Orbis Terrarum Challenge Meme

1.) What country do you always go back to in your travels (not just while reading for OT)?

Africa. Damned Wilbur Smith and his constant African Tales!

2.) If you could visit 4 of the countries you have read about in your life (that you haven't been to yet), which would they be and why? (you can include the book that makes you want to visit if you remember)

1. South Africa - Despite the oppression and pain that comes across in books such as Rage, Wilbur Smith paints such a beautiful picture of the landscape and (most) of the people.
2. The USA - I know I'll never experience the world of the CIA, or the amazing feats in Vegas, but just seeing things like the MGM Grand, Golden Gate Bridge, L.A, N.Y, Corvettes, Mustangs, Pick-ups... Firsthand knowledge would surely enhance the pleasure of reading aboout them later!
3. OK, Same deal as the USA. I know Italy isnt going to be Rome, but the Circus, the Colliseum and many other things are still going to be around from the times that Valerio Massimo Manfredi writes about.
4. Japan. Despite the fact that i have been there, and spent 2 weeks, I really feel like i havent been there at all! So many amazing things, so much culture and such great food!

3.) Have you ever dreamed about a country you have read about, that you have never actually traveled to- except in your dreams?

Does the Forgotten Realms count? I dream about my Sci Fi books occasionally, and its een weirder than some of the things i have read!
Otherwise, I'd have to say America. My obsession with Corvettes and V8's in general leads me to believe its my heaven :)

4.) In what ways has reading about different countries opened up your perspective about global issues?

Apartheid was probably what i started reading about when i started reading Wilbur Smith. Other than that, the Spy novels i use to read, and the real life accounts of Special Forces soldiers in Iraq, Vietnam etc have helped me understand why some things were done, but it doesnt make me agree with the methods.

5.) What countries have you felt your judgment was off about-after reading about that nation?

India. I'd love to go, but i never realised what a bizarre and violent place of oppression it used to be!

6.) Which is your favourite book that you would recommend for this challenge (you don't have to have read it during the challenge)?

Easy, the Three Musketeers! Made an easy entrance into my top 10 of all time!

7.) I am thinking about hosting again, for a full year next time starting in January, do you have any constructive criticism, is one book a month about right...more? less? Give me some thoughts.

Make it 1.5 and i think you'll have a real challenge for some people. I'd planned on being much further through my books, but its a challenge to have started at all! Life is getting in the way of my books!

8.) Anything else that you have been wanting to tell us all about? let us have it!

Nice work so far! Challenges are great, and although i have restricted myself to only one at the moment, it has helped me look for books i would NEVER have though of otherwise! Thanks!