United States of America

What's my favorite country? Why, this one, of course. The good old US of A. But it's not my favorite in a jingoistic sense. I've been to a number of other countries, and they were awesome to visit.

But only this one is home.

The Bahamas

The Bahamas, a stunning archipelago of over 700 islands and cays (small islets), has a history as vibrant as its turquoise waters and sunlit shores. Before European contact, the islands were home to the Lucayan people, a branch of the Taíno, who had settled these islands over a thousand years ago. Their peaceful communities thrived until the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1492, marking the Bahamas as the site of the first European landing in the New World. Although the Lucayan population sadly dwindled due to colonization, traces of their legacy remain woven into Bahamian culture and the archaeological sites scattered throughout the islands.

Canada

I love visiting Canada. It's a little too cold for me to want to live there, but I love visiting.

Mexico

Mexico is a fun place to visit, mostly because, unlike most of Canada and anywhere in the USA, Mexico feels foreign, mostly because of the language difference but also the distinctive clothes, buildings and art.

Western Caribbean

In honor of our oldest daughter's impending wedding, Michael and I and much of our extended family made a cruise to the Western Caribbean on the Carnival ship Legend in May of 2007.