A World-Wide View of Life! I Love Traveling Abroad and I Am a Broad!!
- Colleen McIntosh
- Sep 25, 2024
- 25 min read
Updated: Oct 27, 2024
If you’ve read my book and/or are reading my blogs – you know that I was born and raised in Northern Maine. A very isolated part of the world. You also know that I was the middle child of 5. As such, you know that I am a little “different” (or as I like to say, “Special!” – I will leave it up to you to interpret that self-observation). I belive traveling is imperative to a full and healthy world-wide view of life!
“Broadening one’s horizons” – idiom – to increase the range of things that someone knows or has experienced.” (Cambridge Dictionary)
In other words – Think Globally People!!
This blog is about my travels around the globe – something that ought to be a requirement for every person in the world. The royalty of Britain and the people of wealth had what was called “The Grand Tour” – typically a year-long trip around the world’s principle cultural centers – as part of their formal education. In modern times it’s called the "Gap Year" – a movement also made popular in Britain and typically for the wealthy. Time spent away from mommy and daddy and fending for yourself (with gobs of money) was considered an education in “growing up.” But a year of traveling was common for the rich, but not for the common folk (me). If normal people (not the 1%) are already sending their kids to university for the cost of a nice home – then why can’t they also have a “Gap Year” as part of that formal education – 3 years in a classroom and 1 year experiencing the world. Restructure the educational system to teach people real life knowledge.
Colleen quote for the 10th time: “Just because you’re educated, doesn’t mean you’re smart!”
Of course, I’m not rich but it makes perfect sense that we should all receive a free year of traveling to all continents as part of our education. In a perfect, organized, fair and unbiased world – that might be possible. If everyone had the chance to experience each other’s cultures – then maybe it would be a world of peace, acceptance, harmony and LOGIC. Just sayin!!
Traveling while growing up - involved going to various relative’s homes or maybe a trip to Bangor to visit other various relative’s homes. It wasn’t easy with five kids and a tight budget. We did take our VW on a trip to Texas once but that was a toddler blur, and my memories are a bit warped. I remember only scary mountain roads and bridges (first inkling I had a fear of heights), bubblegum in my hair through 15 states, red ants swarming while stinging and chewing on my chubby feet/legs, unbearable heat – etc. Fun times! Through all that mayhem, I had a great time with my aunt, uncle and cousins! However, the drive resulted in a lifetime of nightmares and phobias.
We also took a trip to Quebec and that’s where I experienced my second experimentation with heights! I can’t remember the exact location in this beautiful city, but it involved a steep, long, heavily trafficked, grated flight of stairs that seemingly led down to origins unknown – because my “frozen in terror” brain – never allowed me to go beyond the half-way point before I gave in to my irrational panic attack. As everyone was fast walking down this stairway to Dante’s hell – I became immobile partway down, rooted to the see-thru stair tread, slowly slinking down to a sitting position while I clung to the railing as if the staircase was a movable Escher painting – warping, trembling and flinging me to my crushing death. No one (family) noticed that I was frozen in my slow-motion nightmare, and I think I fainted for a couple seconds? A nightmare that infected my formative years. That’s all I remember about Quebec except for a troubling memory of one of the adults hitting a dog??? I’ll have to confirm that with my siblings!
Where I lived in Northern Maine - driving into Canada was a quick hop, stop and chat with the border guards as passports were not a requirement. We were so close to Canada that I thought it was an extension of Northern Maine with a French accent! Rules have changed since my youth, because now Canada prefers Americans stay in America! I don’t blame them!! I remember that dad and friends took me salmon fishing once and I believe we were in Canada. My memories are controversial – because I have a fantastic imagination!! Once again, I have one firm recollection. I was young, and the men thought I needed additional protection while in the river of rapids and strong currents – so they put me in adult waders. I probably weighed 80 lbs., and the river was not as shallow as originally indicated. My waders filled up and I went under. I think Doc or Tom or Dad pulled me out – gasping like a wet, freezing, spitting ferret – and damp for the remainder of our overnight fishing trip. That was my first and last sojourn with Dad and his fishing buddies!
