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d to be standing still. And castles. I hope you followed my <a href="https://readmedium.com/e9aeb8bf0d4b">journey</a> exploring them.</li><li>Definitely will return. It's where I come from. Deep from within.</li></ul><h2 id="4cf8">Slovenia</h2><ul><li>Drove through at night. Slammed on the brakes on the highway with thankfully no consequences. My uncle let me drive his car with his family inside on our way to Croatia. It was my first time driving an automatic car. Yip, I did press that brake pedal thinking it was the clutch. On the highway.</li><li>I certainly will return as I did not see much of the beautiful mountains of the country.</li></ul><h2 id="dcc7">Spain</h2><ul><li>My first visit was to the Island of <i>Mallorca</i> which is also known as the 17th region of Germany. Not very Spanish, the island, as it is owned by German tourists.</li><li>Yes, I'd love to see more of the mainland as I've only been once to Seville and that was for a training course.</li></ul><h2 id="af01">Sweden</h2><ul><li>Lakes, forests, mountain cottages. Stunning sunsets. And the best wild camping ever.</li><li>Of course, I am going back. On the same trip with Norway. With lots of time and in a van. That’s my dream.</li></ul><h2 id="df41">Switzerland</h2><ul><li>Expensive. And even though I stayed with friends, I still paid so much driving there and back and buying a ski pass. Their prices are ridiculous.</li><li>Unless you gonna get me a job in Switzerland I won’t return. It’s too expensive. I rather go to Austria which is much cheaper and has the same mountains and lakes to visit.</li></ul><figure id="a07d"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*lAFgbBIGagJY5lr4cHJZwA.jpeg"><figcaption>Austria. 2022. | Credit: <a href="https://medium.com/@anne.bonfert">Anne Bonfert</a></figcaption></figure><h1 id="04d9">The Middle East (1 country - 4,76%)</h1><h2 id="07fb">Turkey</h2><ul><li>While vacationing on the Greek island of <i>Kos</i>, I took a ferry across to Turkey. It was my first time stepping on the Asian continent and my first step outside of Europe. Loved the food and the markets. Don't remember much else from the day.</li><li>I'd love to visit again. Turkey has much to offer and especially my editor collegue is showing me a lot of the beauty at the moment.</li></ul><figure id="1db3"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*seij9eJEIS_-SIfC_0-0Cw.jpeg"><figcaption>Underwater. 2019. | Credit: <a href="https://medium.com/@anne.bonfert">Anne Bonfert</a></figcaption></figure><h1 id="aa83">Asia (2 countries - 6,45%)</h1><h2 id="e047">Thailand</h2><ul><li><i>“What are those signs? I can’t read anything.”</i> I’ve never felt as unprepared and stupid as the moment we arrived in Thailand the first time. No, I did not know they had a different alphabet.</li><li>I never wanted to visit Thailand because everyone did and my husband had to work hard to convince me but I have never looked back. And yes, I will return anytime.</li></ul><h2 id="0a66">Malaysia</h2><ul><li>It's so green. And clean. Yes, those were my first impressions upon arriving in the capital, <i>Kuala Lumpur</i>.</li><li>I will have to return as I've only spent a few days in the country and there is so much more to explore.</li></ul><figure id="0c5a"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*VdRAmc0CzG22bE-Jr-vtwQ.jpeg"><figcaption>Between Thailand and Laos. 2022. | Credit: <a href="https://medium.com/@anne.bonfert">Anne Bonfert</a></figcaption></figure><h1 id="8078">America (1 country)</h1><p id="21d0">And I’m putting all of it together. North, South and Central. There is nothing worth mentioning. I’ve visited Florida for six days on a surprise party for my aunt’s 60s birthday and that’s all I remember. How happy she was.</p><h2 id="f5f1">United States of America</h2><ul><li>I don’t remember my first impressions. Maybe the cars. They were huge.</li><li>I'd love to return. To see all the other states. The US has so many landscapes I'd love to see and hike through.</li></ul><figure id="bc65"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*xq7ZFUspvDPYDLGaGdSX0w.jpeg"><figcaption>Thailand 2019. | Credit: <a href="https://medium.com/@anne.bonfert">Anne Bonfert</a></figcaption></figure><h1 id="3876">Africa (10 countries - 17,86%)</h1><p id="103b">Saving the best for last. My favorite continent. Where my heart beats faster and my smile is bigger.</p><h2 id="d129">Botswana</h2><ul><li>It's green and there is water everywhere. Lots of wildlife. And it's clean.</li><li>Yes, I will return. To all those remote locations. Parks and wilderness.</li></ul><h2 id="b1e5">Burkina Faso</h2><ul><li><i>"They do speak French."</i> I crossed the border while living in Ghana handing an expired Student ID to the border officers and was granted crossing to see "the other side".</li><li>Not sure if I will, but I'd love to see the country. Like every country on this continent.</li></ul><h2 id="3bdc">Ethiopia</h2><ul><li><i>"There is an elevator. I can’t use that. Anywhere any stairs? I’m taking the stairs." </i>Those were my words upon arrival. I was supposed to only change flights in Addis Ababa but as my connecting flight got canceled, the airline booked me into a hotel in the city. The city was dead and after living in a clay hut for months in Ghana, stepping into this four-star hotel was more than just a culture shock.</li><li>I'd love to return. Not now, it's not a good time but one day. I'd love to see the backcountry. The mountains. The rural side of Ethiopia.</li></ul><h2 id="4ea2">Ghana</h2><ul><li><i>"The people really are as friendly as they claim to be."</i> That is for sure. They claim to be the friendliest nation on Earth and they live up to it.</li><li>I wanted to return long time ago but didn't make it. I will. One day.</li></ul><h2 id="0b10">Mozambique</h2><ul><li><i>"Those roads are horrendous!"</i> Yes, my first impressions of the country weren’t the best. But I came with pa

