Into The Horizon - follow Gretchen Gary on her worldwide odessey

WHERE IN THE WORLD IS SHE?

Where: San Diego, California
When: November 17, 2006 - January 6, 2007
Why: Due to an unexpected family crisis, my trip came to an abrupt end in November, a month and a half earlier than expected. Now, I spend most all my days and nights working from a hospital room at the Palomar Medical Center in San Diego. While it was a heavy-hearted homecoming, I’m happy that I had some extra time to spend with my oldest brother, who was in a very serious motorcycle accident and will be laid out with two broken legs for a couple months. After some time here, I’ll be moving to Costa Rica for my new job.

France
October 14 - November 17, 2006
It had always been my plan to end my trip in Paris. My friend Nico lives here and it seemed suiting to come to terms with reality in Europe while still enjoy the freedoms of being on vacation. My days of lounging on exotic beaches without a care in the world are over, and it’s time for me to figure out my next move. While there’s still some fun trips planned for the next month or two, my holiday has become a bit more serious these days. Here's hoping that the transition back into the world of responsibility will be an easy one.

Holland
October 9-14, 2006
While I had hoped that I would fit in time for Amsterdam on this trip, I ended up here quite unexpectedly. After spending a fortune in the Greek islands, I decided that I would have to skip most of the rest of my Europe tour and head straight for Paris to stay with my friend Nico. But fate seemed to have different plans. Since the airfare from Athens to Amsterdam was considerably cheaper that the Athens to Paris flight, here I am. While the city seems a little different now that I'm older, it's just as beautiful and charming. I'm glad I made it.

Greek Islands (Andros, Crete, Santorini, Ios, Naxos and Mykonos)
September 11 - October 9, 2006
Perhaps I have an over-romanticized concept of what Greece will be like, but I’ve always imagined the islands to be at the heart of the ultimate European holiday. With a dreamlike scene of deep sapphire seas and stunning white architecture frozen in my mind, I’m expecting a new kind of island experience as compared to the 20 tropical islands I've visited so far. And once again, I’ll be meeting up with some old friends so regardless of romanticized notions, I know we're going to have the time of our lives.

Southeast Asia (Thailand, quick stop in Singapore)
June 21, 2006 - September 11, 2006
I don't think I really need to explain my desire to see Thailand. For years, I've heard about the spectacular beaches, beautiful landspaces, crazy nightlife and eclectic culture. And after a bit more research, I discovered that the surrounding countries are just as amazing, so I hope to see as much of Southeast Asia as possible. I'll also have the pleasure of traveling with some good friends while I'm here so it should be an unforgettable time in our lives.

Australia (East Coast)
June 1, 2006 - June 21, 2006
I had originally planned to stay longer in Australia, but due to a couple reasons, including the rather expensive cost of living and my desire to meet up with my friend Emilie in Thailand by the end of the month, I'll only have three weeks to check out the East Coast of Australia. I'll be covering alot of ground as I plan to start in Cairns and make my way down to Sydney. Along the way, I'll spend my 30th birthday in Byron Bay with some friends I met along the way.

New Zealand (North and South Islands)
April 21, 2006 - June 1, 2006
I don't really have a plan yet for New Zealand, excpet that I'll fly into Auckland, explore the North and South islands for about 5 weeks and then fly on to Australia from Christchurch. After nearly 3 months of traveling or staying with friends, I'll be alone again on this leg of the adventure. Although I expect many challenges and adjustments, I look forward to the time for a little soul searching and introspection. And traveling solo offers enormous potential to experience local lifestyles.

French Polynesia (Tahiti, Ri'iatea, Taha'a, Bora Bora and Rangiroa)
April 10, 2006 - April 20, 2006
Tahiti is what started my travel plans in the first place. I began planning a trip to French Polynesia with my friend Nico about a year and half ago, and then I realized that if I was going to be half way across the Pacific that it would be the perfect chance to just keep going. This trip starts a new phase of my travels where I will start to circle the globe and explore more distant shores. I look forward to see what Nico has planned for us in this incredible paradise.

Jamaica (as much as possible)
March 30 - April 9, 2006
I think anyone who knows me well, knows that Jamaica would have to be on my round-the-world travel itinerary. Beyond having the chance to see the birthplace of reggae music, I also get to top this trip off by traveling with my two older brothers for the week. After a couple nights in Montego Bay, we'll head out to explore the island. Negril and Kingston are the main destinations in mind, however I'm willing to go with the flow and let the island decide what I should see.

Guatemala (Lake Atitlan and Antigua)
March 19 - March 30, 2006
I haven't seen my friend Che for almost 2 years. Since he now works in international aid and diplomacy, I asked him to figure out a place where we could meet up and possibly do a little good for the world. He found a short-term volunteer opportunity in Guatemala, which I'm pretty sure involves working with disabled children. I don't know much about the plan (I left the planning up to him) but I know it's going to be amazing. Feels great to just go with the flow.

Costa Rica (Playa Jaco and Pacific coast)
January 30 - March 18, 2006
For the past couple years, I have spent my 2-week vacations in Costa Rica visiting my cousin Harmony. Every time I returned home to LA, I always felt that I needed more time in this beautiful country. Now, I get to spend almost 2 blissful months here, hanging with Harmony and living the good life. With plenty of spectacular coastline, dense rainforests and breathtaking natural scenery, I'll have a good variety of options while enjoying paradise.

Puerto Rico (Isla Culera, Vieques and Old San Juan)
January 15 - 30, 2006
Mostly, I wanted to see Puerto Rico so I could have a chance to swim in Mosquito Bay, one of the world's most famous bioluminescent bays, on the island of Vieques. After a little more reserach, I learned of Isla Culebra, widely unknown to the mass tourism circuit and home to the third most beautiful beach in the world. And lastly, I hear the colonial attractions of Old San Juan are fantastic.


