I'm located in Los Altos (35 miles south of San Francisco - deepest, darkest Silicon Valley). Have done house swaps last year with Edinburgh, prior year with London/Cotswolds. Hope to do one somewhere on European contintent. (Have highly desireable places in Northern California for anyone who is interested in corresponding on the subject.) Am also interested in spending a week this spring somewhere in Central/ South America. Any recommendations out there?

Hi TedB I'm located in Rzeszow, Poland (see in Travel/Poland) Have always dreamed of spending a (working) holidays in th U.S

Howdy, it's the Finnish Eccentric again. I was born in Oulu, where I live even today. Check out their URL address at http://www.ouka.fi/oulu_ee.html or via my English homepage at http://raita.oulu.fi/~mplauron/English.html. I've travelled mostly in the Europe. I got a chance to see the North Korea when Kim Il Sung was alive - there aren't many Finns who've been there. I could tell you a lot about it, but will save the bandwidth. I'd like to visit the USA, (and British Islands), Chinese farmlands and Japan. Maybe I will, some day.

Feel like starting a Finland topic, Mixu?

I'm from Curacao. Was born here, but lived in St. Maarten, Holland, and Canada. Travelled to Germany, USA, Venezuela, Jamaica, Puerto Rico. I'm presenty living in Curacao again.

Welcome Willem, I hope you come join us frequently and tell your friends about the Spring. I'd be interested in hearing more about Curacao.

I live on Kodiak Island in Alaska, USA. Spent this Spring wandering on my own around central and the Pacific side of Mexico and had a wonderful time. Would like to try Costa Rica, the British Isles and Switzerland soon. Though would be happy wandering anywhere.

A Finland topic. Hmm... Why not? Although would anyone be interested in a 5 million people country in the far north? I hope so. Well, we DO have Santa Claus, lots of clean nature and that kind of stuff. Yes, I'd like to start a Finland topic.

There are far fewer folks in Curacao than Finland. And this topic is doing very nicely. Create it and perhps post the read only url on some Finnish newsgroups. Hopefully, they (the Finns) will come.

Hi, I am Dana and I live in Amsterdam. i grew up in Cura�ao and have great memories from it, just ask Paul B. My last trip has been to Isreal and the Sinai I really reccomend going there. Holland itself is a fun country.

What do remember about Paul B? I need something to kid him about.

Well let's just say that Paul and I used to hang out together a lot. He was lots of fun to be around. We used to drive around the Island in a red RX-7 and follow our "teachers". I do not think it is fair to dig up too much dirt. Why don't you mail me and we can "chat" further about PB?

Aloha kakou (hello all) I'm stumbling in late, as usual. I live in Honolulu and have visited most of the Hawaiian islands, as well as Australia, New Zealand and Korea, on the Pacific side of the world, and Germany and Austria on the Atlantic side of the world. I'm originally from the state of Maine, in the northeast US (almost Canada), and lived in Washington, DC suburbs for five years. Be happy to answer any questions if you're planning a visit to paradise.

Tell us about yourself and what you do there, if you don't mind. And give us the address to your website and other websites relating to your paradiasical part of the world. Thanks for checking in. Aloha.

Aloha kakahiaka (good morning -- it's morning here!) Hawaii is a magical place, but also a "real" place. Honolulu is a big city, ninth largest in the US, with population approaching a million when visitors (tourists) are included. About 6 million people visit us each year. We have the typical "big city" problems and the typical "resort destination" problems. What I believe sets us apart is the people. The weather is nearly perfect, and the mountains, valleys and beaches are spectacular, but it is the people and the culture that have convinced me I don' want to live anywhere else. It's not the best for many, though. We are the most isolated spot on earth, more than 2,000 miles from any other major land mass and a four to five hour plane trip to the closest city (L.A.). The cost of living is perhaps the highest in the US, depending on how it's measured (paradise premium), and salaries tend to be less (sunshine discount). We find a way to do with less and many things are free, after we fork out big bucks for the necessities. I'm a retired banker, after 20 years I say retired, but that doesn't mean I get to play golf every day! It only means I'm doing other things now. Part of my time goes to volunteer work with Hawaii's oldest environmental non-profit, The Outdoor Circle, whose mission is to "keep Hawaii clean, green and beautiful by preserving, protecting and enhancing Hawaii's environment for future generations". The Circle has planted most of Honolulu's trees and is responsible for Hawaii's no billboard laws. We're cel brating 85 years this month, and we've just launched a website, TOC, still under construction. The rest of my time is spent on the Internet. Two good friends started the Hawaii Forum on Compuserve two years ago and I tagged along to learn about the online world. About six months ago, we expanded out onto the Net with a message forum website Hawaii Link intended to answer visitor questions, provide a place for people to keep in touch with Hawaii, and to spread Aloha. We just had a major crash and lost our message base, so we're rebuilding, but our members are rallying 'round and helping us to make it even better. A few months ago, I followed a lead to the Mining Company and now run a site about Honolulu. This is a frames site, with no alternate, just so you know and won't go there if you don't like/use frames. We write weekly features on our topic and maintain a library of annotated links to help surfers find what they seek quickly. None of these earn me a living, yet, but I do see the potential. I kinda consider myself to be back in school. I won't get a degree, but I sure am learning at a pace I haven't felt since school days, with so much more to learn. Which is why I'm browsing around some of the message sections here at The Spring. I'll be checking in every day or two and would love to answer questions about life in paradise. Although we don't keep score, necessarily, it's a way for me to share some of what I do know about in exchange for learning what I don't know. Sorry this rambled so much! A hui hou kakou (until we meet again) Kathy

Rambling is encouraged! Aloha again.

