My First 50 Countries
As part of my decade review (2009-2019), I selected 50 photos that represented special memories from each of the countries I have visited in the last decade. On the last day before 2020, my wife and I did a road trip to Liechtenstein, which became my 50th country. Thailand and the Ukraine are the only countries on the list that I had visited before 2009. I have listed countries in alphabetical order.
*All photos are mine except for Hong Kong and the Ukraine which I was not able to find.
*All photos are mine except for Hong Kong and the Ukraine which I was not able to find.
#1 Australia
After more than six hours of driving, we arrived in time to see the sunset at Uluru in central Australia. The colours were just like the postcards had promised. Definitely the most memorable sunset I’ve ever witnessed. In respect for my many aboriginal friends, I chose not to climb the rock.
After more than six hours of driving, we arrived in time to see the sunset at Uluru in central Australia. The colours were just like the postcards had promised. Definitely the most memorable sunset I’ve ever witnessed. In respect for my many aboriginal friends, I chose not to climb the rock.
#2 Austria
My mother-in-law lives close to Salzburg, near the German-Austrian border. Salzburg is most famous for The Sound of Music film, but eating Sacher Torte and visiting the Christmas markets with snow falling around us, is what I will most remember. Outside Salzburg is the Untersberg, a beautiful mountain with great views of the alps.
My mother-in-law lives close to Salzburg, near the German-Austrian border. Salzburg is most famous for The Sound of Music film, but eating Sacher Torte and visiting the Christmas markets with snow falling around us, is what I will most remember. Outside Salzburg is the Untersberg, a beautiful mountain with great views of the alps.
#3 Azerbaijan
Late one night in Baku, I walked a few hundred steps up a hill, and was met with this spectacular view of the Flame Towers. The buildings mimic the burning mountain outside Baku, where methane leaks through the ground and has been burning for thousands of years. The tallest of the flame towers is 182 metres. The towers have one the most impressive light displays I’ve seen.
Late one night in Baku, I walked a few hundred steps up a hill, and was met with this spectacular view of the Flame Towers. The buildings mimic the burning mountain outside Baku, where methane leaks through the ground and has been burning for thousands of years. The tallest of the flame towers is 182 metres. The towers have one the most impressive light displays I’ve seen.
#4 Bulgaria
During recent years, I have visited Bulgaria to conduct training and work on projects within the gypsy community. The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is a stunning building in the centre of Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. It is one of the biggest eastern orthodox churches in the world. My most recent trip included skiing in the mountains.
During recent years, I have visited Bulgaria to conduct training and work on projects within the gypsy community. The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is a stunning building in the centre of Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. It is one of the biggest eastern orthodox churches in the world. My most recent trip included skiing in the mountains.
#5 China
As a young boy, I received a small coin from someone who had visited China. I felt the light weight of the small coin and was fascinated by the writing. I dreamed of one day visiting places like China’s Great Wall. Dreams come true. It was around five degrees when my son Jordan and I arrived at the bottom of the Mutianyu section of China’s Great Wall.
As a young boy, I received a small coin from someone who had visited China. I felt the light weight of the small coin and was fascinated by the writing. I dreamed of one day visiting places like China’s Great Wall. Dreams come true. It was around five degrees when my son Jordan and I arrived at the bottom of the Mutianyu section of China’s Great Wall.
#6 Czech Republic
You need to get up early to avoid the crowds in Prague, but sunrise on the Charles Bridge is still a great memory for me. The bridge was completed at the start of the 15th century and is one of the key attractions. The Vltava River flowing through the city, adds to the charming character.
You need to get up early to avoid the crowds in Prague, but sunrise on the Charles Bridge is still a great memory for me. The bridge was completed at the start of the 15th century and is one of the key attractions. The Vltava River flowing through the city, adds to the charming character.
#7 Denmark
The first time I visited Denmark was to exchange wedding vows with my wife Annette. Denmark is still a popular destination for foreigners to marry without having to experience mountains of paperwork. Copenhagen is a lovely city with canals similar to Amsterdam. In the harbour, you might be lucky enough to hear the royal brass band playing. The music echoes through the harbour to create a magical atmosphere.
The first time I visited Denmark was to exchange wedding vows with my wife Annette. Denmark is still a popular destination for foreigners to marry without having to experience mountains of paperwork. Copenhagen is a lovely city with canals similar to Amsterdam. In the harbour, you might be lucky enough to hear the royal brass band playing. The music echoes through the harbour to create a magical atmosphere.
