One year on

Yesterday marked exactly one year since I walked out of the office for the final time, a year that can be summed up in just two words – no regrets.

Although I haven’t managed to travel as much as I planned – life got in the way – I still managed to visit 14 countries. Travel isn’t really about the numbers for me but it is always exciting to visit new places and I even managed to notch up two new continents. I traveled alone, and with friends, went on my first cruise, ate my first sea urchin, and totally fell in love with Belgium. I swam with turtles, saw a huge gold Buddha, watched my baby sister (through choice, not blood) get married, and met some Olympians in a burger joint (as you do).

Things have obviously changed but some things have remained constant. I’ve tried to see my friends, wherever and whenever possible, because my friendships are not something I want to lose even if I can’t be around every day.

I have also managed to spend considerable time with my family although, unfortunately, that wasn’t for the happiest of reasons. This summer I lost my grandfather.

He was the center of my universe and I’m still taking things day-by-day as I try to imagine a world without him. I’m slowly getting my life back on track and this is why I haven’t been posting updates. I do have things to share now though and I hope to get back into the rhythm of blogging soon.

I’m planning on taking thing slowly for the next couple of months whilst I get things in order and then I will head off again towards the end of the year. I have so many plans for 2017 that the main problem is making decisions to narrow it down; there are only twelve months in a year after all. Suggestions are always welcome however.