In keeping with my tradition of alternating Asia with Europe in my travel destinations, I did a small amount of research on both Romania and the Ukraine this morning as possible places to visit next year. At the moment I can not say which of the two I prefer more, but I want to see a more rural and less known part of Europe than say France or Germany. Personally I think that either of those locales would meet that requirement quite nicely. Plus the Ukraine would be a good alternative to Russia since Russia seems to be giving the cold shoulder to the United States once again. As to how that would affect an American tourist might not be that severe, but at the same time it does cross my mind.
...
After a much too long of a break, I was able to read part of an actual book this morning. Before I moved, I had been reading Mark Twain's Following the Equator and thanks to his skilled use of the English language and the small chapters, I was able to pick it up again quite easily. Twain is currently commenting on Australia and he puts the country into a different perspective for me. As to whether or not it is a positive one, I cannot say just yet.
...
I clearly understand the message in the French play Cyrano, but I still fail to see the mass appeal that it seems to generate with people. Yes, the message is a positive one of love and loyalty, but at the same time, I care little for any of the principal characters in the play. None of them interest me in any way nor do I care to hear what they have to say. Somehow that antipathy diminishes any greatness that the play might have in the eyes of others.
]]>