#8 Egypt
The pyramids of Egypt had always been on my bucketlist and lived up to my expectations. My grandfather explored Egypt at the age of 85 years old. I hope my visit, will one day inspire my grandchildren to travel. My favourite memories are connecting with the locals in Alexandria, a beautiful city on the coast. The modern library in Alexandria was definitely worth a visit.
The pyramids of Egypt had always been on my bucketlist and lived up to my expectations. My grandfather explored Egypt at the age of 85 years old. I hope my visit, will one day inspire my grandchildren to travel. My favourite memories are connecting with the locals in Alexandria, a beautiful city on the coast. The modern library in Alexandria was definitely worth a visit.
#9 England
My son Jordan and I, had timed our ride on the London eye to coincide with sunset. The colours of the sky weren’t that spectacular, but it is certainly my favourite location in England. My most special memory was celebrating New Year’s Eve on the Westminster bridge during my first world trip in 2011.
My son Jordan and I, had timed our ride on the London eye to coincide with sunset. The colours of the sky weren’t that spectacular, but it is certainly my favourite location in England. My most special memory was celebrating New Year’s Eve on the Westminster bridge during my first world trip in 2011.
#10 Estonia
Estonia was a part of the former soviet republic. The capital, Tallinn is an amazing place to visit. There is no place I’ve been in Europe that displays so much authentic history on the streets. While we were visiting the Alexander Nevsky cathedral, people were kissing a coffin, which we later discovered was the body of the leading orthodox priest in Estonia.
Estonia was a part of the former soviet republic. The capital, Tallinn is an amazing place to visit. There is no place I’ve been in Europe that displays so much authentic history on the streets. While we were visiting the Alexander Nevsky cathedral, people were kissing a coffin, which we later discovered was the body of the leading orthodox priest in Estonia.
#11 Finland
The day I flew into Helsinki, it was minus ten degrees. My memories of the capital, include walking through the snow and looking for refuge from the cold. The ocean was solid ice, covered by a thick layer of snow. I’ve always admired the Finnish education system and would one day love to visit again.
The day I flew into Helsinki, it was minus ten degrees. My memories of the capital, include walking through the snow and looking for refuge from the cold. The ocean was solid ice, covered by a thick layer of snow. I’ve always admired the Finnish education system and would one day love to visit again.
#12 France
Visiting the Eiffel Tower in Paris was another bucketlist item, and it lived up to my expectations. The light display at night is special. I’ve always loved travelling on the underground trains wherever I visit. My first novel, Hunting Susan has a chapter involving the underground train in Paris.
Visiting the Eiffel Tower in Paris was another bucketlist item, and it lived up to my expectations. The light display at night is special. I’ve always loved travelling on the underground trains wherever I visit. My first novel, Hunting Susan has a chapter involving the underground train in Paris.
#15 Greece
We arrived in Athens and my immediate thoughts were that it reminded me of places in India. The economic crisis of recent years was very obvious. Garbage men were on strike, and the streets were filled with mountains of rubbish. In contrast to the smell of rubbish on the streets, the Acropolis sat majestically on a rocky hill in the middle of the city and was a very special memory.
We arrived in Athens and my immediate thoughts were that it reminded me of places in India. The economic crisis of recent years was very obvious. Garbage men were on strike, and the streets were filled with mountains of rubbish. In contrast to the smell of rubbish on the streets, the Acropolis sat majestically on a rocky hill in the middle of the city and was a very special memory.
#17 India
I was walking through the streets of Nagpur, which is the geographical centre of India. The locals were pointing at each other, encouraging me to take their photos. While photographing, a beggar passed by. I gave him a few coins and took his photo. I then turned my camera and showed him the viewing screen. His face beamed with the biggest smile I had seen. This is still one of the most impacting memories I have had while travelling.
I was walking through the streets of Nagpur, which is the geographical centre of India. The locals were pointing at each other, encouraging me to take their photos. While photographing, a beggar passed by. I gave him a few coins and took his photo. I then turned my camera and showed him the viewing screen. His face beamed with the biggest smile I had seen. This is still one of the most impacting memories I have had while travelling.
#18 Iran
During my first visit to Iran, the news media were warning of a possible war between Iran and Israel. I decided the media were exaggerating, and I was correct. My most memorable experience was learning to ski in the mountains outside of Tehran. The most fun memory was hitching a lift in a sports car, and racing through the mountains.
During my first visit to Iran, the news media were warning of a possible war between Iran and Israel. I decided the media were exaggerating, and I was correct. My most memorable experience was learning to ski in the mountains outside of Tehran. The most fun memory was hitching a lift in a sports car, and racing through the mountains.