I visited my sister, Bridget, once - who had moved to New York. See excerpt "Growing Up Midde(ing) Part 4 below:
"My sister moved to NY after college and invited me down to visit. I had no money for a bus or plane ticket, so that same farmer neighbor, Gary, offered me a ride in his 18-wheeler. He had his own semis for potato transport and happened to be going through NY. So, I pulled an all-nighter with him. I occasionally slept in his bunk compartment and ate his snacks until he pulled up outside my sisters in the Bronx. I had a great time with Bridget. She took me downtown and one of our stops was a fancy club/disco. Did you know that they allow 16-year-olds into NYC clubs? Did you know that you can get served alcohol – even though I didn’t drink (then). Did you know that rich men dressed like Sheiks will buy you drinks? Did you know that these men will buy virgins? I believe I was purchased that night?? I must ask my sister how much I cost."
Until I reached adulthood – my traveling was limited to a very small area. I had no idea what a passport was or that millions of people traveled all over the world daily. It was such a “foreign” concept to me. But I read about other countries whether fiction or factual. History books told us all about famous locations - museums, castles, coastlines, mountains, major events all around the world – all sites of beauty, wonder and terror – each unique to a specific country. Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland were my favorites to dream about and longed to visit. I’ve been there 6 times to date, and I plan on going back as often as we can afford.
My sister and brother traveled to France on a high school trip. I was so jealous, but didn’t fully understand why. I didn’t speak French! My father won a trip through his business and my parents went to Rio de Janeiro. Once again, I was jealous, but not for the reasons you would expect. We were left with our Aunt Celia who we’d never met before. She was a babysitter from every fairytale we’d ever read – and not the Fairy Godmother type!! I discovered what the term “Evil Stepmother/Witch” meant in real time!
For years I wanted to fit in with the normal static crowd – but I now relish being outré and mobile. My love of traveling to other countries began in my 20’s (the 80’s decade). Up to that point, I didn’t even consider it because I couldn’t afford to travel. It was what “other” people did, not a girl from Northern Maine! I was living in New York and pursuing my childhood dream of being an actor. I was working/acting regularly at a dinner theatre and at a Playhouse for a couple years – while also going to casting calls in NYC for larger ambitions of Broadway!! I auditioned for various levels of entertainment and stumbled on a casting call for the musical “Hair.” After I was told I got the role of “Crissy”, they informed me that I’d be touring in Europe for a few months. I was a bit shocked, terrified and then it hit me – elated!! I had to get my first passport and prepare for an extended work-ation!! We landed in Amsterdam Holland for
the rehearsal period. The cast bonded and established a cohesion that this musical needed to pay tribute to Hair’s message of anti-war, peace and love! I attribute my magical experience in Amsterdam as my inspiration to travel and the motivation to witness how the rest of the world lived. My tour nickname was "Q-tip" because I had a blonde afro wanna-be haircut. Our tour began in Holland. We performed in all the following countries in Europe. Unfortunately, we didn't have iPhones back then and my inexpensive camera and childish photography skills did not reap in-focus or good photos - so I apologize for my amateurish photographs:
HOLLAND (Netherlands) – I can’t remember how many times I’ve been to Amsterdam because if we had a day off – we often hopped on a bus to return to this beautiful, friendly, canal city. The huge old Royal Theatre Carré was our introduction to European audiences. They were the most enthusiastic and welcoming city on our tour. Amsterdam was our longest stint - we took our clothes off for the first time in Amsterdam and in front of thousands. Yes, the musical Hair has a brief nude scene! At the end of Act 1 there is a passionate song which crescendos while the cast bares all our wobbly bits. Our first foray into nudity was opening night. We were circling the lead actor who is singing on a pedestal, draped with a large circle of fabric. As he is reaching his finale - we all stoop down and go underneath the fabric while moving our arms/singing/and stripping. This all occurs in less than a minute. We were supposed to all rise up from under the tarp - naked - and with arms and legs wide singing the last word - "Freedom" - before lights go out forr intermission. We should have rehearsed!!
