I collect key chains. I started on my first trip to Europe because I was poor and my luggage was full. It turns out that I had key chains from the previous countries I went to before I became a big traveler. So, Diane, this blog is for you!
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Aroha Nui! |
Can you believe the first place I ever went outside of the USA is New Zealand? This was 1993. What a lucky girl I am! I lived there for 1 1/2 years as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Thanks to facebook I've recently re-established friendships! I lived mostly in Hamilton and Auckland in the North Island. It's one of the most beautiful places in the world! My part of New Zealand had a lot of Polynesians. I learned how to say, hello and good-bye in about 10 different languages. I loved it there!
I went to Canada next in 1994. Actually, I went to Niagra Falls for a day, which hardly counts, but I count it anyway. I don't have a key chain from there.

Because I knew a lot about Polynesia, when someone came into my BYU teaching methods class asking who wanted to student teach in Tonga, I jumped at the chance! I was there for 3 months in 1996. I loved it there. There was nothing to do at all, but flirt with boys. When I was there they thought all white women were beautiful, so for 3 glorious months in Tonga, I was beautiful. The first Tongan word I learned was Foi Lole - which means you are as sweet as candy!
In 2006, I went with my friend Bonnie to pick up her cousin Ang, who I have known for years, who was studying in France. Bonnie, Ang, Ang's friend, and I had a whirlwind trip to London, England; Edinburgh, Scotland; and Paris, France. We were there for 8 days I think.


In 2011, I went to Italy for 3 weeks with my friend Sandy. I loved Venice because it had some beautiful masks and trinkets. These are not key chains, but they are small, cheap, and easy to carry.

Rome, Florence (Firenze), Pisa, and Venice! I love Italy! In Rome, we stayed in a magical campground filled with music. In Florence, we could've eaten dirt and it would have been the best food I have ever had in my life. Pisa gave us a nice sunny reprieve from the rain in Florence. In Venice, my friend Sandy and I had fun getting lost and following a cute gondolier.
Did you know that Vatican City is another country within the walls of Italy? The Sistine Chapel is there and the magnificent ceiling that Michelangelo Painted! This trinket is actually an eraser. It's my favorite part of the painting!



That is an awesome collection. I'm impressed.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great list! Thanks for sharing. I am going to do one for my travels. I particulary love the part about Florence. So true!
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