#19 Iraq
I spent 10 days in the northern Kurdistan region and was deeply impacted by the friendliness and generosity of the people. The city of Erbil is dominated by the Citadel on the hill. It's the oldest continually inhabited place on earth. Walking around and meeting people in the bazaar, was so heart-warming.
I spent 10 days in the northern Kurdistan region and was deeply impacted by the friendliness and generosity of the people. The city of Erbil is dominated by the Citadel on the hill. It's the oldest continually inhabited place on earth. Walking around and meeting people in the bazaar, was so heart-warming.
#20 Italy
At the time of this writing, I still haven’t managed to visit Rome, but each year, my wife and I love to hike in the Dolomites, a group of mountains in the north of Italy. The fresh air and majestic mountain peaks are so refreshing. My favorite memories are photographing deer, mountain goats, and marmots. The Dolomites are still my favourite place on the planet.
At the time of this writing, I still haven’t managed to visit Rome, but each year, my wife and I love to hike in the Dolomites, a group of mountains in the north of Italy. The fresh air and majestic mountain peaks are so refreshing. My favorite memories are photographing deer, mountain goats, and marmots. The Dolomites are still my favourite place on the planet.
#21 Kazakhstan
I experienced snow for the first time in my life in Almaty. This was the first time I made a snow angel. My friend Troy and I spent a week with a drug and alcohol rehab centre. Most of the words we learned during that week, made us sound like thugs. At least we kept the locals entertained.
I experienced snow for the first time in my life in Almaty. This was the first time I made a snow angel. My friend Troy and I spent a week with a drug and alcohol rehab centre. Most of the words we learned during that week, made us sound like thugs. At least we kept the locals entertained.
#23 Kosovo
My son and I were only in the capital Prishtina for 24 hours, and the only memories I have are a two-dollar haircut, and the bus that was delayed six hours. I’m sure there are some interesting things to see in the city, but I’m sorry to say it has been the most uninspiring capital city I have visited so far.
My son and I were only in the capital Prishtina for 24 hours, and the only memories I have are a two-dollar haircut, and the bus that was delayed six hours. I’m sure there are some interesting things to see in the city, but I’m sorry to say it has been the most uninspiring capital city I have visited so far.
#24 Latvia
Another of my stopover flights led me through Riga. A very pleasant city, and another former soviet state. On my return trip, I took a bus to an area outside the city to explore the moors. It was my first experience seeing kilometres of moss and small ponds. Although I didn’t capture any particularly stunning images, I really enjoyed the solitude of the moors.
Another of my stopover flights led me through Riga. A very pleasant city, and another former soviet state. On my return trip, I took a bus to an area outside the city to explore the moors. It was my first experience seeing kilometres of moss and small ponds. Although I didn’t capture any particularly stunning images, I really enjoyed the solitude of the moors.
#25 Liechtenstein
A thin layer of snow covering the mountains made my visit to Vaduz in Liechtenstein very memorable. This was my 50th country and I had the privilege of having my wife join me for this trip. Liechtenstein and Uzbekistan are the only countries that are doubly landlocked. That means you need to cross at least two national borders to reach the coast.
A thin layer of snow covering the mountains made my visit to Vaduz in Liechtenstein very memorable. This was my 50th country and I had the privilege of having my wife join me for this trip. Liechtenstein and Uzbekistan are the only countries that are doubly landlocked. That means you need to cross at least two national borders to reach the coast.
#27 Malta
After looking at possible options for a winter escape close to Germany, my wife and I decided on Malta. The weather was much warmer than Germany and we enjoyed exploring this beautiful country in the Mediterranean. At various stages in history, Malta has been inhabited by at least ten different cultures, giving it a rich history.
After looking at possible options for a winter escape close to Germany, my wife and I decided on Malta. The weather was much warmer than Germany and we enjoyed exploring this beautiful country in the Mediterranean. At various stages in history, Malta has been inhabited by at least ten different cultures, giving it a rich history.
#28 Montenegro
I removed my shoes and stepped into the muddy waters of a swamp near the city of Ulcinj. Sometimes it pays to go a bit further than others are willing to go. With my son Jordan encouraging me, I slowly crept forward, feeling the mud squish between my toes with every step. Suddenly, I sank knee deep in mud, unable to move. I was desperate to keep my camera from getting wet. I finally made it back, but not before this one last photo.
I removed my shoes and stepped into the muddy waters of a swamp near the city of Ulcinj. Sometimes it pays to go a bit further than others are willing to go. With my son Jordan encouraging me, I slowly crept forward, feeling the mud squish between my toes with every step. Suddenly, I sank knee deep in mud, unable to move. I was desperate to keep my camera from getting wet. I finally made it back, but not before this one last photo.