The first night was one of confusion, panic and mayhem. Most of us got 3/4's of our clothes off - with pant legs dropped at our feet or a shirt sleeve still attached to an arm. We wanted to laugh but we were so terrified that we probably looked like we were in excrutiating pain. I'm sure the audience was perplexed by this under-achieved dramatic image. When the lights dimmed we all scrambled to find our clothes and run backstage before the lights came on for the intermission. The audience got to view a few running backsides with clothes still strewn on the stage before they departed for the bathroom or bar. Then we had to deal with being naked backstage with our crew and some local crew - all starring, laughing and some applauding. We laughted and wept but realized that we had stripped naked in front of a couple thousand people and survived! We were now professional strippers and did it every night (except in Austria) for months. It became blase! I was staged between 2 men - who were the two blackest men in our cast. I could hear both of them snickering when we performed each night because I was the whitest cast member. I GLOWED!
Amsterdam was the perfect city to expose myself physically and emotionally! I loved every minute!! Canals, ornate houseboats, bicycling, Hotel Krasnapolsky, red-light district, Hard Rock and Bulldog café/hash bars, Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh, Edam cheese, windmills, clogs, Indian food, diamond district and partying every night with all our new Dutch friends!! A cosmopolitan city while maintaining a small-town vibe! Everyone looked like a 6 ft., blond-haired, ice-blue eyed MODEL!! Amsterdam deserves its own BLOG! (I went back about 10 years later with my ex-husband and like my marriage, it was a mistake. I want to go back with Ed who will appreciate this fabulous city - and not ruin in for me.)
GERMANY – From Romanesque to Gothic to Baroque to Bauhaus architecture – with their timbered chalets – were very “Fairytale-like” homes and businesses. Even fairytales that involve ogres!! Not my favorite architecture but Gothic does titillate my cold mutinous heart!! Some key cities have kept portions of bombed out remains within their city environs as a symbolic acknowledgment of their crimes against humanity and as a result - war-ravaged monuments.
Traveling to the Bavarian hills and mountains of Lederhosen, Dirndl’s and Bier Haus during Oktoberfest was particularly interesting and fun. Fraulein's bearing 4 massive steins in each hand - wearing their well-worn dirndl's and hair braided - navigating the mile long tables filled with drunken tourists - was a sight to behold! We took a day trip visiting Mad King
Ludwig’s II castle called Neuschwanstein. The castle that inspired Disney! The ride up was in a small bus that had windows from ceiling to floor – so you didn’t miss the views on the way up the mountain. The road was narrow and we drove on the cliff edge side going up – so whenever we met a vehicle or horse drawn wagon/carriage – we moved closer to the edge/dropoff to one's death. The first time the bus swerved closer to the edge – I slid down the glass window to the floor and decided that lying face down was a fantastic idea! I know that pictures were taken of me – but I never got a copy! I remained prone and glued to the muddy floor until we reached the top. The fanatic King's bedroom sported a hand-carved bed that took four years/14 carvers to create and clearly a permanent fixture! The unfinished folly was his demise. Ludwig was found mysteriously drowned alongside his psychiatrist - which makes a lot of sense!!
They had a suspension bridge over a chasm that gave you the perfect view and photo-op of the castle for your album. I did not want to cross this bridge because it swayed a bit in the
high winds of the Bavarian mountains. I made it half-way and froze – arms stretched out to the handrails and feet splayed. I could not move and was also facing the wrong direction to safety. My co-actors had to come out – snap a photo of me (terrified) with the castle – then unpeeled my hands so I could get down on my knees and crawled/pulled me back to firm ground where I collapsed in front of a bunch of tourists. I have no idea where that picture is but I’m sure they all have a copy for a good chuckle when they are feeling down. This fieldtrip was my third and final confirmation that I had a bridge and height phobia! I was relieved that I had an explanation for my mental lapses and inability to move and compulsion for lying face down on terra firma (or any surface readily at hand) for my panic attacks. We also visited cities famous for their handmade cuckoo clocks and nutcrackers. A haunting and beautiful country. We got quite an education in German history – both good and bad. The ravages of war were still a topic of conversation.
