Places
The first time I read On The Road as a teenager hitchhiking in California I was picked up by a pair of hippie farmers who welcomed me into the back of their pickup and invited me to fill the side pocket of my red backpack from a mountain of dried figs. Needless to say I have done little in my life to refute the stereotype of Americans loving life on the road. While I've had the good fortune to experience much of Asia firsthand during the years I lived in Japan, I've see almost nothing of the rest of the world so far. Luckily, I've been able to compare notes with well-traveled relatives from the Isle of Man, Brisbane, Vancouver and the U.K. and as a result have no shortage of places I want to see.
My list of 'must visit' destinations is dominated by northern spots and includes several in Canada (New Foundland, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick), all of Northern Europe, the rest of Europe, Siberia, New Zealand, Egypt and at least one remote island not considered a popular tourist destination. In addition to international journeys there are domestic 'dream trips' I'd love to undertake here in the continental U.S., such as a single extended trip of all 48 states (perhaps one day/night in each), a walk across an entire state (Minnesota?), a reading tour of New England where the travels are coordinated with relevant daily readings of early American authors and colonial history and many others.
While I look forward to many more travel adventures, I am extremely lucky to call Minnesota home. Its a beautiful state with abundant natural resources. The state and its 'Twin Cities' are frequently cited at or near the top for being livable, green, well-educated and literate. But it does get cold.
I recall years ago reading an insightful article on former Vice President Walter Mondale, the Minnesota native who was the U.S. Ambassador to Japan at the time. The article covered Mondale's success as Ambassador and made a strong case that his Minnesota-ness uniquely suited him for the role. I strongly agreed with the premise and am sure it helps explain my abiding respect for Japan. While I can't locate that article on line here's one from the New York Times discussing his successful tenure in Tokyo.
