This is the End...Beautiful Friend...The End

Red Light District, Amsterdam
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Amsterdam.  It marks the last spot on our travel, finalizing Plan B.  We have chased our dream to conclusion, and have traveled to more than 30 countries located on six continents.  Several years in the making, and 1.5 years to complete, Plan B has been the most rewarding, educational, humbling, enlightening, liberating, and fulfilling things that we have ever experienced.

We've come full circle, getting our dog back in early November.  She has been gone for nearly two years, and is adjusting nicely being back with us.  Thanks to Dan and Santina for taking care of her during our travels and allowing us to fulfill our dream.

Top 10 list

We've come full circle
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Before we sign off, we've compiled a Top 10 list of our favorite spots around the world that begin with the letter "S".  I hope you enjoy.

10.  Sistine Chapel:  Michelangelo's masterpiece with vivid colors depicting good and evil, and even a self-portrait if you look closely.  This is a fine painting and would have received a higher spot on out Top 10 had there not been so many tourists.

9.  Sequoia National Park:  It was the only place in the whole world where we saw a wild bear.  And it attacked our car.  Oh, and by the way, the trees are fantastic.

8.  Stockholm Sweden:  Two S's in that one earn Stockholm our number 8 spot.  This city has tons of charm and was one of our European highlights.  It will definitely be a place to return and explore further.  And yes, I'm still proud to be a Swede.

7.  Siem Reap:  Cambodia's city that is the gateway to the temples of Angkor Wat.  Combine this with the most genuine people that we have met on the planet, and you have an enjoyable-ruin paradox.

6.  San Pedro Belize:  Even Madonna likes this place.  We have visited San Pedro many times over, and still enjoy its beachy laid back lifestyle.  Wear what you want, sleep when you want, and be who you want.  What else could you ask for?

5.  Suva Fiji:  I'm only joking.  However, if we had a top 100, I'm sure Suva would make the list.

5.  Safari in the Serengeti:  Okay, it was only near the Serengeti, but we still think that everyone should do a Safari before they die.  There is no substitute for seeing wild animals in their natural habitat.  My favorite, the male lion.  Anne's favorite....you should already know if you've read any of our blogs.

4.  San Francisco:  So much to do and so much to see.  I love it.  The good food and wine don't hurt either.  San Fran is our favorite American city, boasting things such as Golden Gate, Alcatraz, the bay, and so much more.  Visit this city if you can.

3.  Similan Islands, Thailand:  The best scuba diving that we have found is right here.  Keep in mind that we have done Belize's barrier reef, Great Barrier Reef, The Red Sea, Hawaii, New Zealand's Poor Knights, several spots in the Caribbean, and many more.  Interaction with manta rays remains my top travel experience.

2.  Sydney Australia:  An iconic bridge located on the bay; sounds like San Fran.  But wait, there's Opera House, Botanic Gardens, and friendly people with funny accents in the land down under.  There is no close second, Sydney is our favorite city across the globe.  Sorry Melbourne, you got nothin' on Sydney.

And, the number 1 is..............Swiss Alps, Switzerland:  The most beautiful place on earth.  Check out our Swiss Alps blog and photos...I rest my case.

Incidentally, I chose Atlanta for this blog as that was our last port of entry and opened The Doors to the United States of America once more.  Now that I've solved that mystery for you, could someone please tell me why there are so many coffee shops in Amsterdam?

bkh