I highly suggest that you DON”T opt to become a vegetarian while in Germany (or Austria) – because they didn’t know what a salad was!! They sneered at vegetables!! I'm sure now it's adjusted to current food trends, but the 80s was a barren landscape yielding only red meat! A vegetable desert!
AUSTRIA – Germany wasn’t a warm and cuddly country – but Austria took that chill to a whole new level of ARCTIC. Austria wasn’t as welcoming of a multi-racial cast. An example of their bitter bigotry shown to us in frigid reaction when a friend and I went to a restaurant in Branau - Hitler’s birthplace. We were starving and when we entered the restaurant, the room of entitled white people all stopped eating and en masse swiveled their heads to stare at the mixed friendship at the entrance. No one moved for about 30 seconds until Selena sashayed, in her mink coat, down the aisle between tables to grab a menu. I stiffly followed checking for pitchforks and on alert for the narrow-minded mob attack – when she flung the menu back at the server and said to me, “Let’s go. This is not up to my standards.”
She sashayed back to the entrance with her head held high. I was in awe of this woman. Once outside, we hightailed it because we realized we weren’t in New York City anymore!! This intolerant restaurant crowd looked like they'd brandish weapons more dangerous than pitchforks! Branau and parts of Austria can be downright terrifying, and Hitler remains celebrated to this day. I don’t have fond memories of Austria – not even the theatre goers. We weren't allowed to do the nude scene. The alps were stunning, but the taint of Hitler remained. BTW – the local bookstore of this hamlet from hell had their front window filled with “Mein Kampf!” Apparently, a best-seller!
SWITZERLAND – Another chilly country - but more pleasant because rich people are polite and it was literally chilly!! Traveling through the Alps to get to our destination was otherworldly. The richness of Geneva was intimidating to a poor 20-something – but I could afford a Swatch and chocolate!! The alps followed you everywhere and my first time seeing their majestic and daunting beauty up close and personal! We traveled up to some charming little towns and saw very little of the ascent into these mountains – because the clouds got in the way of our view!! I happened upon an old church in one Swiss mountain village that took my breath away. Words can’t describe the interior beauty. Outside was foggy, frigid and grey. The church was lit within as if a balmy day. It was empty, quiet and warm. I was so overwhelmed that I stayed for a while and soaked up this unearthly calm. I wish I could remember the town, but sometimes I think I dreamt it. Downhill skiing is for braver people than I. Lake Geneva was beautiful!
BELGIUM - Brussels was a blur – one day. I need to go back. I probably slept through it!
LUXEMBOURG - Don’t remember! One day. Sorry Luxembourg – I'll return one day to give your country a tiny review!
SWEDEN – Vikings were one of the early world travelers!! Julius was our Swedish/Scandinavian/Finland producer. He was sweet and showed us around wherever we toured. Stockhom was beautiful. The buildings and waaterfront were exquisite. The people were polite, charming and tolerant of American tourists.
