Bucket List bingo

Do you have a Bucket List?  Most people do, whether it’s a formal “list” or just an informal, and perhaps un-written, collection of things they want to see and do.  Of course what’s on the list can be places, things to do, people to meet, or whatever.  Travel bucket lists are among the most popular.  I’ve been asked, more than a few times, if I have a “Travel Bucket List”.  As I rejoin the Blog world, as the Traveling Irishman, on the Blog called “My next 50 years” I thought that a good idea to attempt to create one for you, my readers.

Before I give you my updated (an ever fluid) list, I want to tell you that this year (2012) has been a very good year for Bucket List check offs for me.  This year, alone, I have checked off 5 places that I always wanted to visit.  Those places, in order, are:

1.       Costa Rica (with long-time friends Kirk and Rainy Broussard)

2.       Montreal

3.       Niagara Falls (with friends on a church Mission Trip)

4.       Monterey California (and the wonderful Monterey Aquarium, with Susan and Erin)

5.       San Simeon, California (and Hearst Castle w/ Susan and Erin, while visiting Jordan & Erin Paige)

What a great list of places to visit, right?  Well here is my Bucket List that I shared with long-time friend Jon Hufnagel earlier this summer:

·         Australia (only Continent I lack)

·         New Zealand (rafting, skiing, local wine)

·         Africa (photo) Safari  (Keya, Tanzania, or South Africa)

·         Spain (again, I love it)

·         Galapagos Islands (Perhaps a couples boat trip)

·         Fiji/Tahiti (somewhere in French Polynesia)

·         Alaska Cruise

·         Mediterranean Cruise – East

·         Mediterranean Cruise – West

·         Sequoia And Kings Canyon National Parks (California)

·         Thailand (ride Elephants)

·         Lake Tahoe (skiing)

·         Ireland (again, including the North)

·         N. Carolina (Outer Banks)

·         Salmon fishing in Oregon or Alaska

·         Machu Picchu (in Peru)

Do you see anything you’re interested in?  Let me know, I love planning for groups!

Welcome back!

Dear readers,

 

This is my first post in almost 3 years, since I learned that my company was selling all of their International assets, and that I (as the International Production Manager) would be out of a job.  Well, two and a half years later, I am living in the heartland, enjoying life, and still working for Devon Energy as the Reservoir Manager for one of the most important gas projects in the entire U.S.  Wow, much has changed, but much has stayed the same. 

A friend at work once said to me:  “You should write a Blog”.  What Stephanie probably meant by that was:  Stop telling me all these stories, I have work to do!”.  In any case, it reminded me that I do have a Blog, although it’s been dormant for the last few years, and maybe it’s time to dust it off.  So, here we are, deep into 2012, and I’m dusting off my Blog again.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

I still love to travel, and have had some fun trips since my “wings got clipped”.  Since my last posting, in late 2009, I wanted to let you know where I’ve been, both for work and pleasure:

Business:  Azerbaijan (twice), China, Russia, and the U.K. (to visit our partners, and the host governments affected by Devon’s divestitures)

Vacations:   Italy, California (twice, to visit my son), Montreal, Costa Rica, and Niagara Falls

In case you cannot tell, I love travel.  I love visiting new places, both in the U.S. and beyond.  I love new languages, the landmarks, and new foods.  I enjoy meeting different peoples and learning of the love and depth of their cultures.  I like day-dreaming about future trips, the planning, prioritizations, and even writing my little travel journey summaries when I get home. 

Today, I went to the Post Office in Edmond Oklahoma to renew my passport.  My current passport expires in November, and (of course) I never want to be without one.  I have actually lost track, but I think that this will be my sixth or seventh one (I had to double up for several years).  I am already wondering what will be the first destination and stamp in my new passport.  That will be the subject of my next posting.  So onto my next travel blog…..