In all of my travel, I have found a few places that really stand out as far as truly touching my soul. These are places where I really feel at home. And, for someone like me, that is a rare and precious thing. These places call to me, and prove restorative when I am there. I share here some of my thoughts on each. This is not an exhaustive list - merely a compendium of favorites with a little extra to make the exploration worthwhile.I hope you'll write to me and share some of your own travel experiences should you take the time to peruse these...

Greece

Greece was my first experience in international travel, and I ventured there in 1990 as part of an educational study tour of Greek archaeology. By far the highlight of my educational career as a student, this opportunity opened my eyes to the world, and helped me find my place in it. I returned on several subsequent occasions for extended stays in the country.

There are many things that make Greece special for me. I no particular order, I love the climate, language, archaeology, history and the broad and varied culture of the region. I find modern Greek culture to be as fascinating as ancient culture, and have grown to love the music and poetry of Greece. I also love the Greek approach to life; while very Mediterranean, it is distinctly Greek. And, I adore the fact that laws are established as starting points for negotiation rather than a concrete or inflexible rule.

Ireland

Coming from a celtic background (Fee = Macdubhsidhe) always made me interested in celtic culture and the histories of Ireland and Scotland. Of course, a love for great Irish beer (thank you Guinness) also made my experiences in Ireland a high-point of my travels. I also love celtic music and cannot think of a better way to spend the evening that sitting around a pub waiting for the local music to break out.

I've travelled all over the island, although I have not made many inroads into the North. By far my favorite places are Dublin (truly an exceptional city - young, fun, and historic) and just about anywhere along the west coast. Out west, I highly recommend the Dingle Peninsula, the village of Doolin, and the town and County of Donegal.

Four Corners Country

This is the area of the southwest US encompassing New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona, and Utah. Truly one of the most unique areas in the country as far as landscape is concerned, I think it possesses some of the most photogenic and beautiful places I have ever seen in any of my travels. Some see the area as stark and depressing; however, I have always been taken by the raw and unadulterated beauty that such landscapes display freely for anyone willing to take from them.

More than just the beauty of the area, draws me there however. The mix of latino, hispanic, Native American and anglo cultures is invigorating to observe. Throw in the best archaeology in the States, and you can't go wrong.