Among all the countries that you've visited, which gave you the most lasting impression? Why?

France....I've visited Paris in the spring with my son and it was spectacular. It's beautiful and so rich in history. And the food is amazing =) I was especially surprised by Bonaparte's tomb....he was such a small man and his tomb is absolutely ENORMOUS!(like his ego) lol.

Mexico. Being a citizen of the land of plenty.....the US, I was totally unprepared. It happend in Laredo, in Juarez, again, in New Mexico.

While driving on modern interstates, going through the check procedures...........BAM, you cross the line that has been drawn. EXTREME poverty struck me in the face!(be sure, there are luxurious and comfortable places in Mexico)but the difference, between the drawing of a border line........on this side.........and on that side.............such a vast difference. I am not surprised by the " border wars"...........what I struggle with........is why citizens can't bring about change on their side of the line?

Our border towns are able to provide for their citizens. Our federal and state government reaches to our state and county lines........why IS it so different when you cross a national border? It is as if, they are so far removed from the central area of their country, that they have been dismissed.

Sri Lanka. Stunning scenery, interesting history and a fascinating culture.

Italy because it's simply beautiful. I guess, nothing compares to Rome, but Venice, Florence, Milano, Verona and other cities are really beautiful, too. These places felt almost like home.

The culture, people, language - everything is just awesome in Italy :).

Afghanistan (Northern, near Pakistan border), because it was absolutely deplorable. It is difficult to imagine a "civilization" with no infastructure whatsoever. Every home I saw was a mud hut.

A recent study was done which showed that 75% of Afghan citizens didn't even know what 9/11 was. I was there on active duty in 2006 and most of them thought we were Russian. They had no idea that the Russians had pulled out in the 80s!

I hate that place and I will never go back. Lump it in with Iraq and Pakistan. If you are still an advocate of the war, take a holiday in Afghan and you will see why there are so many disgruntled veterans.

Thailand...Best food, people, scenery, islands, beaches, friendly people, lots of other travellers...temples, nightlife...so much to do!

Prague: lots of history, beauty, character , but not a huge touristy feel.

Spain. And funny you should ask this question. I just published a Hub on Barcelona today.

Spain has left a lasting impression on me so far because it is a country of great contrasts. There are 5 major regions in Spain and each one is so different and has its own language dialect that it is like visiting 5 countries in one. So, no matter where you go in Spain, you are meeting new people, a new culture, a new language, but at the same time the country all seems to meld together and there is a common thread that runs through Spain.

The Castillian Spanish language is spoken in every region along with the dialect. The Spanish are strong, sensitive, passionate people. They are passionate people who live life passionately and strongly.

Viva Espana.

I haven't been to that many countries but I would say Mexico. The scenery is simply breathtaking.

I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.