2016 was a big and busy year for me. I travelled a lot, primarily for work, but still managed to make it to some incredible places. This year alone, I made it to New York, Los Angeles, India, Cuba, Alaska and Mexico. It meant a lot of flights and time away from home, but after a couple of years of limited travel, I did really love it. I try to live my life in a grateful manner, so I wanted to share the moments of travel that made me stop to realize how appreciative I am for what I do, and the opportunities it presents me.
Varanasi
Travelling to India wasn’t initially in the plans for 2016. I am a firm believer in applying for everything, and when the chance to travel on a luxury familiarization trip came up, I applied as something to do to pass the time in the office. When it managed to happen, I knew I had to go. India was a place that scared me, but if you know anything about me, I prefer it that way. When you do something that pushes you out of your comfort zone – you grow, and you learn. When I started doing my habitual reading prior to my trip, I learned more about Varanasi and its spiritual importance in the country, and I instantly became interested in visiting. Varanasi did not disappoint. Being on the Ganges at sunset and sunrise centred me, and I could somehow breathe easier. Setting my candle on the river for my Grandfather was also a special moment for me. Having lost him a few months before, I was still dealing with the loss of my hero. Wishing him a safe passage in that holy place reminded me that we are all people. No matter what faith, background, language or anything that separates us – death will reach us all. We all come and end in the same place. India re-awoke my sense of wondering, curiosity, and desire to keep experiencing the world, no matter how different it seems to home. I will be forever grateful for that experience.
Knik Glacier
After selling so many trips to Alaska, I knew I had to get there eventually. I was getting too jealous of all of my clients! I figured I’d be waiting till I was closer to the 50+ mark, opting for the quintessential Alaskan cruise. Instead, the Adventure Travel World Summit was held in Anchorage (or Los Anchorage according to some folks in Fairbanks), and I got to go! I am forever grateful for any learning and development opportunities, and this was quite special! Operators, media and suppliers from the entire world in one large ballroom for 4 days. One of the perks was getting a chance to do an excursion, and I signed up right away for a Helicopter and Glacier landing. It was hands down, one of the most fun trips I'd taken. You can read more about my experience here. Staring out at the vast fields of ice, you remember how small you are in this world. Mountains seem to sooth my soul, and being amongst them reinvigorated me. I wished that trip, with the warm sun on my face and crampons on my feet, would never end. Mountain girl, they'd call me...just kidding!
Cuba
Cuba was an interesting and challenging experience for me. I’m a pretty adventurous traveler, but after years of being spoiled with luxury hotels – had I become a snob? Obviously, fancy things are nice, but I manage to camp in a tent too, so what was the disconnect for me in Cuba? I was going down to check out a tour that a company was running, and the tour was at a relatively high price point (almost $4,000 USD, so almost $5,500 CAD). With that kind of money being charged, you have certain expectations. This tour fell flat on every single one of them. So to make sure that the experience wasn't a complete bust, I tried to reconnect myself to the people of Cuba. That's where it managed to improve. It was fascinating to learn how the socialist system works (and which parts don’t), and to catch a glimpse of how people have learned to survive without the opportunities to progress. That mentality helped me remain grateful for living in Canada and what that means for my life and my family. Next time I go to Cuba, however, I know that I would do it differently.
Mexico
Obviously, Mexico kind of ended on a sour note, but leading up till that, I was having the time of my life. This trip wasn’t about exploring; it was about enjoying. Enjoying the company of some very fun people, enjoying the sun, enjoying food and drink, and enjoying my time off, and most importantly, enjoying the lovely couple who brought us all together. I made some new friends and really relaxed. I guess beach vacations aren’t that bad…What I was truly grateful for in Mexico though, were my friends that left the wedding and festivities and hopped in the back of an ambulance and stayed by my side throughout that painful and incredibly awkward experience. You know you’ve got good pals when they’ll take you to a random Mexican hospital. So grateful.
As the year comes to a close, I hope you can also reflect on the things that you’re grateful for. 2016 was a pretty shitty year, all things considered, but even with that there are beautiful moments. Let’s all hold those memories close as this year comes to a end, and we face a bright new year ahead of us.
A very Happy New Year to you all.