Julius lived in Lund and invited us to his exclusive men’s club. We were the first women allowed - in its entire history. He also served a feast and homemade Schnapps – the traditional liquor in Scandinavia. However, I don’t recommend drinking endless shots of Schnapps if there are tables nearby to dance on!! We all went berserk and tore this men's club down!! Homemade Schnapps is dangerous once you
get used to it. In hindsight, we all expected robed figures appearing after our intoxication was at its peak, while hooded men intoned some secret man-cult language while sacrificing a few Americans to their Norse Gods!! Great setting for the next “American Horror Story.” Another perk to Sweden is the medical community. I got bronchitis while in Stockholm and a doctor came to my hotel room. He confirmed my malady and when I asked how much I owed him, he said, “Nothing. If you could get me 2 tickets for your show – my daughter would be very happy.” I agreed enthusiastically while coughing my lungs out. I did the show in total agony but performed well for my new medical friend and his daughter. Lola, our stage manager, came running up to me after the curtain call and dragged me away from the cast. She whispered, “Colleen, the doctor just handed this to me and told me to make sure you followed instructions.” It was a 32 fluid ounce bottle of pure Opium. I had no idea what this drug was but Lola told me NOT to tell the other cast members. That night I took my dosage and immediately felt relief and then RELIEF!!!! I was soooooo happyyyyyy! It totally relaxed my lungs, cough and as I was blissfully drifting off to la la land someone knocked at my door. I let in a cast mate thinking he was coming to comfort me. He sat on the bed next to me and stared at my Opium bottle while casually saying, “Colleen, would you mind if I dipped my joint into your Opium?” I would have agreed to anything in my current mellowed state and said, “Sure. Knock yourself out! (literally)” I don’t know how he found out – but I was the most popular woman in the cast. Once I felt better – I didn’t take anymore Opium – but the cast drained about half of it. I brought it home with me and got through customs no problem. I only used it when sick – because I had a propensity for bronchial illnesses. If taken as directed – what a phenomenal drug. I also realized that Sweden’s government had a fabulous universal healthcare system that somehow also benefited me in my time of need. House calls, no charge, free opium - what a great country!!
DENMARK – We ferried from Sweden to Copenhagen. These aren’t sissy ferries – but massive tiered boats with cars, trucks, buses and people. Like a cruise ship, only different. We kept expecting an iceberg to float by - it was so cold and vast. It was spectacular and our producer in Scandinavia was “The Bomb” – best producer EVER!! Once again, Copenhagen was beautiful and foggy. We saw Tivoli Garden, The Little Mermaid statue, museums, etc. Charming and friendly - just lovely!
NORWAY – Another Ferry to Oslo. Another fantastic city – I would go back to Scandinavia in a heartbeat! I love Nordic history and now watch all the TV shows associated with the Norse/Viking legends. Norway is known for its fjords and keeper of Norwegian history and Scandinavian culture/traditions. The Munch and the Viking Ships museums were just a couple things that we toured. Another coastal city that is modern but has a fully realized Nordic history.
FINLAND – We ferried across the Baltic Sea from Stockholm, Sweden to Helsinki, Finland. Helsinki was having a holiday festival that encompassed the entire city filled with lights, decorations and Xmas merchants – I thought I was on a movie set. I’ve never seen an entire city decorated for the holidays. Helsinki’s glow was probably visible from space! Our most northern city was a small berg called Oulu - which was remote. It was pitch dark for our entire visit. Upon arrival we decided to go get a bite to eat. Our hotel was on the outskirts, so we headed down the road. We quickly realized that everything was dark and closed.
But we remained hopeful and decided to walk down the middle of the snow-packed road because NO ONE was stupid enough to be out in this freezing weather. Our group kept on strolling when we heard something following us. It was a bit creepy, and we were all getting nervous (scared). We started walking a little faster, but the “monsters” caught up to us. A herd of reindeer thought we were going too slow, so they just went around us. We decided to keep quiet and keep walking as if this was normal and not to startle the herd into a stampede. It was amazing! We never found food, but got to hang with Santa’s awol reindeer! Food for thought!
The second tour I did with this company was the musical, “Jesus Christ Superstar.” We performed in one of the most Catholic of countries – Italy.
