12 Countries in 12 Months - 2003 Challenge
Jan 15, 2003 | 11:30 am
#121
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Austin, TX -- AA Life Platinum; QF Life Silver; UA Silver
Posts: 5,467
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by opushomes:
My January plans.
1. Thailand
2. Lao border, does taking a taxi across the Mekong count or can one just stand on the south side and look north?
3. Myanmar: Victoria Point across from Ranong. Hopefully, the $5 day visit visa works for U.S. citizens.
4. Malaysia
5. Singapore
6. Indonesia-a day trip on the ferry
March
7. Great Britain: Thank you BA.
8. Germany
9. Austria
The rest of the year to get 3 more
10. Canada, for sure.
11. Mexico
12. USA (home country should not count)
Other possibles in March: Luxembourg, Belgium, The Netherlands, Switzerland, France, Liechenstein.
**Oh, yes, Is Narita in Japan?
[This message has been edited by opushomes (edited 01-03-2003).]</font>
My January plans.
1. Thailand
2. Lao border, does taking a taxi across the Mekong count or can one just stand on the south side and look north?
3. Myanmar: Victoria Point across from Ranong. Hopefully, the $5 day visit visa works for U.S. citizens.
4. Malaysia
5. Singapore
6. Indonesia-a day trip on the ferry
March
7. Great Britain: Thank you BA.
8. Germany
9. Austria
The rest of the year to get 3 more
10. Canada, for sure.
11. Mexico
12. USA (home country should not count)
Other possibles in March: Luxembourg, Belgium, The Netherlands, Switzerland, France, Liechenstein.
**Oh, yes, Is Narita in Japan?
[This message has been edited by opushomes (edited 01-03-2003).]</font>
Anyway, for 2002 I did:
USA
England
South Africa
Botswana
Zambia
Namibia
Zimbabwe
Mozambique
Malawi
Chile
Argentina
Uruguay
Canada
Brazil
Mexico
Thailand
Cambodia
Myanmar
2003 so far:
Cambodia
Hong Kong
England
France
Germany
China
Ecuador (Jun/Jul) - in planning stage
[This message has been edited by hauteboy (edited 02-07-2003).]
[This message has been edited by hauteboy (edited 03-26-2003).]
Jan 18, 2003 | 10:33 am
#122
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Naples FL, Munich DE
Programs: UA MM, AA 2MM, Marriott LT Titanium, Hilton Gold
Posts: 6,816
Just back from London, so I'll join in as well.
So far:
Austria
Azerbaijan
Croatia
England
France
Germany
Morocco
Netherlands, The
Romania
Sweden
Turkey
United States
Next: Italy?
Keep watching this space!
[This message has been edited by Counsellor (edited 05-27-2003).]
So far:
Austria
Azerbaijan
Croatia
England
France
Germany
Morocco
Netherlands, The
Romania
Sweden
Turkey
United States
Next: Italy?
Keep watching this space!
[This message has been edited by Counsellor (edited 05-27-2003).]
Jan 20, 2003 | 9:41 am
#123
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: BCN
Programs: BA Silver VY apologist IB up and coming
Posts: 8,706
I'm not off to a bad start. Halfway through the first month of the new year, and I have:
Spain
The Netherlands
USA
El Salvador
Honduras
We were really trying for Nicaragua this trip but when we got down there we found out El Salvador and Nicaragua don't touch
.
-alan in seattle
Spain
The Netherlands
USA
El Salvador
Honduras
We were really trying for Nicaragua this trip but when we got down there we found out El Salvador and Nicaragua don't touch
.-alan in seattle
)
Jan 20, 2003 | 7:02 pm
#125
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: BCN
Programs: BA Silver VY apologist IB up and coming
Posts: 8,706
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">you may be kicking ... AlanW, but I am ahead of you (loser, loser ) </font>
Next month, I'll add:
Australia
Japan
Singapore
(possibly) Thailand
Jan 20, 2003 | 7:39 pm
#126
Community Director Emerita
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Anywhere warm
Posts: 35,602
gfowler_ord_1K was spotted in SIN this past weekend with his 12 countries tag hanging from his backpack. He has made it up so he can write in his countries as he visits them. It makes a great conversation piece!
Jan 21, 2003 | 9:35 am
#127
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Manasquan, NJ
Posts: 1,413
Count me in! Mr Fish, the little Fishes and I have 10 countries on schedule by end of June.. I think we could squeeze in a few more!
