Monkey

Well, the year is fast winding down, which of course means it must be time for the last Blork et Martine Monkey.
The theme for the December Monkey is “give me a year.” What would you do if you had a free year, all to yourself, to dedicate to whatever you wanted? Assume money was not a problem — you’ve just received a $60,000 Monkey Grant.
This may sound mundane, but with a year with no responsibilities and enough cash, I would definitely travel. There are hundreds of places I would love to experience – but I would narrow it down to three or four places, and spend three or four months in each place, living as a local, getting to know real people, and really absorbing the culture.
So, where would I go?
Well, Africa, definitely. I would love to spend a few months living on a wildlife preserve, working with the animals, learning about the native flora and fauna. Plus, I’d get to wear a safari hat and not look like a poseur.
A Greek island – no idea which one, as long as it’s small and sunny and Shirley Valentine-esque. I want to stroll down to the market and buy fresh fish from the Mediterranean and haggle with the locals, and wear floaty sundresses all the time.
Vietnam, Korea or Laos. (It’s possible that my travel plans have been slightly influenced by Anthony Bourdain.)
Final destination? I can’t decide – maybe India… but Australia would be neat… then there’s eastern Europe… and western Europe… and South America… and the Caribbean…
Sigh. Back to the Arctic blast of reality. Maybe Santa will bring me my Year of the Monkey!

5 Replies to “Monkey”

  1. Oooo, is that the Bourdain’s “A Cook’s Tour”? I received it for Christmas last year, gained five kilos just reading it (well, that’s my excuse).
    It’s actually influenced us enough that we’re making reservations at The French Laundry for March.

  2. Yes, it is – I still haven’t read Kitchen Confidential, but I loved A Cook’s Tour. He was in Montreal recently, and says we’re his kinda town 😀

  3. May I recommend “1,000 Places To See Before You Die” by Patricia Schultz. Great way to plan both your dream vacations and day-dream escapes from reality.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *