I guess I should introduce myself

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OK, I guess I'll say a bit more about myself at this point.

My real name is Doug Newman. The city I was talking about earlier is New York. I am of Ashkenazi Jewish (paternal) and Italian (maternal) ethnicity. I was born in NYC and have lived in the suburbs of Long Island my entire life. My parents, grandparents and one great-grandparent were born in NYC too. It is the only place in the Americas any of my ancestors have been born. Even though I grew up in and live in the suburbs, I have always loved cities. Cities have great architecture and museums and you can blend into the crowd and when you don't want to blend in there are more "strange" people around to be friends with!

I learned to ride a bicycle as a child but I haven't in years and probably would have to re-learn. As a child I also learned to sail but haven't done that in years either and would probably have to re-learn that as well. I have terrible balance and that is one reason I stopped bicycling and sailing.

I cannot whistle or snap my fingers. Maybe this is because of my poor physical coordination.

I do not know how to play any musical instruments. I now wish I learned as a child. I'm too lazy to learn now.

My native language is English and I am reasonably proficient in French. I really would like to learn German and Italian and maybe Spanish but I'm too lazy.

My main special interest/obsession is passenger ships (ocean liners, ferries, cruise ships). This is the one I mentioned earlier that's consumed me for 15 years. I'm also interested to varying degrees in airliners, architecture and design, history, philosophy, photography and politics among other things.

I have been fortunate enough to travel quite a bit with my parents. I have been to the following countries and territories (36): Antigua and Barbuda; Aruba; Bahamas; Barbados; Bermuda; British Virgin Islands; Canada; Cayman Islands; Denmark; Estonia; Finland; France; Germany; Greece; Grenada; Haiti; Italy; Jamaica; Martinique; Mexico; Monaco; Netherlands; Netherlands Antilles; Norway; Puerto Rico; Russia; St. Kitts and Nevis; St. Lucia; St. Martin; Spain; Sweden; Turkey; United Kingdom; United States; US Virgin Islands; Vatican City.

I have been to the following states of the US (22): Alaska; California; Connecticut; Delaware; Florida; Georgia; Louisiana; Maine; Maryland; Massachusetts; New Hampshire; New Jersey; New York; North Carolina; Pennsylvania; Rhode Island; South Carolina; Texas; Vermont; Virginia; Washington.

So, now you know a lot more about me.

I was born in London and dreamed of living somewhere like NZ, in fact always knew I would one day and even researched where. 5 years ago me and my husband and 2 sons moved from London to NZ, and I still feel privileged to live in such a wonderful place. I feel if you really want some think from life work towards that goal, as dreams can become reality...

When younger I also traveled a lot, but one day we all have to decide what we really want from life. I did find after a while I started taking things for granted, and after working for years realized money was not the route to happiness, just stress... so moving here has enabled me to live more of a slower pace, which really help me discover who I am and suits my aspie ways.

Out of all the places you have been to, whats your favorite place?

I'd have a very hard time choosing, but I really like Provence.

I have never been a big fan of France... maybe because its to near to home, not sure why but the place I feel I gained most from was Cambodia and loved tracking in the outback in Tansmania

Hmm... I've never even been near Cambodia or Tasmania.

Provence is certainly not the most "enriching" place, but it's naturally beautiful, the architecture is gorgeous, the food is outstanding, etc.

I like most of Europe actually, but then I've lived in the US my whole life... Familiarity breeds contempt perhaps? (Well not contempt exactly, more like.)

This is my 100th post.