When you look back over 2012 what stands out for you?
Many of us start taking a trip down memory lane as the year draws to a close, and a part of this is looking back and picking out the best bits, or the bits we would have done differently. Thankfully, 2012 was unusually short of ’embarrassing moments’ which admittedly always provide a good read, so instead I’d like to share my best travel moments!
10. Having a RIB Safari in the Alesundfjord
This ride was fast, windy and VERY choppy (well choppy by my wimpy standards!). I wailed with laugher and terror every time the boat crashed over a big wave (I wouldn’t be a natural at surfing!). The overall experience was heightened because I was in Alesund – isn’t it just the prettiest town in the world…?
9. Exploring the nooks and crannies of Krakow
The architecture, the food, the museums, the people – I fell completely in love with Krakow.
8. Walking through the Siq to the Treasury in Petra
I think the picture tells you why this MUST be in my Top 10 Travel Moments of 2012!
7. Following David Lynch’s footsteps in Łódź
I’m a huge fan of David Lynch, so when I got the chance to stay in the hotel where he shot his film, Inland Empire, it was a dream come true! Łódź is an eerie, industrial place that adds to the whole cinematic vibe of the city.
6. Floating in the Dead Sea
Being at the lowest point on Earth and floating in the Dead Sea has to be in here… it made me feel as light as a feather, and left my skin which suffers from bouts of eczema silky soft for days! But this silky softness only came after experiencing a mixture of pain and pleasure as the salt made the dry areas of my skin burn! Advice – Don’t shave your legs beforehand ladies!
5. Experiencing Jemaa El-Fna for the first time
If I could only describe this main square in one word it would be MANIC.
4. Bobsleighing in Lillehammer
This ride only lasted 90 seconds but that didn’t stop me peeing my pants a teeny tiny bit . Photograph was taken by my friend Rachael.
3. Kayaking in the Geirangerfjord
Sadly there is no evidence of me doing this, but it happened I promise! Kayaking in one of the most naturally beautiful places on earth wasn’t bad at all – plus along with my partner in crime, Mitch, who works for Norwegian Airlines, we managed to win the kayaking race!
2. Sleeping in the Wadi Rum Desert
I.NEED.TO.GO.BACK.THERE.NOW!
1. Trekking from Little Petra to Petra via the Monastery
Huge Canyons, crumbling cliff faces, vast unchartered land, this experience felt like I had landed on Mars. Tired, dehydrated and sweating like a crazy banshee but that was all part of the fun and definitely deserves to take my best travel moment of 2012!
23 Responses
My favorite travel moment in 2012 was staying in a Chinese town and never seeing a white man in those two weeks.
Thanks for the wonderful photos and report!
Oh that sounds wonderful! Can I ask where in China you were? China has a soft spot in my heart because I’m half Chinese 😀
Shing,
I happened to be born white, and male. Like you, “TheTuscan” and everyone else on the planet, I was born into the current psycho-socio-polital enslaved global tax farm through no fault of my own.
As an observer of my white male counterparts, I can certainly empathize with any ill will TheTuscan may have toward them in the context of a stereotyped group. I dunno, does TheTuscan have more melatonin in their skin than “white males”? It might be worth mentioning that what passes for “white” is also another topic.
By letting this post remain here, and/or not calling them out on it, it might be assumed that you agree with, and support their racist views.
Is this the case?
Hello Steve,
I understand your point of view, but I do not see the comment made by The Tuscan as being ‘racist’, and I’m sure he would be shocked to know his comment has been construed in this way. Keeping it here is therefore not in support of racism but in support of someone who simply appreciates being in a different culture far removed from the normality of their everyday life.
You talk about ‘context’ in your message, so it’s ironic that you have clearly missed the context he is writing in.
I was in Hefei, Anhui province. I guess the word “town” was grossly misleading, since it’s got 5 million people!
I didn’t notice that earlier, but now that you tell me, you look indeed partially asian, and so does your brother!
Where in China is your mom or dad from exactly?
I lived in the Anhui province for 6 months teaching English in 2009! Haha yes, what is considered ‘small’ in China is huge by most standards. I visited Hefei for a few days but I lived in Wuhu which has 2 million people, and was considered ‘tiny’.
