My best travel experiences for the year
2011 was such a wonderful year of travel for me that I was sure 2012 wouldn’t be able to beat it. I was wrong. 2012 was full of faces and places that made it a spectacular year.
From road trips in the United States to Christmas markets in Europe, I lapped it all up with wide-eyed enthusiasm. Of course, sometimes things don’t always go as planned, there are embarrassing moments, and there were a few cranky people along the way. Those were so rare they don’t deserve mention in contrast to the great experiences that this year’s travel gave me. In particular, I made new friends, got together in person with old friends, and observed or met many interesting people.
Faces and Places
Germany
In Munich with Travel Blogger, Laurel Robbins
Band at Hofbräuhaus in Munich
Friendly Server at Hofbräuhaus in Munich
Performers at Christmas market on Frauenchiemsee Island
Spain
On the Mediterranean with Hotel Spa Terraza Owner, Miquel Gotanegra
Sampling the Flavors of Catalonia with Travel Bloggers hosted by Empordalia Winery and Visit Costa Brava
Context Travel Tour Group in “Rauxy i Seny” Barcelona
Anti-austerity protestors in Madrid
Austria
Violinist at Concert in Vienna
Opera Singer at Concert in Vienna
United States
Danielle Fox of Oakland Art Murmur and Lonnie Lee of Vessel Gallery in Oakland
Learning a Card Trick from Magician at Chicago History Museum
Wine Server Kristen at McGrail Vineyards in Livermore, California
Ken Miller at Apothecary Museum in Alexandria, Virginia
Marian, a Volunteer Guide at the Peshtigo Fire Museum in Peshtigo, Wisconsin
Vendors at Farmers Market in Houston, Texas
Kids Riding Bikes in Patriotic Gear for 4th of July Parade in Marinette, Wisconsin
Mr. TWS
My Favorite Face of 2012 Travels — Mr. TWS in Munich
There were so many others who made my “People of the Year” list, but I’ll have to share those with you later.
Well, it looks like you had a fabulous time in all of your travels and what a collection of faces too! I love how you didn’t focus on the destinations as much as the people who enriched your travels along the way. Such an inspiring post that I am sure will become a keepsake to look back and remember the good times!
Thanks so much Jeff! Hope I get to meet you in person sometime. Let’s remember to take a photo!
I was going to say that about the people too. It’s something which has been on my mind of late! Lovely post. Hope 2013 surpasses even this!
Oh – and – the make wine in Texas??
Thanks, Linda! Those guys at the Farmer’s Market were actually selling olive oil, but they actually do grow grapes for wine in Texas. That’s an aspect of the state that I’d like explore one of these days.
What a fantastic rundown of photos. It’s a good reminder to me to take a whole lot more of them this year.
I know. I love photos with people in them, but often I forget to take them or there’s just not the right situation for the ones in public.
What a busy year. We hope your 2013 is as good!
Happy 2013 travels to you, too!
Here’s to more great adventures and travels in the coming year! Enjoyed your review of 2012. Look forward to reading more from you in 2013!
Cheers to that — Happy 2013 to you!
Happy New Year!
And the same to you! 🙂
Seems like you had a really full year! Hope 2013 will be better in all aspects for you and your family 🙂 Happy new year, Cathy!
Thanks, Aleah! Happy 2013 to you and your family, too.
Beautiful memories. Keep up the good work and happy New Year.
Thanks for following along during the year. Happy 2013!
Good times, good friends, and good eats – a good year! 🙂
A wonderful combination, isn’t it?
Happy New Year Cathy! Enjoyed reading your 2012 review. Best wishes for 2013!
Many thanks. Happy New Year!
I agree! The people we meet are always the best part of travel…Happy New Year! =)
So many nice and interesting people in the world. Happy New Year!
Love this! It’s the people you meet along the way that make travel so special. Looks like you had a great year meeting fun and amazing people. And look at you with our favourite Laurel:) Happy New Year and all the best for 2013.
Very fun to meet up with Laurel — twice in one year! Happy New Year!
I just love the pictures of all the people you have met along your travels. You focused on the people in different areas of your travel and not so much on the places of travel. You have met so many interesting people you will remember for a long time. I hope and pray that 2013 will continue a journey that will give you as much enjoyment as 2012 has…maybe even better!! Happy New Year!!
Senaf
Thank you so much, Senaf. All the best to you and your family for 2013!
So fun. I hope Scott and I make it into your memorable faces of 2013! 😀
I hope so, too! If you’ll be at TBEX Toronto that would be a great time to meet up (and get a photo)!
Wow you did so much this year, and you met Lauren too! Any chance 2013 will include TBEX in Toronto?
Yes, I’ll be there! Look forward to seeing you. 🙂
Happy New Year and wishing you another wonderful year of travel and wonderful friends. It was lovely to meet you at TBEX and I hope we cross paths again in 2013!
Will we be crossing paths at TBEX Toronto? Maybe Dublin? 🙂
What a fantastic post, Cathy! It has been so much fun traveling with you this year and you’ve had some great adventures. The people along the way make for memorable travels. Here’s hoping I get to meet you this year at TBEX in Toronto. Best wishes to you and Mr. TWS in 2013 and may you have more travel adventures that surpass 2012. Happy New Year!
Yay for TBEX Toronto and Happy New Year to you!
You certainly had a great year of travel! Best wishes for 2013, Cathy! 🙂
What a wonderful (and busy) year you’ve had! Wish you more fun trips in 2013.
Great summary and great year Cathy!!!
Can’t wait for more exciting stuff in 2013!!!
You’ve had such an amazing year! Agree it’s the people that make a place special and memorable. It was so great finally meeting you and Mr. TWS in Girona and then meeting up with you again. Looking forward to reading about all your adventures in 2013.
This was a great post! Looking back at the faces we run into is almost more fun than the actual sights. Can hear the music in my head from the Hofbrau Haus band 🙂
That apothecary museum looks like a wonderful find.
Pingback: Some of My Best Travel 2012
From seeing Laurel in Germany to visiting the city I was born in — what a year!!! Vegas next?!
Very nice to see your series of personal encounters from the year, Cathy!