I'm from the Pacific Northwest where we have webbed feet! I spent a year in Sao Paulo, Brasil as an exchange student decades ago, and spent one summer doing aquaculture research on Pine Cay in the Turks and Caicos and a semester doing same on Cape Cod. Have lived in PA, NC, WA, CA, MA... in terms of US states. Look forward to a trip to Italy next year to celebrate turning 40 and 14 years of mariage!

Cool. I read about your stint at (was it) Woods Hole in your resume.

Hi everyone! I am Charles Lin, Chinese-American. Actually, I was born in Taiwan but immigrated to US when I was 12. I lived in NJ, MA, and now in CA. Also studied and worked in Japan for 6 years. I love travelling, especially nature, and visiting historical sites, learn ethnic culture and arts. Have visited Nepal (many many times), Korea, China (the whole "Central Plain", i.e. the whole eastern and central chunk of China where Chinese (Han) people supposedly originated) and Silk Road), Japan, and extensively in US. Most recently spent two weeks in Italy (first time in my life!). Had a wonderful time. Beautiful countryside and unbelievable art culture everywhere. Italy is probably one of few contries remaining in the world where "meistro" is still in high demand and well respected by society (and earn very good money for that matter). In many countries, people have just abandoned art for technology or finance careers, and those who stick to art can only become rich after they are dead. Please excuse me for the generalization. Visited Dolomites (Italian alps), Milan, Florence, Siena, San Gimignano, and others. Enjoyed wonderful Italian meals and wine everyday. Place want to visit: Boreo, Galapago Islands, Central and South America, Africa (Sarengetti), and the rest of world and countries! Speak English, Chinese, Japanese, and some German (not using for over 15 years and forgot a lot). Want to learn Nepali and Italian. I gave up my engineering job and now run my own adventure travel company, Classic Himalaya Travel, http://www.classichimal.com Hope this self-intro is not too boring or too long, chat later, Charles

Not at all, what a fascinating time you've had. I hope you tell us some of the details in specific topics about these different countries, esp. China which is very much in the limelight these days.

I'm experiencing wanderlust again. I haven't traveled out of state for over a month... I'm due. Places I've always wanted to visit: Italy, Greece, Olympia National Forest, the Grand Canyon, Hawaii I'm saving all my pennies and adding up frequent flyer miles...

Traveling to: San Diego 12/1 - 12/5 Phoenix 1210 - 12/14 San Antonio/Austin 12/22 - 1/3 Eagerly anticipating: Seattle June 1998 New Zealand November 1998

Do you always get around this much?

only in my dreams...

I believe that you've made it into mine a couple of times, too...

I dreamed the Pope came to visit me the other day. And he stayed in the attic and got lost looknig for the multitudes. No, I'm not Catholic.

hey all. my passion is mexico with secondary fits of interest in central america. spas and hot springs are what i look for as well as anything off the beaten track. love to talk to all interested. "mexico" mike.

Well, I know we all like to look for hot spots. Preferably on one another.

I met Mike at the Whole Life Expo. Wasn't that a great event, Mike? Since you showed up I'll run some shots of it on our website this weekend and y'all can see Mike in action, among the other folks and booths. Mike, keep comin' round cause you're an interesting guy and we need your energy here!

terry, thanks. i will drop by on a regular basis. i am available for anyone with an interest in mexicos hot springs. will put in my 2 cents worth wherever needed. mexico mike.

Pretty sure if you keep popping around we'll have lots of questions for ya.

Could very well be...

you're so coy...

(and damned shy, also...)

yeah, yeah, yeah! hiding behind the keyboard are you?

That's one damn big keyboard... Actually, nope, this is all the ways I really am. And yourself?

I tend to be quite gregarious especially in situations I am comfortable in, uncomfortable in and unsure about! I go through introverted phases (no really) but usually when I'm working out a dilemma. I am self-confident but doubt my abilities frequently. Coy and straightforward A partier and a homebody Thoughtful and rash One big (okay not so big) contradiction with (usually) a smile on my face. Umm. Except when I'm angry. Oh and I tend to babble when I'm not spouting out wisdom from another plane of thought.

*WooWoo*

*shy smile*

Since when?

practicing my duality!

