Traveling and Collections

For many Years I have been traveling around to different parts of the world; mostly the Middle East and Europe. Here and there I pick up something. Usually change or currency. As a soldier. While I was in the military I was stationed in Germany, A NATO country. Since it was a NATO country I was not required to carry a US Passport. My Military ID was my pass to neighboring NATO Countries. So as proof of my travels I would save pocket change.

Currency Included from Europe is from before the Euro. It includes France, Turkey, Italy, England, Albania, Poland, Czech Republic, Germany, Some US Change. I have Change from Iraq, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Egypt, and Philippines.

Occasionally I make friends also from different places and trade currency. Most of the time they are on the better end of the exchange, but it is a piece of experience in life. The Iraqi Dinar I swapped with Iraqi’s when I was in Iraq for the War between 2003 and 2006. The Kuwaiti Dinar and UAE Dirhams were collected while I was in the Army and when I went back as a contractor.  The Russian, Romanian, Egyptian, and Indian currency I got from ladies I have dated at one time or another.

Some people collect Stamps, Patches, Flags, Thimbles, Key chains, Post cards, refrigerator magnets, and shot glasses.  As a wanderer it is nice to show a piece of your experiences, adventures, and travels. I know I wont always be able to travel. So I keep these things to reflect upon. I recommend anyone who is afforded the ability to travel to keep something.

Countries I have been to Include: United States, Canada, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Poland, France, Kuwait, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Turkey, and the Philippines.

To my readers, Where Have your travels taken you and what do you collect?

David Lee Martin

Functional US Army Veteran