My 2017 highlights

I can’t believe how fast 2017 has gone by… It’s definitely been one big adventure. So much has happened. I ticked off four new countries on my travel bucket list. Spent time with amazing people. Got to witness the spectacular Northern Lights. Started a new job. So much (and so many people) to be grateful for.

Here’s a roundup of my favourite moments of 2017! Can’t wait to see what 2018 has in store.

 

Volunteering in Kenya

Spending three months in Kenya to volunteer was an eye-opening experience. Challenging at times but certainly rewarding. I really appreciate how welcoming my host family was and how they made me part of their family.

Often, the highlight of my day was just coming home. I’d walk past this lot of little houses and would be greeted by some lovely kids who lived there. Most of the time, they’d even escort me to my family’s home. So cute!

Missing my little brothers lots but they often hi-jack their dad’s phone and send me photos and funny messages!

Family holiday in Cape Town

Harry and I went to Cape Town with his family. It wasn’t just our first holiday together but also the first time we saw each other sinceI left for Kenya three months earlier. Imagine the excitement! On top of that, it was also my first time in South Africa and so the second new country I visited in 2017.

I found South Africa really stunning. We did so many fun things like hiking Table Mountain and Lion’s Head, seeing penguins on Boulders Beach, lots of wine tastings, beach time and family dinners.

Not a bad view from our bedroom, right? Looking forward to watching more of those Camps Bay sunsets in the years to come!

 

Florida Road Trip

Harry and I went on a road trip in Florida. We spent lots of time relaxing in Longboat Key and white beaches along the Gulf of Mexico. We also went on our first Stand-up paddle boarding tour where we saw a family of manatees swim below us.

We discovered that Americans know how to make a Bloody Mary, had lovely sunset drinks on the beach and saw dolphins swim past us.

Harry turned into a wizard at Universal Studios in Orlando, we saw alligators in the Everglades, explored Miami and enjoyed lots of delicious dinners and cocktails.

We also had a little bit of a shocker when we got stuck deep in the sand with our sexy Mustang…

 

Jessi visiting me in London

It’s always nice having friends visit me in London – I get to be a tourist and explore of the city!

 

Starting a new job

After weeks of job hunting, I finally found an exciting role and I got the job. A job I really love! Yay

 

Relaxing in Portugal

I spoiled myself with a holiday in Portugal after I got the job offer. Lots of sunshine, seafood and ice cream.

 

Seeing my family in Germany with Harry

When Harry met my family for the first time and impressed everyone with his German skills…

 

Spending time in Munich with two of my favourite human beings

I don’t see them enough but when we do visit each other, it’s always lovely. Celebrated Sandy’s dirty thirty, too.

 

Iceland Road Trip

Country number four off my travel bucket list in 2017 which brought me to 35 countries visited! Whoopie!

Iceland was breathtaking and a perfect holiday for nature lovers. We drove around lots and came across many great spots.

We relaxed at a geothermal spa and froze our bums off in an ice-cold lake. Puffin and whale were a bit sad to eat but apparently a national delicacy. We also had a failed attempt at camping in a one-man tent; needless to say it was about 15 degrees too cold outside and the tent slightly too small.

 

Happy new year, friends! May your 2018 be full of adventures and lots of time with your loved ones.