			Where: France When: October 14 - November 17, 2006 Why: It had always been my plan to end my trip in Paris. My friend Nico lives here and it seemed suiting to come to terms with reality in Europe while still enjoy the freedoms of being on vacation. My days of lounging on exotic beaches without a care in the world are over, and it’s time for me to figure out my next move. While there’s still some fun trips planned for the next month or two, my holiday has become a bit more serious these days. Here's hoping that the transition back into the world of responsibility will be an easy one.

			Where: Holland When: October 9-14, 2006 Why: While I had hoped that I would fit in time for Amsterdam on this trip, I ended up here quite unexpectedly. After spending a fortune in the Greek islands, I decided that I would have to skip most of the rest of my Europe tour and head straight for Paris to stay with my friend Nico. But fate seemed to have different plans. Since the airfare from Athens to Amsterdam was considerably cheaper that the Athens to Paris flight, here I am. While the city seems a little different now that I'm older, it's just as beautiful and charming. I'm glad I made it.

			Where: Greek Islands (Andros, Crete, Santorini, Ios, Naxos and Mykonos) When: September 11 - October 9, 2006 Why: Perhaps I have an over-romanticized concept of what Greece will be like, but I’ve always imagined the islands to be at the heart of the ultimate European holiday. With a dreamlike scene of deep sapphire seas and stunning white architecture frozen in my mind, I’m expecting a new kind of island experience as compared to the 20 tropical islands I've visited so far. And once again, I’ll be meeting up with some old friends so regardless of romanticized notions, I know we're going to have the time of our lives.

			Where: Southeast Asia (Thailand, quick stop in Singapore) When: June 21, 2006 - September 11, 2006 Why: I don't think I really need to explain my desire to see Thailand. For years, I've heard about the spectacular beaches, beautiful landspaces, crazy nightlife and eclectic culture. And after a bit more research, I discovered that the surrounding countries are just as amazing, so I hope to see as much of Southeast Asia as possible. I'll also have the pleasure of traveling with some good friends while I'm here so it should be an unforgettable time in our lives.

			Where: Australia (East Coast) When: June 1, 2006 - June 21, 2006 Why: I had originally planned to stay longer in Australia, but due to a couple reasons, including the rather expensive cost of living and my desire to meet up with my friend Emilie in Thailand by the end of the month, I'll only have three weeks to check out the East Coast of Australia. I'll be covering alot of ground as I plan to start in Cairns and make my way down to Sydney. Along the way, I'll spend my 30th birthday in Byron Bay with some friends I met along the way.

			Where: New Zealand (North and South Islands) When: April 21, 2006 - June 1, 2006 Why: I don't really have a plan yet for New Zealand, excpet that I'll fly into Auckland, explore the North and South islands for about 5 weeks and then fly on to Australia from Christchurch. After nearly 3 months of traveling or staying with friends, I'll be alone again on this leg of the adventure. Although I expect many challenges and adjustments, I look forward to the time for a little soul searching and introspection. And traveling solo offers enormous potential to experience local lifestyles.

			Where: French Polynesia (Tahiti, Ri'iatea, Taha'a, Bora Bora and Rangiroa) When: April 10, 2006 - April 20, 2006 Why: Tahiti is what started my travel plans in the first place. I began planning a trip to French Polynesia with my friend Nico about a year and half ago, and then I realized that if I was going to be half way across the Pacific that it would be the perfect chance to just keep going. This trip starts a new phase of my travels where I will start to circle the globe and explore more distant shores. I look forward to see what Nico has planned for us in this incredible paradise.

			Where: Jamaica (as much as possible) When: March 30 - April 9, 2006 Why: I think anyone who knows me well, knows that Jamaica would have to be on my round-the-world travel itinerary. Beyond having the chance to see the birthplace of reggae music, I also get to top this trip off by traveling with my two older brothers for the week. After a couple nights in Montego Bay, we'll head out to explore the island. Negril and Kingston are the main destinations in mind, however I'm willing to go with the flow and let the island decide what I should see.

			Where: Guatemala (Lake Atitlan and Antigua) When: March 19 - March 30, 2006 Why: I haven't seen my friend Che for almost 2 years. Since he now works in international aid and diplomacy, I asked him to figure out a place where we could meet up and possibly do a little good for the world. He found a short-term volunteer opportunity in Guatemala, which I'm pretty sure involves working with disabled children. I don't know much about the plan (I left the planning up to him) but I know it's going to be amazing. Feels great to just go with the flow.

			Where: Costa Rica (Playa Jaco and Pacific coast) When: January 30 - March 18, 2006 Why: For the past couple years, I have spent my 2-week vacations in Costa Rica visiting my cousin Harmony. Every time I returned home to LA, I always felt that I needed more time in this beautiful country. Now, I get to spend almost 2 blissful months here, hanging with Harmony and living the good life. With plenty of spectacular coastline, dense rainforests and breathtaking natural scenery, I'll have a good variety of options while enjoying paradise.

			Where: Puerto Rico (Isla Culera, Vieques and Old San Juan) When: January 15 - 30, 2006 Why: Mostly, I wanted to see Puerto Rico so I could have a chance to swim in Mosquito Bay, one of the world's most famous bioluminescent bays, on the island of Vieques. After a little more reserach, I learned of Isla Culebra, widely unknown to the mass tourism circuit and home to the third most beautiful beach in the world. And lastly, I hear the colonial attractions of Old San Juan are fantastic.



	Current Location