ITALY– Mid/Southern & Sardinia – Rome was a short visit. The first thing they told us was to hide our passport and money underneath our clothes. We were staying outside of town - so we had no time to tour the city. We took a train to Florence overnight. There were 3 of us in one compartment. In the middle of the night, I woke up to a dark shadowy body looming over me with his hand under my little train pillow. I screamed and woke up the others while he fled. The irony is that this person/man/thief was on this train until Florence. I had my passport/money wallet around my neck and under my clothes which I’m sure was the robber’s destination after the pillow!!! Florence (Firenze) was my favorite city – we saw all the sights – Statue of David, Ponte Vecchio, Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Uffizi Galleries, Piazzale Michelangelo, etc. A small and walkable city and so full of history and beauty. I met
a wonderful woman and she took me to her grandmothers for tea. She neglected to tell me that Grammy was loaded – old money - and had original art!!! We had tea overlooking the Ponte Vecchio. I was underdressed and terrified I’d do a massive tea faux pas! I stayed there for a few weeks, at a later time, which is a long story and will be (future blog) in my Middle Child part 5 called “Running from the mafia!” BTW, our production manager took us on a limo ride one night in a famous park known for gorgeous bedecked and bejeweled trans-ladies of the evening – more on that in my next MC blog!!! FYI – it was illegal, but the rich and famous clientele paid off the local constabulary – so perfectly acceptable by Italian standards!!
Rome was beautiful but scary with all the pickpockets and Milano was gorgeous and where I got robbed of everything – fun times! Police just shrug and say, “Go to US embassy for new passport.” (imagine them shrugging and saying that in a thick Italian accent) I went to the front of the long line at the embassy because I had made a photocopy of my passport. But I was crying – so that was a 10-year photo of a painful reminder!! La Scala was stunning and I forget the rest because of the robbery. Italian pickposkets excel at their profession!
CZECH REPUBLIC – I spent one night there which is part of my Mafia story! Let’s just say this – the border guards with very large automatic weapons angled my way – were very kind!
My third sojourn to a foreign country was the musical, “Little Shop of Horrors!” in Japan:
JAPAN – Tokyo was one of my favorite experiences. Another country that I would go back to and savor. It’s also another Middle Child portion of my life that I will blog about at some point in the future. We were staying at the Keio Plaza, which was the most westernized hotel in Tokyo. My view every morning was Mount Fuji. Apparently, I lucked out with weather and saw it almost daily at sunrise! This hotel also had esteemed guests. Secretly, Michael Jackson – but never confirmed. and not so secretly the current top ranking tennis players were in town for a tournament. I rode the elevator with Boris Becker, who started talking to me in German quite enthusiastically. I said, “Entschuldigen Sie Bitte. I don’t speak German.” He immediately turned away. My limited German could not have carried on a conversation unless it was asking for a bathroom or saying curse words! At least I said, "Pardon me!"
I got to see Mt. Fuji (sort of) up close. We took a bullet train on one of our days off to a panoramic ropeway up Mt. Kachi Kachi - a smaller mountain that faces Mt. Fuji – where a lot of the classic photos were taken for books and tourism of this iconic Japanese wonder!! A 15-minute walk from the Kawaguchiko train station. I was terrified, of course, because it’s a cable car ride, with large windows - up a f**king mountain!!!! I didn't do a face-plant but focused on the old Japanese granny across from me.
We performed in the theatre district in Tokyo and above our theatre was a Kabuki theatre. We never got a chance to go to a performance – but we saw some of the actors in costume!!
We got to see the Japanese version of “Little Shop of Horrors” that starred famous Japanese actors. We were the loudest people in the audience. The polite Japanese sitting around us were politely horrified! They came to see our rendition as well and had a great time singing along!!
We went to a karaoke bar almost every night - our after-show routine - and always the most popular table! One inebriated guy (who spoke some English) asked if all Americans were good singers! We said yes.
We all went to Tokyo Disneyland on a day off and had a blast!! It was the same as the Florida one (which I’ve been to) but in Japanese. Minnie and Mickey wore kimonos! It was a hoot and better than Florida!!
Tokyo was the cleanest city I’ve ever seen. I’m talking immaculate!! As Americans, we all felt like slobs and understood why the rest of the world considers us RUDE! We should all incorporate bowing when interacting with people and maybe avoid conflict!
