And in closing….

Beyond the incredible scenery, history and places we’ve seen on this around-the-world trip,  we are always fascinated by the smaller things we see and observe in this big world of ours…and also how things have changed over time since we first started traveling internationally thirty years ago. Here’s a few nuggets:

1. Of all the countries we visited, not a single one had water that was drinkable out of the faucet. Why? How is this possible?? In every case, bottled water had to be consumed. We take for granted our good ol’ USA local water works.
2. Steve Jobs would be proud. Virtually every person in every place in the world we visited conducted their business and\or interacted with us via an iPhone.  And, this includes Maasai tribe safari guides in the middle of the bush in Africa. Mr. Jobs truly did change the world.
3. Middle East tourism is getting a really bad rap these days. There was much more crime and violence in some of our democratic-controlled U.S. cities during the time we were in Israel and Jordan. And, the history in these countries is simply unbelievable and goes back thousands of years. If you are a Christian, Muslim or Jew, Jerusalem is the cradle of your faith and is a must-do on your travel wish list.
4. Technology continues to bring the world closer together and make international travel a breeze.  Case in point was changing our entire return itinerary in an hour … on our iPhone.
5. Why do foreign plumbing manufacturers have to make shower\bath faucets and handles so different and difficult to understand how to operate? In practically every hotel, it was a whole new adventure!
6. If you’re trying to choose one country in Africa to safari, choose Tanzania. This country is wild and beautiful with an abundance of big-five animals. The travel infrastructure is good and it is reasonable priced. (If there’s such a thing as a reasonably-priced safari). Kenya on the other the other hand seems a bit worn out and entitled since they been at the travel\safari business much longer.
7. Apple AirTags are great for keeping up with your luggage and backpacks, or dogs or husbands for that matter. They were certainly a life-saver in our case when we started this trip (see Israel blog).
8. More than ever before, and probably because of the economic effects of the worldwide pandemic, service employees rely on and expect tips. In a few cases they were literally holding their hand out. What used to be viewed as part of their jobs is now viewed as over and above the minimum service expected and therefore deserving of extra money. Having said that, and this is a repeat from ATW2017, a couple of dollars in someone’s hand can really make their day and sometimes will make the difference of whether or not they eat that day.
9. Go to the Maldives. What else can we say?
10. Guides are worth the money. These pros will give you the information in such historical places as Egypt that you could never, ever get while holding a book while you tour. Just check their credentials and their command of the English language.
11. Egypt car drivers are unique people. We believe they are born with the innate urge to honk their horn every few seconds, regardless of whether or not there’s anything in front of them. Consequently, Cairo is one of the noisiest places on the planet … but it’s still an exciting city!

And finally … by the numbers:

MILES:

Walk 255

Bike 8

Fly 27,659

Rental car 488

Train 979

Boat 40

Safari Jeep 300

Tours 144

Swim and scuba 8

Bus 206

Mule 2

Camel 2

Golf cart 8

GRAND TOTAL MILES 30,129

NUMBER OF:

Flights 23

Hotels 24

Trains 2

Rental cars 2

Countries touched 13

Continents touched 4

and number of memories made: INFINITE!

Thanks to each and every one of you for following along on our blogs and Facebook posts. It meant the WORLD!

Bill and Andrea Thomason

Somewhere over the Pacific Ocean, destination: home!

August 5th, 2022

Top Gun, Hotfudge Sundae and wine was for dinner! 

 

Mimosas Cheers to a great trip. 

             Back in the states! Dallas Fort Worth