view of it :

If you want to see more, go to the galleries (but you have to post more, I think 5 more ).

And if you want to know more of the members, go to the memberlist and check the profiles .

And don't forget to read all these fine stories.....

Old bob

 

Hey, Old Bob,

 

I visited Switzerland once and would love to go back some day. I was in Zurich and Lucerne on business, and had time to do some sightseeing in the Alps. Wonderful! One of the things I remember about Zurich is all of the palm trees growing along the avenues. It surprised me, I wouldn't have thought that palm trees would be able to survive the Zurich winters.

 

There was an amusing incident that happened one evening in Zurich. My business host was showing me the old town section and we were walking on one of the streets that was closed to cars. There were a large number of people walking and riding bikes. Suddenly, I was bumped in the back of my leg by the tire of someone on a bike. I was a little pissed, with all of the room why did someone run into me? I turned, and there was a guy on a bike grinning at me. It was my next-door neighbor from Orinda, California. He was on vacation with his wife who was also on a bike next to him. They left after I had, so I never heard about their snap decision to take a trip to Switzerland. He said that he recognized me from the rear. Or the back. Or something like that. It was pretty funny. We all went bar-hopping with my business host being the tour guide, and had a great time.

 

sungod