The Great Travel List, Part III: Scandinavia, Eastern Europe, and Russia

The much anticipated third installation in the ongoing series!

• General Eastern Europe - Eastern Europe isn't nearly as popular as the Western half, which can be seen as good and bad. There is probably a reason its not as popular, but it is also less touristy. I want to see Hungary - where the Thracians once roamed - in addition to the supposedly beautiful beaches of Croatia. I feel a Polish visit is also in order since, as President Bush inadvertently pointed out, everyone forgets Poland. b
• Greece and the Aegean - I pretty much have plans to retire in the Greek Isles. Just find a nice one with not too many people and settle down. They are beautiful and relaxing, and in the middle of my favorite sea: the Aegean. Mainland Greece is no pushover either, the modern nation being the inheritor of one of the world's great ancient civilizations. A visit to the Turkey side of things may also be in order - since I want to see Ephesus and Halicarnassus.
• St. Petersburg, Russia (and maybe a side trip to Moscow) - St. Petersburg is supposedly one of Europe's best-kept secrets. Russian Imperial architecture is prevalent in the city, so a tour of the town should provide a great historical / cultural lesson. As should a visit to the Hermitage, one of the world's great museums. Moscos has that crazy St. Basil's Cathedral - gaudy, but cool nonetheless.
• Sweden - Is awesome! Nice and literate and liberal, its Shewaras favorite country. Interestingly, it is also a great golf-loving nation in addition to giving the world such fine creations as Volvos and IKEA.

Not much in this entry, but there will be next time when I cover the ENTIRE continent of Asia. Ooh.