Geography 101

I'm convinced that when I was in school in the 70's,
geography was not a subject that was taught.
If it was,  I was sleeping or flirting with some
cute guy - because I have no recollection of
learning it.
I've had the great privilege of traveling
a fair amount in the past ten years.  The best
way to learn about a place, is to go there.
And boy, do I love to go! - just about anywhere.
Because I've found that traveling opens up my world
and helps me to see and understand people better.
I guess you could say I have the "travel bug".
( I think I inherited this from my dad, who also
loves to travel.)  I'm almost always in the
process of planning a trip, thinking about the next
place I want to venture and figuring out who
can go with me and how I can afford to make it happen.
 I would rather spend my money on travel and the memories
that are made while doing so, than on other things.

 

One of the parts of the world that I have never been, but
have always wanted to travel to is the Holy Land.   To walk
where Jesus walked - how exciting.
So, at the beginning of the year,  I did my research and put my
deposit down on a 14 day trip to Israel and Egypt.

I know what you're thinking.  Are you crazy??!
Well, maybe a little....but in my defense, the entire middle east
was not in a state of revolution when I made my reservation.
I'm not sure how things are going to be in October - but I
pray they will settle down and I will still be able to make
this trip of a lifetime.

In preparation for my trip, I have been trying to learn some
geography.  It makes it a little easier now, because every time
I turn on the tv, there is a map displayed on the screen of my
current area of interest.
Did you know where Bahrain was located before a few
weeks ago?  How about Yemen, Tunisia, Jordan, etc.?
Somewhere in the middle east, right?   Well, I knew that
much too.  But show me a map and have me point out
these places, yeah,  not so good at that.
But I'm getting better.

I've been pulling out the maps and colored pencils.  I'm a visual
learner.  I knew there was some reason I've held onto all those
home school supplies.

I also found this great little website where I can play
geography games here.

Yeah, I'm at Level One :)

When Mark came home last night, I had him try it and he 

did better than I did the first time.  I think it's all those

Formula One races that he watches on the speed channel.....

Another interesting thing that I found was this course on

the Holy Land from Great Courses.  I love this company.  These

are college lectures on DVD.  I am one of those weird people

who ask for things like this for Christmas.  My husband can't

understand me.  The professor for this course is from UNC- CH. 

This is the closest I will ever get to attending a class at UNC! 

I've been watching these a few times a week while I eat lunch.

Feed the body, feed the brain!

So, next time you see me you can ask me where Bahrain is -

and I can tell you!  Pull out a map and I can show you!

Now, I'm working on Northern Africa.

*Goal #13  - Learn Middle East Geograpy