Country Roundup

Just a quick breakdown of observations from countries I have travelled to in the past year. Sometime this week an essay will follow.


Country with the biggest coins, rendering wallet a hefty brick: Australia

Most anger towards English speakers: Italy

Highest probability of gastro-intestinal disorders: Thailand*

Most likely to be asked to be in a photo by people you don't know: Taiwan

Place where summer feels like winter: South Island, New Zealand

Most likely place to be surrounded by Western tourists, causing self to ask what country self is actually in: Koh Phi-Phi, Thailand

Least likely place to see other Western tourists: East Coast, Taiwan

Best bread: France

Best coffee: Australia

Best pizza: Rome

Place that did not live up to reputation as pickpocket central: Barcelona

Place that unfortunately did: Overnight bus to Koh Samui, Thailand

Place which promised sunshine nearly every day of the year excepting a few days, during which time I happened to visit: Valencia, Spain

Least exciting European City: Madrid

Funny example of living up to national stereotype: Drunken yobbos fighting each other in the street after the pub closed, London.

Sexiest newspapers: Sydney

Smartest newspapers: London

Largest array of completely bizarre television programming, including at least five channels showing mathematical equations performed by host: Taiwan

Surprisingly wonderful place to visit: Montpellier, France

Worst odd garbage smells: Tie between Toronto streets and Bangkok canals

Best city to find lost objects: London, red cashmere scarf.

Most memorable Buddhist temple, deduced after seeing at least 40 million others: Chiang Mai, Thailand

Easiest city to get around: Toronto

Easiest city to get to airport due to excellent rail link: Sydney

Most difficult city to get to airport despite rail link: London

City which I am glad I will never again have to visit: Genoa, Italy

*Due to listeriosis outbreak in Toronto, Canada may replace Thailand as number one.