Best of 2009

This is in response to a blog challenge 2009. I am a few days behind (it started on Dec 1st) but I also will skip days because there are certain things I just didn't do.

Best Trip of 2009:
This is my favorite question but I am also not sure how to choose the best one. I have done logged so many miles this year that no other year could possibly keep up (unless I somehow miraculously win the lottery and spend the rest of my days wandering). Travel, this year, meant more than seeing new places, it also meant taking a huge leap of faith & the opportunity to start over.

March: Montreal, Quebec. Flight into Vermont (Burlington, a town that must be explored more), a few days in Montreal with the opportunity to speak French and failing miserably in the confidence department and then a great breakfast in New Hampshire. Also my first ever glimpse of NYC and being totally in awe of that massive city.

April: San Francisco, California. The trip that opened my eyes to my favorite American city. The people were so friendly. Everyone I met was friendly and open and unique. I loved the bridge. And I loved each of the neighborhoods, their unique personality showcased in every shop and restaurant. Fell in love with North Beach Italian waiters. Loved the history steeped in City Light Books. Some of my favorite Beat writers graced that shop with their amazing adventures (in print and in person). Even loved Chinatown with the shop windows of fowl and bins of fish and vegetables. And loved the old Chinese man in one of the last real fortune cookies shops (where it is done by hand). Loved the trolley ride and my stroll through Presidio Park and my first real glimpse of the Golden Gate Bridge. (I love bridges!) And also my first taste of that ambrosia called gelato. Think I ate it every day. And am still searching for a place that makes it as well.

In July, I took my biggest leap of faith to date and left my perfectly good job to move to the west coast, leaving my southern home and friends behind. Driving 3000 miles through Nashville, Oklahoma City, Denver, Idaho Falls and finally Seattle. Saw places I want to explore more - Wyoming, Colorado, Oklahoma City (who would have thought?), crossed the 42.5 latitude (halfway between the North Pole and the Equator).

In September, traveled to the southern most country and spent two weeks on the North & South Island of New Zealand. fell in love w/ how friendly Kiwis are and how creative and inventive. And proud. their country is one of absolute beauty. Great weather welcoming us to spring. The landscape was breathtaking and have declared a full month to discover every part of the country and do everything I want to do. Also passed 42.5 latitude - halfway between the Equator and the South Pole. This trip also kick started a wanderlust that I have kept locked up for years.

November, I found myself exploring Portland, Oregon with my best friend. We ate a lot, we walked a lot, and it made me realize a few things about how I want to incorporate travel into a career. And the rest of my life.

To choose one is really hard because each trip brought something new to my table. But under duress (and probably not), San Francisco was the trip that left somehting in my belly that could not be ignored. Spending time with my best friend and exploring a city I want to call home one day. It is one of the main reasons behind the long drive cross country. I never thought I could relate to a city so intensely. And yet it still shines like a beacon...San Francisco, is always on my mind...