PackLite Travelin'

Travelers past, present, and future, I'm thinking ahead to future travels and I'd love to have your feedback. Do any of these trips interest you? Would you go if any of them are offered? Do you have other suggestions or requests? With the prices running in the $3200-$3500 range, would you favor cutting corners on, for example, accommodations, or do you value comfort over a little extra cost? [Note: in China I stayed in hostels and loved them]. Post comments here or e-mail packlite@uakron.edu NOW PERU We're able to extend the deadline a few more weeks. If you've been thinking about what to do this summer that is fun, unusual, and memorable, join us for the August 2-11 trip to the Amazon rain forest and Lima. There will be animals galore, good company, and one astounding experience after another! Let me know if you're ready. I welcome your interest and participation! SPRING 2011 (March) SOUTHEASTERN EUROPE: BUDAPEST—VIENNA—SALZBURG Three cities that are among the most beautiful in the world. The first two capitals are on the Danube and Salzburg is nestled in the mountains. A culturally & historically rich area that invites endless exploration. TURKEY: ISTANBUL—EPHESUS Istanbul is a lively, fascinating city with great monuments dating to its founding as the eastern capital of the Roman Empire. The beautiful Mediterranean coastline takes us to Ephesus, once the second largest city in the world and now one of the most important historical sites. In between there are many places of interest from the site of ancient Troy to the last home of the Virgin Mary. Something more "conventional"? SPAIN: MADRID-BARCELONA—and more! From ancient ruins to medieval mosques & castles to eye-poppiing modern architecture Spain has it all. And the weather in March is good! SUMMER 2012 (early August) INDONESIA including BALI How about something different? Since it takes so much time to get there and back, take about two weeks to see, experience, and absorb. We visit the jungles of Java and study its great history and architecture, including the magnificent temple at Borobudur. Then break up the sightseeing with a few relaxing days on the beaches of exotic Bali. Perhaps we also visit the storied island of Borneo before heading home. CHINA: HONG KONG—THE SOUTH AND WEST—TIBET Bustling Hong Kong is a tour unto itself. The landscape of southern China is unique and astounding (as any viewer of the wonderful film The Painted Veil knows). Yunnan and Szechuan provinces have jungle and mountains, from the entrancing city of Dali to the panda forests. Tibet is home to a fascinating culture amid the highest mountains in the world. This trip would offer matchless sights and experiences! Are the above too challenging? Would you rather have something more mainstream, e.g., GREECE: THE ISLANDS Cruising the waters of the Mediterranean to visit the storied Greek islands. What's not to like? I hope you find these ideas appealing and that we next year we'll be gathering at the airport for one or two of these journeys!