Hello, Let me stop lurking and introduce myself. I am Lorry and live in Kansas. I am using wintalk for the second time since I learned of it at a national conference. I have a hugh interest in Micronesia and the Pacific region after living on various islands for about 10 years. I am still amazed at the technology available to the world. I intend to check back on occasion to see who is reading these discussions.

We can start a topic on that! Glad your joining us.

Traveling to Texas in April. Unfortunately I won't make it to Austin. *frown* Just a short weekend trip to visit my father and see his new place! My only goal is to drag him out to a performance and to a good meal (he works too much!). Houston doesn't have much purpose beyond housing some real culture and good restaurants!

Enjoy!

I hope to. As most fathers do, my dad treats me like a little princess, so I'm sure dragging him out will not be a great chore!

Probably not...

Hi All ! Am retired 30yrs in Uncle Sams Air Force. Have visited many countries in Europe, while stationed in Holland (Camp New Amsterdam, Zeist). Was also in Korea back in early 50s. Last year I paid my first visit to Hawaii. Great place. Would like to hear about out of the way places to visit there. Also took a two-week, most enjoyable , cruise/land tour of Alaska with Princess Lines. We fell in love with the Kenai Peninsular. Am looking for some interesting places to visit in that region, since my wife and I would like to return in a year or two. Will go into detail for anyone interested in above locations. Am originally from Bangor, Maine, now permanently settled in Ft Lauderdale. Palmer

Nice to have you aboard The Spring!

ditto. good to see you over in the fitness conference as well! An old friend has spent the past two years on cruise ships playing in their jazz ensemble. He did a six week stint on a cruise that explored the Alaskan region. Next time he and I speak, I'll ask if he has any suggestions.

Chiefluro, we'll be vacationing near Bangor this summer (Acadia Nat'l Park), anything nearby a must-see?

I just met somebody who claims NORWAY is preferable to the Alps, as far as ANY skiing is concerned. She says, everything but booze is cheaper there, and it's not as overrun. Slopes are supposed to be steep, but funky. Well, she aught to know, she's a geologist.

I never knew that funky was a geological term...

Life-long learning, isn't that what they call it? I'm glad it works on other folks, too... (HAHAHAHAHA)

I have a webcam site bookmarked so I can gaze longingly at Stavanger Harbor anytime I want...

and the url would be?

Here it is: http://home.sol.no/~kmeyer/virtual.htm What I'd really like is one overlooking a fjord.

maybe you can find one here... http://esoterism.com/video.html it is a Clickable World Map of Live WebCams

Cool site! I clicked on the west coast of Norway and got the same webcam I have bookmarked! It doesn't help that it's practically midnight there.

good point

I would like regulars of this conference invite to visit the International Conflicts conference here on the Spring: http://www.spring.net/yapp-bin/restricted/browse/InternationalConflicts/all This conference is dedicated to the disputes between groups all over the world, be that social, cultural, political or ethnical differences.

for webcams in Switzerland (if you can read French) see http://www.lyoba.ch/meteo/webcam/index.html

oui, oui!

STACEY! You got those Prague pictures scanned, now there is NO EXCUSE and NO HIDING from putting them in this confs Prague topic. NOW! (Oh, and please tell us something about the pics, what and where, etc.)

Oh, and while I enjoy the rare strain of authoritarian feeling, I might as well plow ahead: STACEY! When you're done, do the same with the Berlin pics. Plus scan that alien tracking device AND WOULD YOU PULEEEEEEEEEEZE put it into the Abduction top in Paranormal conf!!! Just to warn the world... (hi, stacey! how's the spring in colorado? over here, it makes folks cheeky - wonder if anyone notices, though. ;=} )

spring's BEEEEE-U-TIful! sunny and flowery and breezy and the like!

And, like, cheeky! (grinning stupidly, tongue-in-cheek, Yours Truly A.)

*grin* and such nice cheeks I'm sure!

I just found this through the magic of telnet. Is there anything anyone could possibly be wanting to know about me that is not posted somewhere on Spring? Ask!

What colour nail polish do you wear?

None...when i did it was very pale pink and slightly plearly.

You're really feminine, huh Marcia? I find that cool.

Tailored-feminine more than fussy-feminine...but definitely feminine. Thanks!

I shall definitely buy midnight blue nail varnish (perhaps with sparkly bits) to take back to Africa with me - it's quite the thing! At least it'll look good on my toes in sandals *lol*

Somehow, this is not how I had you pictured...*lol* (get off the computer, Marcia)

I have to keep changing the picture - keeps you on your toes! *lol* (pity you got off - I'm working, well sposed to be - 4 am)

I'm here!!!

Hi Hello to whoever is running this, but what happened to topics 2-47?? Rob

They're all there Rob, you must be looking at the setting on the web for recent topics or responses for the last day. Choose a different date range or choose all topics. They haven't dissappeared, really!

Rob!! Hi and welcome! *HUGS* of course go with that. For each new conference you enter try http://www.spring.net/yapp-bin/restricted/browse/travel/all/new and as you read them, the list should get shorter. If you always want to see all of the topics, take the "new" off the end of the URL.