Anhui is a beautiful province, I’d love to go back some day. My dad’s family originate from the Guangdong province, but actually my father has never lived there because when Japan invaded China in the 1940s his family moved to Malaysia, and still live there now.
After reading this post I must say you had enjoyed lot. Frankly speaking it’s my dream to visit Dead sea, But haven’t been there yet. I’ll surely go there If I get a chance and I’ll keep this mind your tips. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Hello Susan! The Dead Sea provides lots of relaxation and giggles – hopefully you’ll make it soon! 😀
Beautiful pictures and adventures, Shing! Love, love that picture of Alesund – it’s postcard worthy. Absolutely gorgeous and adding it to my travel list. Virtually visiting Jordan through your eyes has been so wonderful. Thanks for sharing your adventures. Wishing you many more travels and memories in 2013. I can’t wait to read your take on Iceland 🙂
Alesund is a very photographic town! Ah thanks Mary, I’m glad you enjoyed my posts on Jordan – it seems most of my best travel moments of 2012 were credited to Jordan! Let’s hope 2013 brings just as many adventures for the both of us, it’s been a pleasure reading your blog this year! x
All.that.in.a.year?
Incroyable.
Alls.I.had.was.a.little.peaceful.moment.on.the.south.coast.of.Panama…no.ATMs,no.markets,just.ocean.Didnt.have.time.to.go.whale.diving.like.me.mate.
Hispaniola-both-sides-in.2013.though!What.are.your.plans?
Panama sounds incredible! And sometimes days are spent best at home, getting to know your own turf better.
My plans for 2013? To see more of beautiful Scandinavia, see my family in S E Asia, and (most importantly) finish my degree! How about you?
Nice.life.
I.leave.for.Hispaniola.in.a.few.days….then.New.York.for.business…and.the.rest.of.2013-
well,I’ll.play.by.ear!
But.wait….how.do.you.pursue.a.degree.with.all.that.traveling?
&-
Xīn Nián Kuài Lè!
Thanks for the Happy New Year in Chinese 😀 Hope you’re having/had fun in Hispaniola and New York!
Well I should dedicate my attention my thoroughly to my uni work… maybe that’s your answer! But I’m in my final year now, so I have to put my head down and study hard – travel should wait (but if only I was so disciplined… ahem!)
Great post! It looks and sounds like you had the most amazing, cultural year!
I’m looking forward to hearing what you are up to next year!
Right back at your Julika! One of the best things about starting my blog this year is finding so many other people who share a lust for travel! Let’s hope 2013 is our best year yet! X
Whoaaa! Your year was jam-packed!
p.s. I like the Krakow photo – so chic!
Thanks Audrey – let’s hope there’s plenty more for us both this year!
This was AMAZING! How did you do it all?
By not dedicating myself to uni work! :s Hope you’re having a fab start to 2013 Ashley!
Great pictures. I was in several places you shown on yous website – (especially Cracow so I live there 🙂 ). I have to go to Norway to see the fjords. It is great view. If you travelling thru Europe – I hope you have seen Prague (Czech Republic) – it is stunning! p.s. China is really great country – I was there in 2007.
here are my travelling pics:
http://keikan.ubf.pl/weblinks.php?cat_id=4
take care and best regards . Keikan
Hi Keikan! I love your city of Krakow! Oh yes, the fjords of Norway are stunning, The Norwegian mountains and fjords completely overshadow their cities – and with good reason! Indeed, Prague is a wonderful city, full of history and beauty. Thanks for sharing your photos of China they’re great!
Sorry to be spamming you so much in one evening, but I just love reading your blog posts. Goal for August: reading them all! Jordan and the Geirangerfjord look especially amazing. My favourite travel memories of 2012 are guiding my best friend around Paris for her first time, spotting wild horses while cliffwalking in Ireland, finally climbing the Atomium with my mother in Brussels, seeing dolphins swimming under our catamaran in the Canary islands, and most of all spotting all of the big five with my father and sister in Kenya. Have you done a Top 10 of 2013?