Over the last few weeks, I’ve shared all the places I traveled to this year and my favorite photos from my 2017 travels. Now it’s time to share my favorite moments.
I’m going to sound like a broken record but I feel it warrants repeating that 2017 was a great travel year for me, and I am grateful for all of the experiences and adventures I’ve had. I look back at the photos I took all the time just because they captured so many great memories.
Anyway, time to get to those favorite moments from my wonderful year of travel:
Skiing in Vermont
Though I haven’t skied a ton and it’s an activity that can be pretty expensive, I’ve found that it’s something I love doing once in awhile. During my February trip to a Vermont, a few friends and I skied down a particularly beautiful trail on what was a perfect ski day. I remember ending that trail and that day feeling completely exhilarated and ready to do it again.
Dinner at San Cristobal Paladar in Havana
While in Cuba, I ate at a restaurant that once hosted the Obamas as well as several other notable people. San Cristobal Paladar is arguably one of the best restaurants in Havana and well worth visiting. I dined here my first night in Cuba and arrived with very high expectations. San Cristobal Paladar met those expectations and more and played a large role in my overall enjoyment or Cuba.
Hiking Mount Batur in Bali
What almost didn’t happen easily became one of my most favorite travel moments ever. I LOVED my sunrise hike up Mount Batur and felt so accomplished at the end of my four-hour hike. In large part, this feeling can be attributed to my guide, Komang, who pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me see more than I anticipated.
The Many Favorite Moments of Summer ‘17
From eating my way around Japan (miss that food so much!), to celebrating the wedding of one of my closest friends in the charming city that is Savannah, Georgia, to drinking all the wine and eating all the cheese in Quebec, I had several favorite travel moments from this past summer.
Sailing Around Santorini
On my last day in Greece, my friend and I did a sunset catamaran tour with Caldera Yachting. It was a pricier tour than the one I did years ago when I first visited Santorini, but it was well worth it! Our group of 16 consisted of friendly, fun people and the food we enjoyed family style on the catamaran was great, not to mention the main attraction - the sunset - was perfect.
Playing Tourist in London
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again - I love London. It’s always a pleasure to visit this city whenever I can. This last trip was no exception. In fact, it was one of my favorite trips. I discovered new places, caught up with friends, had some fun experiences, meandered around the city's beautiful parks and explored new neighborhoods. It was, as always, a pleasure.
Day Tripping Through Torres del Paine, Chile
Chilean Patagonia had long been on my bucket list, with Torres del Paine being the crown jewel of the region. I finally made it there in October and got to experience those crazy four seasons in one day as well as some truly jaw-dropping scenery. I know I have to go back to experience more of this stunning place, but I’m grateful to have already gotten a taste.
My First View of Perito Moreno Glacier
After traveling through Torres del Paine, my friend and I did a crazy day trip that I do not recommend from Puerto Natales to Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentina. Don’t do this. It was crazy and long. But what wasn’t crazy was the glacier itself. It is easily one of the most insanely beautiful natural wonders I’ve ever seen in my life, and I’ll never forget that first glimpse.
My Five-Course Dinner in Buenos Aires
I ventured to Buenos Aires by myself and was determined to 1. experience one of the city’s closed door restaurants and 2. attend an Argentine asado and eat some of that Argentine steak! I was able to do both in one place - Steaks by Luis. In short, I got the meat sweats, laughed until my stomach hurt and met some awesome people. It was so much freakin’ fun.
Family Moments in Jamaica
Being of Jamaican descent, my family and I typically spend our Christmas holidays in Jamaica, but due to other life events and plans, I had not been able to go to Jamaica for Christmas in a few years. I finally made it back this year and have been enjoying seeing all of my cousins’ kids, spending time with family, eating all the food and reacquainting myself with this beautiful island.
It’s been fun, 2017! Let’s see what 2018 has in store!
