@TheCatsMeow : My Bucket List had a line item for "Alaska"... now I'm developing a whole new list called "Alaska Bucket List"We'd planned a trip to Europe for this summer, but that got cancelled for obvious reasons. My DW's niece is in Monza, so we were planning to see the Italian Grand Prix (Formula One) for my birthday, visit her and also do Switzerland and Germany by rail (I've done Holland -> Germany by rail but without my wife, got Oktoberfest crossed from my BL).

@DiverDude : Wow! Thank you! So, I typically wear standard fins. But my free dive escort in Costa had the fish fins. I tried to keep up but with several people in the group, I stuck to the shorties. I've actually been looking at the mermaid fins (as I like to call them). As for the mask- purchased at the Humble Dive shop a few years ago. It seals well and is comfortable but I need to reassess after testing your suggestions. Whatever I can do to enhance the experience, turn into a mermaid, I'm game. If I could go naked that would be great. But I'm pretty sure my co snorkelers would not be quite as excited about that! 🤣🤣We have a friend in Australia that free dives all over on a near daily basis. His videos are crazy beautiful. He has offered to take me around the coast. I'm seriously considering.

@sandman : I sure hope you get to go. Sounds amazing. Several of My Great Grandparents are from upper Germany. I've yet to get there.

@TheCatsMeow : then our ancestors were probably enemies... mine were from Bavaria in the south (the Texas of Germany)

@sandman : Mine are North Rhine (Westfalen) and Bremen

@sandman : do you know where they came from in Bavaria?

@AGLLM : I'm not 100% since I don't have the docs with me, but I think it's Bergkichen in the Dachau district... but my uncle (dad's cousin) found relatives living in Munich and Salzburg. My uncle spent a few years living in Germany in the late 50s/early 60's and did a lot of family research. My aunt then lived in Austria with relatives, found thru that research, during the late 60's.

@sandman : Cool, not too far from the area I grew up. I also like your comment above, "mine were from Bavaria in the south (the Texas of Germany)", that's how I feel too, Bavaria = Texas.....

My kiddo has a heart condition that blocks him from scuba diving for life. I also once did a scuba sub and it hurt the crap out of my ears and made me dizzy, didn't like. So we stick with snorkeling as a family but we have had some amazing experiences snorkeling everywhere! Love it!I can only imagine how amazing diving must be.

@AGLLM : You don't have to be a good swimmer. Just good enough to get your fins on. LOL

I want to see the Northern Lights and Australia

@DiverDude : Yes I was told so. But not sure if I really would have this on my to do list anymore. Northern Lights and Australia would be more on the top of the list.

Awesome! I also was fortunate to catch some tuna and Mahi in Costa Rica! Beautiful place. I think my bucket list would be Switzerland.

@carol888 : You can actually see The Northern Lights certain times in Montana and lower Canada.

@AGLLM : I went to Norway and looked very night for the Norther Lights. I think they just made that up. LOL Totally doesn't exist. Fibbers! But I hope to some day give it another attempt. (until then I'm sticking with my story that Northern Lights don't exist) I went to Broome, Austrlia. YES! It was a phenomenal trip! Watched the Stairway to the Moon. I also hit up the local Farmer's Market and picked up a few souvenirs. My favorite was that I sat with a local Aborigine as he hand carved a Boabob Tree Seed with Kangaroo, and Emu. I made sure that he carved his name in it as well. Love it.
I did see where some whales were at but I didn't get any upclose encounters with any. And if you go, buy some local pearls. And not the farmed ones. I bought genuine pearl earrings and necklaces for almost every female I knew. These are GREAT experiences. You should definitely keep them at the top of your list! Also, if you go to Perth, the Caversham is fantastic. They also have the largest Gold Coin in the world. I didn't get to see that though. (go in their winter months. It's perfect weather) Of the two, I believe I enjoyed Australia more. Maybe because I had more encounters? It is more expensive though, but lifetime memories. I'd say that was my #1 from the places I've been. If it has to come down between the two and you can only choose one, I'd say Australia. Nothing compares!