Sushi in Japan tastes better!
Tokyo - Best hair cut EVER!! Why don’t Americans give you a full head and body massage while they gently and methodically cut one hair at a time – for the perfect Zen hair-extravaganza? I paid them whatever they wanted, and they bowed me out of the door on wobbly legs of uber-relaxation and a very hip coif! When I returned to America, I kept asking each hairstylist for the Tokyo treatment – but for some reason all they do is laugh!
I became friends with our interpreter. She was the interpreter to the stars that perform in Tokyo from all over the world. She spoke multiple languages. Her stories of famous people were hilarious. Example: Stevie Wonder was a client. She dedicated all her time to him when in Tokyo. Stevie’s brothers were also part of his entourage. They assisted him in dressing for each performance. She came into his hotel room one night prior to his concert and found him dressed in the most ridiculous outfit. It was a brotherly prank! She redressed him properly and he just laughed it off. In case you don’t know who Stevie Wonder is – he’s a famous musician, singer and blind - and has a really good sense of humor!!
I think the best story is coming back from a frenetic day off bulleting out to see Mt. Fuji. We were exhausted and when we entered the hotel lobby, I noticed it seemed busier than usual. I started slouching down a red carpet oblivious to my surroundings. I vaguely noticed two well-dressed Caucasian men walking ahead of me waving. Confused, I attempted to figure out what was going on when two very large Japanese men (security) politely took an arm and lifted me off the red carpet to gently set me down a few feet away behind the velvet security rope. Still befuddled, I finally got a good look at the white waving men only to realize that one of them was Prince Phillip – the Duke of Edinburgh - Queen Elizabeth’s husband!! I never found out if I was in any of the news coverage. But I’m proud to say that I photo bombed royalty!!
Speaking of royalty – we also toured the Imperial Palace. It was a limited tour but not without me trying to enter a few restricted areas. Japan has the nicest security guards – bowing and all. Being blissfully unaware that you are trespassing is not a crime – right?
My acting travelog took me throughout each country - expanding my world-view and horizons. The 1980’s was a time of a lot of rejection – but also a lot of travel! Being an actress was equal parts demoralizing and confidence building. You had to have a tough exterior or a masochistic mentality (I chose the later). My 20s were exciting and a whirlwind of experiencing new things, visiting new homelands and making so many new friends - while expanding my knowledge of other countries and cultures. I was very lucky to see so many exotic and breathtaking sites. I was contributing culturally while abroad and benefiting from these other cultures. I wish everyone could have adventures like I did. But maybe without the nudity!
I have left a lot out of my travels - but I hope I inspire a few people to expand their horizons beyond our shores. I love traveling abroad and I am a broad!
Later in life, traveling became something altogether different from my youthful, naive wanderings. Traveling to other countries is addictive. You want to soak up each new culture and see as much of their homeland as possible whether it’s a famous landmark or a tiny pub filled with locals and stories. In my twenties – I learned polite phrases in each language, such as: Hello, Goodbye, Please, Thank you, Excuse me and Toilet! All the requisite pleasantries needed to navigate any situation. But, also in my twenties, you learned and shared all the national “colorful” words to emphasize that, “Excuse Me!” It was rare but good to know curse words when an Italian cab driver takes you the long route and ridiculing his American fare! Be careful though, Italians are feisty!! Most European countries speak multiple languages – English being an educational prerequisite. So, communicating was not as challenging as one would expect. Sadly, our education system is so myopic that we don’t have Languages as a requirement to graduate. America is so egocentric that we consider the English language as the superior form of speech! It’s embarrassing to say that you don’t know French, German, Italian, Japanese, Dutch or Swedish – while they respond with perfect English grammar! We all bonded on universal words that typically fall in the profanity category.
