So...what do I speak and where have I been...?

I attended a neighborhood party on Friday for a friend's birthday. At that party, another friend just could not get over (and kept mentioning) how many languages I speak. I don't feel like I'm that big of a superstar, but this guy sure did.

You be the judge, here's my list:

• I studied French for 3 years in high school plus another year in college, so I'm officially fluent in French but don't get many opportunities to use it.
• I took several classes in Urdu and have studied it non-seriously off and on since I met my husband. I know enough to be conversational and to communicate my needs to non-english/Urdu-only speakers. I don't know that I'd call myself fluent, but I do okay.
• I speak a little bit of Italian...just the basics, Hello (Bonjorno!), Goodnight (Bonna Serra), Thank you (Gratzie), and I'd say the same thing about Spanish...just the basics.
• I also speak a little bit of Arabic...but not enough to even make conversation.

People often ask me where I've been in all my travels. To make it easier, I've added my TripAdvisor travel map to give you the whole picture.

Some interesting facts about my travels:

• I've been to Europe 4 times, 3 of which included a visit to France.
• I LOVE Paris, it's probably my favorite place in the whole world. What's to love? The sights, the people, the language, the FOOD! Give me a croissant and tartine bread with a cup of du chocolat, and I'm happy.
• People are always shocked when I tell them I'm going on a trip to south Asia, but I've actually been there 5 or 6 times and consider myself an old pro at it. I can tell native south Asians things about the area that even they don't know.
• I've ridden camels in 3 countries.

I love traveling and would spend my days in a different city at least 1 or 2 weekends out of every month if I had the time and money. I've been all over...but there are still so many places left on my list!:

• Galapagos Islands -- Giant turtles (or are they considered tortoises?), need I say more
• Hike Machu Picchu -- I want to do the hiking expedition that includes staying at fancy hotels. Sounds difficult, right?
• Safari in Africa -- I love animals and want to see giraffes, lions, and tigers....up close!