Edited to add: Oops, make that 12 booked already: Forgot about Seychelles and Bahamas. Now, How do I get the tags?
Robin
[This message has been edited by Fishbait (edited 01-21-2003).]
[This message has been edited by Fishbait (edited 01-21-2003).]
Edited to add: Oops, make that 12 booked already: Forgot about Seychelles and Bahamas. Now, How do I get the tags?
Robin
[This message has been edited by Fishbait (edited 01-21-2003).]
[This message has been edited by Fishbait (edited 01-21-2003).]
Jan 29, 2003 | 2:31 am
#128
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Portland, OR
Programs: Delta Gold 1 MM
Posts: 2,712
My January plans.
1. Thailand
"Actual"- (done)
2. Lao border, does taking a taxi across the Mekong count or can one just stand on the south side and look north?
"Actual" (Laos, I rented a long tail boat on the Thai side of the Golden Triangle for 450 baht and got a great boat ride into Myanmar waters {Technically, I was illegally in Myanmar} - looked at the casino catering to Thais and then went on to Dao, Laos-a shopping village in Laos. Entry is up the rock steps (rocks, not steps) to pay my 20 baht entry fee and receive my official Laotian receipt). As it turned out, I earlier stopped in Mai Sae and stood at the northernmost point in Thailand. Literally 40 feet from the Burmese shore. Knowing what I now know, I could have legally entered Myanmar over the international bridge. It really is easy.
3. Myanmar: Victoria Point across from Ranong. Hopefully, the $5 day visit visa works for U.S. citizens.
"Actual" Drove my car through the police checkpoint where I was asked where I was going. Told him, "immigration and on to Myanmar" He waved me through, unfortunately, I missed the sign for Immigration and was flagged down by a smiling Thai who directed me to a parking spot in the gas station. When he discovered that I had not yet gotten my exit stamp, he hopped into the car, directed me to immigration where my passport was appropriately stamped and I suddenly became a technically illegal traveler in Thailand. We proceeded back to the gas station, found a parking spot and proceeded to his boat by climbing over about a dozen others. His charge for RT was 400 baht including assistance with immigration, parking, keeping my corpus from falling into the river and other assorted courtesies. Note: locals pay from 20-60 baht each way for the same trip. Above assistance not included. Nice boat ride across in a long-tail boat (about 30 minutes not including the stop at Myanmar immigration) Boat driver takes passport and U.S. $5 to immigration and comes back with passport stamped and without the $5. Proceed to dock and another immigration checkpoint where passport is stamped again (with exit stamp). Visit market and town and return to Ranong. I stayed at the Ranong Royal Princess for $26/night plus tax including breakfast. Great front office staff who laughed at me for paying 400 Baht. The Sales Manager decided that I was Santa Claus and she would like to be my daughter. The Royal Princess is a Dusit hotel, it's exterior does not look exactly like the web-site picture. Digital enhancement makes it look really good and removes the vacant storefronts nearby. It is not exactly white. The public areas are nice. Some rooms are better than others. 503 was moldy, but clean-got them to move me to 701, no mildew, worn, but clean. Ranong is not picturesque, but makes a great base for exploring the Isthmas of Kra and beautiful jungle.
4. Malaysia
"Actual" Overnight at Putari Pan Pacific in Johor Bahru. One can take a bus from JHB to Singapore (The Copthorne) for 16.5 ringat. Taxi (airconditioned) direct to hotel is 35 ringat. Bus to somewhere in downtown JB is 4 ringat. I took the taxi after buying a bus ticket that actually would have taken me to Singapore. Taxi from hotel to Rocher road taxi terminal in Singapore is 35 ringat.
Prices from Singapore in reverse are the same, but in Singapore $. Singapore taxis are at Rocher Road and it cost roughly $5 Singapore to get to the Hilton.
5. Singapore
"Actual" Hilton executive floor. Great conceirge (her name starts with a "J" on the 22 nd floor.
