I am... a Place Dropper

Have I mentioned that I'm living in Korea? Yes? Oh, ok. Did I say that I've traveled South East Asia and India? Oh, I did? Hmm... How about all my communist countries, like China, Russia, and Uzbekistan? I said those, too? Well, this is possibly because I am a highly conspicuous Place Dropper. I rarely miss an opportunity to mention the name of a country in which I have traveled. Whenever someone is talking, I like to connect it back to one of my 16 visited countries. "Thailand? You'll love it! I've been there three times." "You like Italian food? That reminds me of when I went to Rome." "Lentils? Hey, that sounds like 'Lenin' and did you know I actually saw him embalmed at the Kremlin in Red Square in Moscow?"

I am especially culpable when I am complimented on what I'm wearing. I really, REALLY like shopping, but being Dutch-American, I prefer not to spend a lot of money doing so (we are generally stereotyped as being cheap; I've found this stereotype to often be true). The perfect solution arises when traveling. I find really cool, unique skirts, jewelry, and tops, all inexpensive (which prompts me to buy more, actually). Then when someone says, "Hey, Aubrey, that's a really great skirt," I can quickly say, "Thanks, it's from Thailand!" Can you comprehend the subtle brilliance of how I just did that? Accepting a compliment and establishing myself as well-traveled in one fell swoop. I know, I know; I'm amazing.

One day I was up in Jen's apartment with Ang and Liz when one of them commented on my earrings. Of course I began with my well-practiced response of their origin. Likely it was Thailand or India. "You're such a Place Dropper," Jen informed me. Yes, yes I am. Good of someone to notice. I, of course, embraced the phrase, as I do will all my strangeness. But if you travel, you do it, too. All my Place Droppers, you know who you are.

Thankfully I don't know any famous people. I have a strong feeling that if I did, I would probably purchase a megaphone to quietly tell only family and close friends about my encounters with them. They would at first confide in me details of their lives; I would nod sympathetically and pat their backs encouragingly, all the while plotting how to best share with others about this experiences. Celebreties: beware. To any friends that may become famous someday: I will probably be the person writing a book about how I knew you. As it is, I must suffice with names of countries. They have become like my celebrities. Oh, Laos? I know her! Yeah, we spent a week together and got along really well. Let me tell you about the time...