#30 Nepal
I had set a goal to photograph a Tiger in the wild. Having already been to the jungle a few years previously, without seeing any, I was hoping this time would be different. We waited patiently on the bank of a river in the Bardia National Park, looking for any sign of wildlife. As the hours passed, my hopes were starting to fade. This moment was one of the most special moments I have experienced while photographing wildlife.
I had set a goal to photograph a Tiger in the wild. Having already been to the jungle a few years previously, without seeing any, I was hoping this time would be different. We waited patiently on the bank of a river in the Bardia National Park, looking for any sign of wildlife. As the hours passed, my hopes were starting to fade. This moment was one of the most special moments I have experienced while photographing wildlife.
#31 Netherlands
I first visited Amsterdam in 1990. I remember wearing a country hat through the streets and being offered every drug you could imagine. It was country boy meets big city. During that trip I was almost hit by a tram. The experience impacted me so much, that from that point, I’ve always looked both ways before crossing any roads.
I first visited Amsterdam in 1990. I remember wearing a country hat through the streets and being offered every drug you could imagine. It was country boy meets big city. During that trip I was almost hit by a tram. The experience impacted me so much, that from that point, I’ve always looked both ways before crossing any roads.
#32 New Zealand
Anyone who loves the outdoors, will love New Zealand. In one day, you can be hiking in the mountains, exploring caves, and swimming in the sea. During our trip, my son and I hiked the Tongariro Crossing. The weather changed dramatically, with wind gusts of up to 170 kilometres an hour recorded at the top. We witnessed a helicopter rescue and managed to return safely. One of the most memorable adventures I’ve had in my life.
Anyone who loves the outdoors, will love New Zealand. In one day, you can be hiking in the mountains, exploring caves, and swimming in the sea. During our trip, my son and I hiked the Tongariro Crossing. The weather changed dramatically, with wind gusts of up to 170 kilometres an hour recorded at the top. We witnessed a helicopter rescue and managed to return safely. One of the most memorable adventures I’ve had in my life.
#33 North Macedonia
The city of Skopje has the most amazing collection of statues. Inspired by other European cities, the government has invested millions to fill the streets with artwork. Large statues, such as the one of Alexander the Great, and a number of beautiful fountains, make this city truly memorable.
The city of Skopje has the most amazing collection of statues. Inspired by other European cities, the government has invested millions to fill the streets with artwork. Large statues, such as the one of Alexander the Great, and a number of beautiful fountains, make this city truly memorable.
#35 Poland
In 1950, Wilhelm Baartz (My great, great, great grandfather) stood on this railway platform to take his wife and 7 children to start a new life overseas. Exploring my family tree and searching for locations they might have lived, has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my life. It helped connect me to my historical roots in Europe. I look forward to exploring more of my family history.
In 1950, Wilhelm Baartz (My great, great, great grandfather) stood on this railway platform to take his wife and 7 children to start a new life overseas. Exploring my family tree and searching for locations they might have lived, has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my life. It helped connect me to my historical roots in Europe. I look forward to exploring more of my family history.
#37 Russia
My first visit to Russia was immediately after the Iron Curtain fell in 1991. My most memorable experience was attending the Russian theatre with my travelling buddy, Troy. We attended a musical based on The Count of Monte Cristo. All the singing was in Russian, but we both knew the story and it left a memory neither of us will ever forget.
My first visit to Russia was immediately after the Iron Curtain fell in 1991. My most memorable experience was attending the Russian theatre with my travelling buddy, Troy. We attended a musical based on The Count of Monte Cristo. All the singing was in Russian, but we both knew the story and it left a memory neither of us will ever forget.
#38 Scotland
Exploring the streets of Edinburgh and Glasgow were a real pleasure. In Glasgow, I met with an Australian friend and photographed one of the most iconic pieces of street art in the world. Australia artist Sam Bates (nicknamed Smug) painted the picture of the Scottish Saint Mungo, who is said to have raised a bird from the dead.
Exploring the streets of Edinburgh and Glasgow were a real pleasure. In Glasgow, I met with an Australian friend and photographed one of the most iconic pieces of street art in the world. Australia artist Sam Bates (nicknamed Smug) painted the picture of the Scottish Saint Mungo, who is said to have raised a bird from the dead.
#41 Spain
I love Spanish people and knew that I would love exploring this beautiful country. While travelling with my friend Oliver, I’ve seen more of Spain than I have of most other countries. Watching the musical fountains is just one of many wonderful experiences I have had in this nation. I love the Spanish language and continue to learn more and more.
