2018 has been a year that had it’s ups and downs, highs and disappointments but when I look back on all the things I’ve been able to do this year I realise how grateful I am for all of the opportunities that have come my way. It hasn’t always been easy due to some major health struggles and some really challenging situations in my professional life but I’m happy to say that I’m finishing the year in London on a high note, having just started an exciting new job and, in the next few days, moving into a new and improved flat as well. Through it all travel continues to be one of my greatest sources of joy and inspiration.
Oslo 
Galway 
Santorini
Each new place I have the privilege to visit teaches me more about the world and myself and opens my eyes to new perspectives. After all it can be easy to only see the bad things happening around the globe and forget about all the really positive change that is taking place.
Bruges 
Porto 
Stonehenge
Travel allows us to look beyond our own backyard, connect with others and ultimately be a force for peace and positive collaboration rather than conflict and division. It’s the thing I look forward to most each month and let’s face it- one of the things I spend a lot of my disposable income on! But I still wouldn’t swap all the amazing travel experiences I’ve had for all the money in the world.
To finish off 2018 here’s a round-up of all of my travels this year, and everything that’s been happening on Kiwi Globetrotteuse:
In January our first weekend escapade was to Madrid where we marvelled at the amazing architecture on the Gran Via and got our fix of Tapas.
In February we took off to Oslo where we discovered what it’s like to live in temperatures that regularly hit minus ten, marvelled at centuries old Viking ships and enjoyed some of the best coffee to be had in Europe.
I kicked off March spending some time reflecting on my first 6 months in London, and then celebrated St Patrick’s day, as only the Irish can, in Galway along with seeing the Aran Islands and the Cliffs of Moher.
In April we went on an epic roadtrip around Scotland and had our breaths taken away by the beauty of the Highlands in springtime.
In May & June we took a much needed break and made the most of the ‘heatwave’ that swept the UK this summer, spending lots of time having picnics in London’s numerous parks.
In July we headed off to Greece for a proper summer holiday, visiting three beautiful islands in the Cyclades – Paros, Santorini and Milos.
In August I headed back home to New Zealand to catch up with family and friends in Auckland and Christchurch and to celebrate two really good friends getting married.
I started off September recounting what I’d learnt from my first year in London. We also had relatives from NZ visiting us in London which meant we took some time to do some short trips to places in the UK such as Bath, Stonehenge, Windsor and Edinburgh.
In October we travelled to the South of France, starting in the riverside city of Lyon before visiting the Roman Arena in Nimes, my adopted French city Marseille and the sweet little fishing village of Cassis.
In November we marvelled at the colours of Porto, and I discovered that I actually really like port! (i.e. the fortified wine.)
Last but not least in December we headed to Bruges where we got our fill of waffles, Belgian beer and Belgian chocolate.
So that’s 2018 done and dusted but there’s already some exciting travel adventures booked (or currently taking shape) in 2019 and I can’t wait to share another year of adventures with you!
Wishing you all a very Happy New Year, wherever in the world you’re celebrating it!
Xx Kiwi Globetrotteuse
Thank you for sharing your remarkable experiences. Keep fresh, open and safe.. Anne and Bruce wish you and Ben all the best for 2019!