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tience and endurance.</li><li>And I will return whenever I get the chance. The coastline is one of a kind. Tropical and abandoned.</li></ul><h2 id="7f78">Namibia</h2><ul><li>This is where I lost my heart. So much sand. So much beauty. Endless landscapes. Vast and yet diverse.</li><li>I have returned and will return again and again. I've got roots here now and friends and family.</li></ul><h2 id="8c9f">South Africa</h2><ul><li>Loved the landscapes and especially the rugged coastline.</li><li>The high crime rate and violence kind of put me off from revisiting and seeing more of this country but I’ll be back in a few days as I refuse to drive back those horrendous roads in Mozambique and Zimbabwe.</li></ul><h2 id="d258">Tanzania</h2><ul><li>My first impression was the realization that the people here are not as helpful and friendly as in Ghana. However, still loved my stay. The Serengeti is just beyond words. The wildlife is amazing.</li><li>Yes, I'd love to return and I'd love to hike Kilimanjaro one day.</li></ul><h2 id="f91e">Zambia</h2><ul><li><i>"Those waterfalls take my breath away."</i> My first impressions did last for years and I returned to the mighty falls once again.</li><li>I wanted to revisit Zambia on this trip but ended up taking Zimbabwe instead. Would love to see more of Zambia one day.</li></ul><h2 id="168f">Zimbabwe</h2><ul><li>I came to only see the falls and travel on to Zambia but ended up staying three weeks. Yes, I loved Zimbabwe. But their currency is again so weak, they only use USD throughout the country which makes it one of the more expensive regions in Africa.</li><li>Yes, I will. I haven't seen it all and I want to revisit some places.</li></ul><figure id="424e"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*NRrGBTI-uNSpK4PR1W1tNw.jpeg"><figcaption>My world map. The big red on the American continent is fake as I've only been to one tiny corner of it. | Screenshot from Traveltip.org</figcaption></figure><p id="bcb6">And I guess I failed once again. Keeping it short and simple. That’s funny. And not my strength. I don’t know how many hours I spend typing this but certainly, more than I was supposed to.</p><p id="2bf1">Anyway, in case you read 'til the end, I say thank you. I really appreciate your endurance in reading through my lengthy articles.</p><p id="2190">And coming back to my intro, as I mentioned I'm not someone for the numbers. I'm for memories and experiences and I hope I could bring them across in this piece.</p><p id="d1b2">While I am going to revisit a few of the countries above in the near or far future, others might not see me again as I have a lot of places I'd love to see still and a lot of things I want to do in this world.</p><blockquote id="2bbe"><p>Join the fun and respond to the challenge. Are you surprised to see how many or how few countries you’ve visited? Are you hunting the world in an attempt of visiting as many countries as possible or are you happy enough staying in your home country?</p></blockquote><div id="2c10" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/i-travelled-to-22-countries-in-the-last-15-years-a8429bc5c087"> <div> <div> <h2>I Travelled to 22 Countries In The Last 15 Years</h2> <div><h3>Here’s a summary of all the countries I’ve visited and my quick impressions of each one.</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/1*w1dhL4Z5NSqJH5TLMxq2zQ.jpeg)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div><blockquote id="6e7f"><p>Read below <a href="">Adrienne</a>'s response.</p></blockquote><div id="7431" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/ive-travelled-to-47-countries-ef9cc57919e4"> <div> <div> <h2>I’ve Travelled to 47 Countries</h2> <div><h3>and I thought I’d been nowhere!</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/1*gfj8XiNBczgbmJ3qtJH5Ug.jpeg)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div><h2 id="faa8">I’m currently touring southern Africa and if you’d like to follow, go through this list of stories from our road trip:</h2><div id="b778" class="link-block"> <a href="https://medium.com/@anne.bonfert/list/f03680c0227d"> <div> <div> <h2>Southern Africa Road Trip 2023</h2> <div><h3>Edit description</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/0*3306d8ac579da7c0825d21e3e8b30f173d1ff372.jpeg)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div><p id="970d"><i>Join my email list <a href="https://mailchi.mp/9dd74c10ac6b/signup-mydreamofafrica">here</a> if you would like to follow this journey and read more travel essays or sign up for the <a href="https://medium.com/@anne.bonfert/membership">Medium membership</a> to receive unlimited access to my and other writers’ stories out here (I will receive a commission fee in return).</i></p><p id="d9cd"><a href="https://mydreamofafrica.wordpress.com/"><i>WordPress</i></a><i> | <a href="https://www.shutterstock.com/g/Anne+Bonfert">Shutterstock</a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mydreamofafrica/?hl=en">Instagram</a> | <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjXOWGPFOVRSXu9-F14313w">YouTube</a> | <a href="https://mailchi.mp/9dd74c10ac6b/signup-mydreamofafrica">Mailchimp</a> | <a href="https://www.amazon.com/-/de/Anne-Bonfert/e/B08PPD2Y41?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1668865050&sr=8-1">Amazon</a></i></p></article></body>