Expanding your horizons by reading books is fantastic – but visiting the place that you just read about, amplifies those words to actually “Touching” that historical landmark (ex. - large magical pile of rocks in the middle of a field in Wiltshire, called “Stonehenge”) is electrifying! Sadly, you can no longer touch the stones – because of rude stupid people! (read my last blog) When I travel, if I’m allowed to touch it – I will. It’s hard to comprehend how old this world is and how many structures and landmarks have survived for us to see and cherish.
Learning about each place we visit and meeting the locals is key to a fantastic trip. Eating the local foods rather than searching out for an Americanized restaurant is also a necessary part of your itinerary and journey. For example: Wales has the BEST goat cheese and butter I’ve ever consumed – and I’ve consumed a lot of it! Ireland has endless ways of cooking a potato and I tried every recipe while admiring how many colors of green existed!! Ireland and Iceland have the best fish – which was caught just prior to cooking it for me to savor!! All the countries I’ve traveled to revere the first meal of the day – Breakfast! Every morning in Iceland – our hotel had 3 large rooms filled with all local foods and the first “Buffet” I’ve ever liked. You’ve never had granola until you go to Iceland!! I don’t eat breakfast often but when I travel – I’m sampling everything (except blood sausage)!
List of countries and islands I've been to:
Nassau – Bahamas
Bermuda x 3
Canada - East
Mexico for lunch
England – London only the first time
Touring/Wroking:
Holland x 10 or more
Germany
Austria
Switzerland
Belgium
Luxembourg
Italy – Mid & Southern & Sardinia
Sweden
Denmark
Finland
Norway
Czech Republic
Japan
Colleen & Ed's vacations to date:
England/Wales/Scotland/Ireland x 4
Republic of Ireland (Northern Ireland)
Iceland
Australia
Ed: (worked for the Olympic Broadcasting)
Canada – West & East
England - London
Italy – Northern - Turin
Greece - Athens
China – Beijing
Japan – lived there for 5 years
Brazil – Rio de Janeiro
Australia - Sydney
Mexico
47 states (missing Montana, Wyoming and Alaska) of the USA – through WWE (Wrestling)
We want to go back to Great Britain and Ireland, Japan and Iceland
We want to go to the Faro Islands, New Zealand, France, Spain, Portugal, Scandinavia, etc.
We want to see more of the USA
Here’s a final thought – if you’re going to spend half your day/life on your phone and social media – then use part of that time doing something constructive and educate yourself about our own large country, the rest of the world and other cultures. Also, follow someone (ordinary person) on Facebook or Insta or whatever outlet you prefer – that lives outside your tiny bubble of friends/family/SM stars – that are from a different culture, lifestyle, age or gender – to broaden your world view and outlook on life. For example: I am following a young woman (Jessie) who lives in Montana – owns a ranch – adores horses and animals – liberal in her views – kind to our 4-legged friends and wants to save our planet. It’s refreshing to see different lifestyles and yet similar belief systems. It gives me hope for our planet – Mother Earth!
If you want even more info on life, menopause, aging and other fun observations – not only check out my book but I have 32 blogs that go into all sorts of funny and informative crap about being a woman of many years, experiences and observations . My doctor appointment and middle child blogs are a hoot!! It’s better to educate with honesty, horror, humility and humor than remain silent.
There are countless books competing for readers' attention, which is why the power and importance of book reviews cannot be overstated. They serve as gateways to a book's world. And offer potential readers insight into what they can expect. Plus, book reviews are crucial for discoverability, marketing, and boosting sales, especially for indie authors." By Barnes & Noble Press/Blog
I would really appreciate some reviews. Amazon takes them VERY SERIOUSLY and it really helps my ranking, relevancy, algorithm and ego.
Please help spread the word that my book is available on Amazon - Menopause the Horror, Humility, and Humor of It All!
Thanks again for your support and encouragement. I am so humbled by your kindness. You are forever my Super Hero’s!!!
Remember – Women Ignite and Women Unite!
Thanks for taking the time to read my book and my blog. Tell all your social media friends, family, crazed older women, lovers of traveling and followers.
Let’s be Friends!!
Colleen McIntosh
Comments