2012 has been quite whirlwind year for me, as I’m sure it has for most of us. Now on the last day of year I find myself perusing through my photos of these past twelve months, realizing just how much I did/saw/laughed/cried/had forgotten about.
Here were some of my favorite shots from this past year…
The Alps, Grindewald, Switzerland
This shot, taken by Liv Engholm, is from a day hike I took near Grindewald just before the Adventure Travel World Summit this October. I have been dreaming of going to Switzerland and hiking in the Alps ever since I first saw The Sound of Music. This photo brings a smile to my face thinking of the friends I made on this trip and the awe-inspiring natural beauty of this tiny country.
Burma (Myanmar)
Anyone need a dentist? At a weekly large market near Inle Lake, this man sets up his office on the corner for all things related to teeth. I was surprised to see this, reminding me of a similar set-up in rural Kenya. It makes sense as for some people this is the most populated, organized event that is accessible to them, but I will be continue to visit my dentist at home thanks very much.
Here a procession is taking place at the Schwedagon Pagoda in Yangon. I love the bright gold of the stupas paired with the yellow umbrellas. It’s just another day at the Pagoda, business as usual, but for me it’s one day that I’ll never forget.
Cuba
Taken in the small colonial town of Trinidad, this was one of my best memories of 2012. These band members and I stayed up into the night jamming out with their instruments and my ukulele, laughing, and having the best of times. I’ve been practicing my Guantanamera and will play it with them when I return in January.
It’s been quite a year, and I’m excited at what’s on the horizon for 2013. I’ll still be based in Seattle, but I foresee lots of travel, as always, hopefully getting to good to new destinations such as Peru, Ecuador and Namibia for 2013 Adventure Travel World Summit, but returning to some of my old favorites like Cuba, Mexico, and of course, the Grand Canyon and the forks of the Salmon river in Idaho.
I’m filled with gratitude that I’ve been able to be so lucky to follow my dreams and passions in life, and there’s nothing like a fresh, January 1st slate to re-energize me for what’s to come. Here’s a quote by David duChemin on life to pave the way for 2013.
“Life is short. Live it now. And live it with all your strength and passion now. Don’t keep it in reserve against a day you might not have. While the ember is still lit, fan it to flame. Be bold about it, even if your circumstances mean all you have is to love boldly and laugh boldy. Because now is all we have, and these dreams won’t chase themselves.”