It seems the whole world of blogging decided to do a review of their 2015 highlights recently. Well, I didn’t think of it until I saw everyone doing it because I’m a follower, not a leader. So, a little later than those who did it last year, here’s mine to kick of my blogs (that aren’t podcasts) this year! Enjoy!

 

7/ A Ferry on the Harbour

Sydney, Australia

Really, Sydney Harbour is a seriously beautiful spot in the world, and just taking the ferry to Manly you get to appreciate how stunning it is. I happened to go there on a beautiful day weatherwise as well, so it was one of the best moments for me in 2015 with my new Nikon camera at the ready!

 

6/ Maori Feast

Rotorua, New Zealand

Actually it wasn’t really about the food, which was brilliant but not really Maori I guess, however the method of cooking under the ground (hampi) was Maori. The Mitai Maori village provided a cultural show as well and a walk through the forest. It was a magical, warm night.

 

5/ Hiking a Volcano

Near Auckland, New Zealand

This perhaps more for the achievement more than anything. Rangototo Island near Auckland is a beautiful spot to hike, even if every man and his dog was out there that day. In my current pretty horribly unfit form I made it to the top and back. Got to see across the bay to Auckland and also walked through some lava caves. Can’t say I’d hiked on a volcano before. This was pretty amazing!

 

4/ Taking the Trains in Myanmar

Myanmar

I took three train trips in Myanmar and they were all amazing. The poor state of the carriages and the bumpity rocking only made the trips through some amazing scenery more memorable. Going over the Gokteik Viaduct and doing the switchbacks on the route between Thazi and Inle Lake added a little unique specialness to the journeys too.

 

3/ Temples of Bagan

Bagan, Myanmar

Thousands of temples, spread over a wide area that you can explore, climb and marvel at. What more is there to say?

 

2/ Meeting the Doctor

Sydney, Australia

YES – I met the current Doctor, Peter Capaldi, at the Doctor Who Festival in Sydney. He’s an amazing man and I am still a grinning fan even though I’m now in my forties. Worth the money of flying to Sydney, going to the festival, the hotel and photo fee? You bet it was.

 

1/ Spending Time with Tigers

Chiangmai, Thailand

Tiger Kingdom, not far from Chiangmai in Thailand, provided me with the best highlight of the year, and that was being able to get in a cage with tigers, pat them and have my photo taken with them. Seriously such a worthwhile thing to do that I wasn’t even interested in doing before I went to Thailand, and now I am so glad that I did.

 

What were your travel highlights for 2015? Please do comment below! May the Journey Never End!