Trying to fill up maps
Last week, I found out that the office will be sending me to London for a trademark conference (INTA) in May. Honestly, at the back of my head, I was already expecting it, but I didn't want to get disappointed if they decided otherwise. To finally receive confirmation gave me much relief, and of course, excitement.
I've never been to London. In fact, I've never been to Europe.
I claim to be a lifelong student of history and culture, and yet, I've never set foot on any country in Europe. Made me think, too, that I'm not entirely sure if I can ever name all the countries within the continent.
This, and watching old F1 "Grill the Grid" episodes, made me want to challenge myself. I Googled a random free quiz website about geography and decided to take a test.
"Name as many European countries as you can!" it said. It didn't require me to place every name on every part of the map correctly - which was good, since I'd only be able to get the boot-shaped Italy, the surrounding France, Spain, Portugal (and Monaco) and the UK, I think. Just having to name which countries are in Europe should be a good initial testing ground for now.
I got 38/47. I forgot the small countries, like Montenegro and Cyprus. Tomorrow I'll try again.
I think there's something to be said about wanting to know where we are, and wanting to know where others are. Where do I stand relative to the rest of the world? Is the world too small, or is it too big, for anyone to ever fully comprehend?
I'll be visiting London in May, but I'll be going to Taipei first, this November, and to Suzuka in March. So many places to visit, but so much more to learn about. I hope I never get tired of wanting to know, of wanting to go out there and see new places. I hope I'll always be lucky enough to have enough, just enough, or more than enough, to see more of the world. I want to fill up more maps.