WRITING PROMPT RESPONSE

I Don't Count Countries But Memories

Let’s look at my feelings and impressions of the places I’ve been to

Some people are running through life chasing statistics and numbers as if living life was a discipline in the Olympics. I’m nobody to judge but I prefer to count the memories I collect through my travels and the experiences I make in life.

However, in case you’re curious how much of the world I actually have been to and where I would return and where not, I did join the fun and will list the places.

This is yet another challenge started by Linda. Visit the website, click on the countries you've visited and see the result. The world is split into continents/sections and the result will tell you the percentage you've traveled of each of them.

But once typing your results the fun only starts. To keep it short and sweet as a fun challenge to follow as a reader as well, you should respond in a few words to each country you’ve been to.

Your first first thoughts and impressions.
Would you go again?

So, here I am. According to traveltip.org I've been to 32 countries in total which covers almost 15 percent of the world. But let's get into detail.

A photographer's journey. | Credit: Anne Bonfert

Europe (18 countries - 37,5%)

This is where all the traveling began and was once restricted to for me.

Austria

I can’t remember my first impressions as I learned to walk on the lush green mountain slopes of the Alps. But I loved it here. Every single time.
And yes, I will keep on returning to Austria. In summer and winter.

Belgium

I remember the spring flowers and strong winds on the coastline.
I might return. It's not on top of my list.

Croatia

Crystal clear turquoise blue water. The Plitvice Lakes blew my mind.
Whenever I do get the chance, I will return without hesitation.

Czeque Republic

An old historic city where we went to. Prague. An entire handball team, just girls. Might not have been the safest place I ever visited.
If I will return? Maybe, but then for the countryside. I don’t do cities very well.

France

I loved learning the French language but hated my first visit to the country which was Paris in grade six as a school trip. Never returned to the capital.
I might return. But for the mountains or coastline. I don't think I'll give Paris a second chance even though my age now might be more appropriate for the capital.