6. Indonesia-a day trip on the ferry.
"Actual" A day trip on the Ferry. Left luggage at Hilton early Sunday morning and took taxi to World Trade Center. Conceirge asked me pointedly why I would want to go there. Told me to take little money and watch out. Looked me up and down and then stated, "well, it looks like you can handle yourself" $5.50 taxi ride later search out the Dino line ferry ticket cointer. It is in the building on the left where the taxi drops you. Ticket counters are upstairs and RT ticket was approximately S$22. Fast ferry takes 45-50 minutes. You see part of Sentosa Island and ships anchored in the Straits. Nice ride, exit and entry procedures are simple. When I got to Batam, I had been befriended by 3 Singaporeans who eased the transition. One is a part time government employee. Buy your taxi ticket to Nagoya inside. Note: Batam is similar to Tijuana of 30 years ago. Don't expect scenery or cleanliness. It is a liberty port. Worth a visit for the contrast to Singapore. Be sure to put you wallet in you front pocket and walk with your hand in your pocket.
Edit: This makes 7 including the U.S. in January. I did not count Japan despite 4 1/2 hours at NRT because I did not leave the airport.
[This message has been edited by opushomes (edited 01-29-2003).]
1. Thailand
"Actual"- (done)
2. Lao border, does taking a taxi across the Mekong count or can one just stand on the south side and look north?
"Actual" (Laos, I rented a long tail boat on the Thai side of the Golden Triangle for 450 baht and got a great boat ride into Myanmar waters {Technically, I was illegally in Myanmar} - looked at the casino catering to Thais and then went on to Dao, Laos-a shopping village in Laos. Entry is up the rock steps (rocks, not steps) to pay my 20 baht entry fee and receive my official Laotian receipt). As it turned out, I earlier stopped in Mai Sae and stood at the northernmost point in Thailand. Literally 40 feet from the Burmese shore. Knowing what I now know, I could have legally entered Myanmar over the international bridge. It really is easy.
3. Myanmar: Victoria Point across from Ranong. Hopefully, the $5 day visit visa works for U.S. citizens.
"Actual" Drove my car through the police checkpoint where I was asked where I was going. Told him, "immigration and on to Myanmar" He waved me through, unfortunately, I missed the sign for Immigration and was flagged down by a smiling Thai who directed me to a parking spot in the gas station. When he discovered that I had not yet gotten my exit stamp, he hopped into the car, directed me to immigration where my passport was appropriately stamped and I suddenly became a technically illegal traveler in Thailand. We proceeded back to the gas station, found a parking spot and proceeded to his boat by climbing over about a dozen others. His charge for RT was 400 baht including assistance with immigration, parking, keeping my corpus from falling into the river and other assorted courtesies. Note: locals pay from 20-60 baht each way for the same trip. Above assistance not included. Nice boat ride across in a long-tail boat (about 30 minutes not including the stop at Myanmar immigration) Boat driver takes passport and U.S. $5 to immigration and comes back with passport stamped and without the $5. Proceed to dock and another immigration checkpoint where passport is stamped again (with exit stamp). Visit market and town and return to Ranong. I stayed at the Ranong Royal Princess for $26/night plus tax including breakfast. Great front office staff who laughed at me for paying 400 Baht. The Sales Manager decided that I was Santa Claus and she would like to be my daughter. The Royal Princess is a Dusit hotel, it's exterior does not look exactly like the web-site picture. Digital enhancement makes it look really good and removes the vacant storefronts nearby. It is not exactly white. The public areas are nice. Some rooms are better than others. 503 was moldy, but clean-got them to move me to 701, no mildew, worn, but clean. Ranong is not picturesque, but makes a great base for exploring the Isthmas of Kra and beautiful jungle.
4. Malaysia
"Actual" Overnight at Putari Pan Pacific in Johor Bahru. One can take a bus from JHB to Singapore (The Copthorne) for 16.5 ringat. Taxi (airconditioned) direct to hotel is 35 ringat. Bus to somewhere in downtown JB is 4 ringat. I took the taxi after buying a bus ticket that actually would have taken me to Singapore. Taxi from hotel to Rocher road taxi terminal in Singapore is 35 ringat.
Prices from Singapore in reverse are the same, but in Singapore $. Singapore taxis are at Rocher Road and it cost roughly $5 Singapore to get to the Hilton.
5. Singapore
"Actual" Hilton executive floor. Great conceirge (her name starts with a "J" on the 22 nd floor.
