The absence of regular posts recently was due to the fact that I was travelling in a country where the WiFi connection seemed to have encountered a virtual Bermuda triangle. No I wasn’t on the island with the pink sand but I was close. I spent Christmas in Cuba. Stay tuned as I bring you my adventures in pictures and words during the month of January. Now back to business…saying goodbye to 2014.

The time has come once again to reflect on the year that was and the year that will be. Here is WWT’s salute to 2014 and 2015.

2014
Another year of happenings for those sensitive to travel-related news. A few planes went missing, one got shot down and an outbreak of ebola virus in West Africa had every border guard screening for anyone who had been to the area. Us travellers know that the good, the bad and the ugly happen all the time whether we are at home or abroad. The trick is to be aware, prepare and just keep trekking.

“One thing we can do is make the choice to view the world in a healthy way. We can choose to see the world as safe with only moments of danger rather than seeing the world as dangerous with only moments of safety.”
~Deepak Chopra~

Where did I go this year?
Nova Scotia

Cuba

Havana
Photo by Kimberley (c)2014

Photo by Kimberley (c)2014

Baracoa
Photo by Kimberley (c)2014

Santiago de Cuba
Photo by Kimberley (c)2014

Santa Clara & Che
Photo by Kimberley (c)2014

(Cienfuegos)
Photo by Kimberley (c)2014

Havana
Photo by Kimberley (c)2014

Havana
Photo by Kimberley (c)2014

Photo by Kimberley (c)2014

Trinidad
Photo by Kimberley (c)2014

Photo by Kimberley (c)2014

(Trinidad)
Photo by Kimberley (c)2014

2015
My bucket list
Fresh from my trip to a Latin American country I am encouraged to keep up the momentum by revising my knowledge of Spanish and going to:
Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Peru, Chile, Ecuador and the Galapagos islands.
Of course my desire to see Madagascar, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos remains quite strong.
Let’s see where I end up in 2015…

Which countries are on your bucket list?

Here’s the WWT treatment for travel in the new year:

Fitness
Cycling, hiking or mountain posing your way through the countryside is a good way to become acquainted with your destination away from the usual tourist traps. Cycle the Netherlands because it’s flat, hike New Zealand because it is scenic and accessible and do yoga in India for that namaste ambience.

Fragrance
From popular resorts to airports, spa facilities are easy to find and often provide services using plant-based treatments. Whether it be a lei upon arrival on a South Pacific island or an aromatic massage in Bali, the uplifting effect of scented flowers on mood and spirit is undeniable.

Food
Take a foodie tour of Italy, visit the wineries in Australia or sign up for a cooking class in Paris. Food and travel are all the rage now and many options, catered or independent, await you.