Germany

Born here. Can’t remember my first impression. I should have cried upon opening my eyes.
Of course. If I like my home country or not, I'll be returning for family and friends. And maybe work.

Greece

The best and freshest seafood platter I've ever eaten. Or maybe the first time I really ate fresh seafood.
For sure. I’ve only been to one of the countless islands and haven’t even touched the mainland.

Hungary

My first impression as a child was when driving through the country on our way to my parents’ birthplace in Romania. Don’t remember much but on our most recent visit, we stopped in Budapest. Loved the old city and laid-back party places.
I might return. But it's not on top of my list. Most likely just driving through again.

Italy

Bella Italia. My first impressions were a mixture of fresh mountain air, heavy rainfall and an endless beach. Have returned countless times but still haven’t seen much of the country itself. Just visited Venice about ten times.
And yes. I will come back. To drive from North to South and back up again.

Netherlands

Windy days and cold seaside. Visiting the Netherlands by sailboat on a school excursion in 12th grade brought me many impressions. Loved the quiet fishing villages we stopped at and visited.
Maybe I will come back. More likely on my way visiting friends than while traveling to explore new places.

Norway

15 degrees (Celsius) on New Year’s Day in Oslo. And I flew North because I wanted a snowy white winter experience. That one failed. Loved the islands around the capital a lot.
I am so going to return. Preferably with lots of time and inside a van. I want to see it all. From the very South all the way to the North. I want to experience the Midnight sun and a true winter. Northern lights included.

Poland

Beautiful rugged coastline. Stunning country with friendly people.
Anytime I will return. There's so much more to see and do. Especially in the countryside.

Portugal

The coastline. Yes, I visited the Algarve on my first trip and loved those rock formations next to sandy beaches.
I will return. Maybe with some Portuguese language skills next time.

Romania

Where my heart really sits. Not just because my parents were born here but because I love the friendly people and countryside. Those places that seemed to be standing still. And castles. I hope you followed my journey exploring them.
Definitely will return. It's where I come from. Deep from within.

Slovenia

Drove through at night. Slammed on the brakes on the highway with thankfully no consequences. My uncle let me drive his car with his family inside on our way to Croatia. It was my first time driving an automatic car. Yip, I did press that brake pedal thinking it was the clutch. On the highway.
I certainly will return as I did not see much of the beautiful mountains of the country.

Spain

My first visit was to the Island of Mallorca which is also known as the 17th region of Germany. Not very Spanish, the island, as it is owned by German tourists.
Yes, I'd love to see more of the mainland as I've only been once to Seville and that was for a training course.

Sweden

Lakes, forests, mountain cottages. Stunning sunsets. And the best wild camping ever.
Of course, I am going back. On the same trip with Norway. With lots of time and in a van. That’s my dream.

Switzerland

Expensive. And even though I stayed with friends, I still paid so much driving there and back and buying a ski pass. Their prices are ridiculous.
Unless you gonna get me a job in Switzerland I won’t return. It’s too expensive. I rather go to Austria which is much cheaper and has the same mountains and lakes to visit.

The Middle East (1 country - 4,76%)

Turkey

While vacationing on the Greek island of Kos, I took a ferry across to Turkey. It was my first time stepping on the Asian continent and my first step outside of Europe. Loved the food and the markets. Don't remember much else from the day.
I'd love to visit again. Turkey has much to offer and especially my editor collegue is showing me a lot of the beauty at the moment.

Underwater. 2019. | Credit: Anne Bonfert

Asia (2 countries - 6,45%)

Thailand

“What are those signs? I can’t read anything.” I’ve never felt as unprepared and stupid as the moment we arrived in Thailand the first time. No, I did not know they had a different alphabet.
I never wanted to visit Thailand because everyone did and my husband had to work hard to convince me but I have never looked back. And yes, I will return anytime.

Malaysia

It's so green. And clean. Yes, those were my first impressions upon arriving in the capital, Kuala Lumpur.
I will have to return as I've only spent a few days in the country and there is so much more to explore.

Between Thailand and Laos. 2022. | Credit: Anne Bonfert

America (1 country)

And I’m putting all of it together. North, South and Central. There is nothing worth mentioning. I’ve visited Florida for six days on a surprise party for my aunt’s 60s birthday and that’s all I remember. How happy she was.