6. Indonesia-a day trip on the ferry.
"Actual" A day trip on the Ferry. Left luggage at Hilton early Sunday morning and took taxi to World Trade Center. Conceirge asked me pointedly why I would want to go there. Told me to take little money and watch out. Looked me up and down and then stated, "well, it looks like you can handle yourself" $5.50 taxi ride later search out the Dino line ferry ticket cointer. It is in the building on the left where the taxi drops you. Ticket counters are upstairs and RT ticket was approximately S$22. Fast ferry takes 45-50 minutes. You see part of Sentosa Island and ships anchored in the Straits. Nice ride, exit and entry procedures are simple. When I got to Batam, I had been befriended by 3 Singaporeans who eased the transition. One is a part time government employee. Buy your taxi ticket to Nagoya inside. Note: Batam is similar to Tijuana of 30 years ago. Don't expect scenery or cleanliness. It is a liberty port. Worth a visit for the contrast to Singapore. Be sure to put you wallet in you front pocket and walk with your hand in your pocket.
Edit: This makes 7 including the U.S. in January. I did not count Japan despite 4 1/2 hours at NRT because I did not leave the airport.
[This message has been edited by opushomes (edited 01-29-2003).]
Feb 5, 2003 | 8:14 am
#129
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: DFW/Bos AA Plat 2MM; SPG Plat; LH FT
Posts: 59
Im In, I think I will get it done so far I have:
India, U.S. If I had read this post earlier I would have stepped outside in Frankfurt during our connection. And I know the shuttle bus from the remote jet position does not count does it?
India, U.S. If I had read this post earlier I would have stepped outside in Frankfurt during our connection. And I know the shuttle bus from the remote jet position does not count does it?
Feb 5, 2003 | 3:49 pm
#130
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Las Vegas, NV, USA
Programs: UAL IK;Marriott Plat Elite;Hyatt Diamond;Hilton Gold;Hertz Presidents Circle
Posts: 1,567
Since Las Vegas contains so many foreign cities (Paris, NYNY, Rio, ect), can it count as multiple countries? heeheehee
Feb 5, 2003 | 7:06 pm
#131
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Canada
Programs: UA*1K MM SK EBG LATAM BL AC*E50
Posts: 23,584
hmm...in 2002 I managed to do this in just under a month:
Canada-Netherlands-UK-Denmark-Sweden-Finland-Estonia-Russia-Belarus-Poland-Germany-Netherlands-Belgium-France-Belgium-Luxembourg-Germany-USA-Canada
so thats 15 countries in 30 days.
This past month I got to
Poland
Netherlands
Canada
USA
United Arab Emirates
Malaysia
Thailand
Singapore
Australia
New Zealand
so I need 2 more for 2003 to get 12, but I agree with some of the other posts, people from down under should get a 5 country head start, its so much easier in Europe!
Canada-Netherlands-UK-Denmark-Sweden-Finland-Estonia-Russia-Belarus-Poland-Germany-Netherlands-Belgium-France-Belgium-Luxembourg-Germany-USA-Canada
so thats 15 countries in 30 days.
This past month I got to
Poland
Netherlands
Canada
USA
United Arab Emirates
Malaysia
Thailand
Singapore
Australia
New Zealand
so I need 2 more for 2003 to get 12, but I agree with some of the other posts, people from down under should get a 5 country head start, its so much easier in Europe!
Feb 5, 2003 | 11:45 pm
#132
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: SFO/ATL/MEL/BKK
Programs: Marriott Plat, Hilton Diamond, IHG Diamond, Hyatt Globalist UA 1K MM, Delta Diamond
Posts: 2,702
Got
Brazil
Argentina
Chile
Mexico
Canada
France
Uraguay
Singapore
Hong Kong
Japan
(About to get)
Germany
Italy
Panama
Costa Rica
Cuba (Shhhh)
Brazil
Argentina
Chile
Mexico
Canada
France
Uraguay
Singapore
Hong Kong
Japan
(About to get)
Germany
Italy
Panama
Costa Rica
Cuba (Shhhh)
Feb 7, 2003 | 2:03 pm
#135
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Texas AA EXP 4.5 mm, United Gold, Marriott Plt, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 962
Japan
Singapore
Malaysia
Switzerland
Germany
Austria
United Kingdom
France
Mexico
United States
and locations yet to be determined....
------------------
AA member since 1981.
Singapore
Malaysia
Switzerland
Germany
Austria
United Kingdom
France
Mexico
United States
and locations yet to be determined....
------------------
AA member since 1981.