I always spend the last post of the year looking back over the previous 365 days. I think it’s important to remember where we’ve come from, as much as we look forward to where we are going.
This is the year that I quit my job and launched a business, it’s the year that I did a cross-globe four-country trip on my own (but hung out with and stayed with good friends and wonderful family along the way) and it’s the year that I realised a few different dreams both on- and off-line.
It was a pretty crazy year.
It’s also the year that my supportive family and friends proved exactly how amazing they are, it’s the year that I learnt a lot about myself – the good and the bad – and the year that my little hobby corner of the internet reached it’s 5-year birthday. 2017 is also the year that politics seem to have imploded, volcanoes have gone mad and the year that I stopped watching the news because my heart struggled with the onslaught of sadness.
My #bestnine for 2017 on Instagram nicely encapsulates the highlights of the year – a few London restaurants and landmarks, the patchwork of New Zealand from an internal flight, one of the delicious dishes enjoyed and the iconic Sydney Opera House.
Traditionally each year I like to finish with a little roundup of the year that was. I think we’ll play with the top 17 this time (I did the best 16 last year, the top 15 in 2015, 14 in 2014, 13 in 2013, and 12 in 2012… see where I’m going with this?) the spirit and phrasing doesn’t change but the chaos definitely does.
The first five are chosen by you, my lovely readers, and always include a few surprises…
23 of the best places to go in New Orleans
Gods Own Junkyard, Walthamstow
10 of the best unique UK daytrips (when you’ve done all the usual ones)
An Iconic Luxury Hotel Review: Raffles, Singapore
How to drive in America (a Kiwi perspective from the wrong side of the road)
…a bevy of posts that meant a lot to me…
Why my heart has shattered in 2017
Our stay at the luxurious Bovey Castle Hotel – Codename: OperationDon’tTellAftab
Portugal: A Peaceful Long Weekend In Porto
A Luxurious Staycation At The Elegant Langham Hotel
… a few extra surprises that the year held…
The Bulford Kiwi – a 130m tall piece of Graffiti near Salisbury, Wiltshire
Bottomless brunching at Aqua Kyoto
The Scarlet Hotel, Cornwall: A sumptuous seaside spa stay
A Birthday Dinner by Heston Blumenthal at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park
A luxurious stay at the Marina Bay Sands Hotel, Singapore
...and a touch of expat thoughts & inspiration.
5 of my most hilarious travel bloopers
A letter to my 18-year-old self.
5 lessons learnt as a travel addict
When Friends Become Family: Expat Life
Thank you. Thank you for sticking around and have a wonderful New Year! May it be full of joy and beautiful coffee.