United States of America

I don’t remember my first impressions. Maybe the cars. They were huge.
I'd love to return. To see all the other states. The US has so many landscapes I'd love to see and hike through.

Africa (10 countries - 17,86%)

Saving the best for last. My favorite continent. Where my heart beats faster and my smile is bigger.

Botswana

It's green and there is water everywhere. Lots of wildlife. And it's clean.
Yes, I will return. To all those remote locations. Parks and wilderness.

Burkina Faso

"They do speak French." I crossed the border while living in Ghana handing an expired Student ID to the border officers and was granted crossing to see "the other side".
Not sure if I will, but I'd love to see the country. Like every country on this continent.

Ethiopia

"There is an elevator. I can’t use that. Anywhere any stairs? I’m taking the stairs." Those were my words upon arrival. I was supposed to only change flights in Addis Ababa but as my connecting flight got canceled, the airline booked me into a hotel in the city. The city was dead and after living in a clay hut for months in Ghana, stepping into this four-star hotel was more than just a culture shock.
I'd love to return. Not now, it's not a good time but one day. I'd love to see the backcountry. The mountains. The rural side of Ethiopia.

Ghana

"The people really are as friendly as they claim to be." That is for sure. They claim to be the friendliest nation on Earth and they live up to it.
I wanted to return long time ago but didn't make it. I will. One day.

Mozambique

"Those roads are horrendous!" Yes, my first impressions of the country weren’t the best. But I came with patience and endurance.
And I will return whenever I get the chance. The coastline is one of a kind. Tropical and abandoned.

Namibia

This is where I lost my heart. So much sand. So much beauty. Endless landscapes. Vast and yet diverse.
I have returned and will return again and again. I've got roots here now and friends and family.

South Africa

Loved the landscapes and especially the rugged coastline.
The high crime rate and violence kind of put me off from revisiting and seeing more of this country but I’ll be back in a few days as I refuse to drive back those horrendous roads in Mozambique and Zimbabwe.

Tanzania

My first impression was the realization that the people here are not as helpful and friendly as in Ghana. However, still loved my stay. The Serengeti is just beyond words. The wildlife is amazing.
Yes, I'd love to return and I'd love to hike Kilimanjaro one day.

Zambia

"Those waterfalls take my breath away." My first impressions did last for years and I returned to the mighty falls once again.
I wanted to revisit Zambia on this trip but ended up taking Zimbabwe instead. Would love to see more of Zambia one day.

Zimbabwe

I came to only see the falls and travel on to Zambia but ended up staying three weeks. Yes, I loved Zimbabwe. But their currency is again so weak, they only use USD throughout the country which makes it one of the more expensive regions in Africa.
Yes, I will. I haven't seen it all and I want to revisit some places.

My world map. The big red on the American continent is fake as I've only been to one tiny corner of it. | Screenshot from Traveltip.org

And I guess I failed once again. Keeping it short and simple. That’s funny. And not my strength. I don’t know how many hours I spend typing this but certainly, more than I was supposed to.

Anyway, in case you read 'til the end, I say thank you. I really appreciate your endurance in reading through my lengthy articles.

And coming back to my intro, as I mentioned I'm not someone for the numbers. I'm for memories and experiences and I hope I could bring them across in this piece.

While I am going to revisit a few of the countries above in the near or far future, others might not see me again as I have a lot of places I'd love to see still and a lot of things I want to do in this world.

Join the fun and respond to the challenge. Are you surprised to see how many or how few countries you’ve visited? Are you hunting the world in an attempt of visiting as many countries as possible or are you happy enough staying in your home country?

I Travelled to 22 Countries In The Last 15 Years

Here’s a summary of all the countries I’ve visited and my quick impressions of each one.

medium.com

Read below Adrienne's response.

I’ve Travelled to 47 Countries

and I thought I’d been nowhere!

medium.com

I’m currently touring southern Africa and if you’d like to follow, go through this list of stories from our road trip:

Southern Africa Road Trip 2023

Edit description

medium.com

Join my email list here if you would like to follow this journey and read more travel essays or sign up for the Medium membership to receive unlimited access to my and other writers’ stories out here (I will receive a commission fee in return).