June – August 1990
Intro
Prior to this trip in 1990, I had been on three others. In 1982, at only 3 years old, I took my first international trip to visit family in Jordan, with a stopover in Copenhagen, Denmark. In 1984, I visited Jordan for the second time. And in 1987, at 8 years old, I visited Jordan for the third time, and my family in Syria for the first time.
Since I was so young and these 2-3 month summer trips were primarily to spend time with family, I really consider this 1990 trip to be the first
one where I was engaged and interested in “traveling” and seeing sights — I can vividly recall my anticipation at the thought of seeing the Eiffel Tower for the first time, and my wonder at seeing the skyline of Frankfurt from the airplane window.
I remember being on the plane, drawing a map of where we were going for our extended stopover in France and West Germany. Fun memories include visiting the “Grey Poupon” building in Dijon (and re-enacting the infamous commercial – hey, I was 11!), and getting my first sip of alcohol (champagne!) in Champagne. And interestingly, West Germany is the only country I have visited which has changed its name — just barely, as West Germany officially reunited with East Germany on October 3, 1990 — two months after we had left!
Journey Map
Featured Image
Heidelberg, West Germany
