Joanna, I hope you do get to see all of the places you have read about some day. I've done quite a bit of traveling myself, and it's changed the way I view the world quite dramatically. I never realized how unconsciously "American" I really was until I visited other countries. You seem to have a penchant for traveling, so I would definitely recommend (if you haven't already) exploring the US as well; it's amazingly diverse and beautiful. You mentioned connecting with your mother through literature, which I found very heart warming and touching. As a child, I fondly remember being read to, but after that, I rarely remember my parents reading books of their own. I think every young girl has snuck a forbidden romance; in fact, I believe mine was a Danielle Steel at 10. I decided I was too young as well :).