I love Spanish people and knew that I would love exploring this beautiful country. While travelling with my friend Oliver, I’ve seen more of Spain than I have of most other countries. Watching the musical fountains is just one of many wonderful experiences I have had in this nation. I love the Spanish language and continue to learn more and more.
#42 Sweden
The day I visited the ice hotel in the arctic circle, it was -26 degrees. Inside the hotel, it is a constant -5 degrees. The whole hotel is made of solid ice which they harvest from a nearby lake. They need temperatures below -20 degrees to produce enough good quality ice. The ice is stored in a refrigeration shed and used to recreate the hotel the following winter.
The day I visited the ice hotel in the arctic circle, it was -26 degrees. Inside the hotel, it is a constant -5 degrees. The whole hotel is made of solid ice which they harvest from a nearby lake. They need temperatures below -20 degrees to produce enough good quality ice. The ice is stored in a refrigeration shed and used to recreate the hotel the following winter.
#43 Switzerland
Each time I have visited Switzerland, it has been during winter, so my memories always include snow, and looking for a café to drink hot chocolate. Zurich is a beautiful city with lots of interesting places to photograph. If you need a rest from walking, the ferry ride around the lake is a great choice on a cold day. The drinks are expensive, but the warm dining area is worth it.
Each time I have visited Switzerland, it has been during winter, so my memories always include snow, and looking for a café to drink hot chocolate. Zurich is a beautiful city with lots of interesting places to photograph. If you need a rest from walking, the ferry ride around the lake is a great choice on a cold day. The drinks are expensive, but the warm dining area is worth it.
#44 Tanzania
When I received the invitation to join several friends and climb Kilimanjaro, I immediately jumped at the opportunity. I was still recovering from Lyme Disease and only had 70% of my normal energy levels, but I managed to reach the summit. Definitely an experience I would recommend to anyone who loves outdoor adventures.
When I received the invitation to join several friends and climb Kilimanjaro, I immediately jumped at the opportunity. I was still recovering from Lyme Disease and only had 70% of my normal energy levels, but I managed to reach the summit. Definitely an experience I would recommend to anyone who loves outdoor adventures.
#45 Thailand
My travelling adventures started in Thailand in 1988. My first memories of travelling were imagining germs everywhere I walked, everywhere I sat, and on everything I ate. After a few days, I realised that I wasn’t going to suddenly die from sitting on a dirty seat. That first trip stirred the desire to see more of the world.
My travelling adventures started in Thailand in 1988. My first memories of travelling were imagining germs everywhere I walked, everywhere I sat, and on everything I ate. After a few days, I realised that I wasn’t going to suddenly die from sitting on a dirty seat. That first trip stirred the desire to see more of the world.
#47 United Arab Emirates
Consisting of seven states, the United Arab Emirates inspires me with its lack of creative limitations. The two cities I have visited, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, both inspire me to dream big. From the tallest building in the world, to the fastest roller coaster at Ferrari World, and the highest water fountain, the U.A.E is a truly mind-blowing location.
Consisting of seven states, the United Arab Emirates inspires me with its lack of creative limitations. The two cities I have visited, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, both inspire me to dream big. From the tallest building in the world, to the fastest roller coaster at Ferrari World, and the highest water fountain, the U.A.E is a truly mind-blowing location.
#49 Ukraine
I first visited the Ukraine in 1990, directly after the protests that led to the Iron Curtain of communism falling. My first memories of Kiev are looking from the window of the plane and seeing the beautiful autumn leaves. On the streets, you could feel history was being made. Many people gave me Ukrainian flag badges to pin on my jacket.
I first visited the Ukraine in 1990, directly after the protests that led to the Iron Curtain of communism falling. My first memories of Kiev are looking from the window of the plane and seeing the beautiful autumn leaves. On the streets, you could feel history was being made. Many people gave me Ukrainian flag badges to pin on my jacket.
#50 Vietnam
I spent several days in Ho Chi Minh, and as a keen bird watcher, I found the absence of birds very eerie. In order to eradicate the threat of bird flu, a former politician had passed a law to kill all birds. This act is one of many that add to the sad history of Vietnam. The war museum in the city centre was a very emotional experience.
I spent several days in Ho Chi Minh, and as a keen bird watcher, I found the absence of birds very eerie. In order to eradicate the threat of bird flu, a former politician had passed a law to kill all birds. This act is one of many that add to the sad history of Vietnam. The war museum in the city centre was a very emotional experience.