2015: My Absolutely Badass Year

This year has – by far – been the best year of my life.

In late 2013, after kicking cancer’s ass, I packed my bags and moved to Europe. I traveled more often than not in 2014, and I didn't think my travel experiences could be topped.

 

I chose to live in Prague for many reasons but primarily because it's absolutely breathtaking, and unbelievably affordable. With great exchange rates, and a country yet to switch to the euro, money can stretch a far way in Czech Republic. I went back to visit Prague twice in 2015. Miluju, Praha. <3

 

Enter: apartment disaster. In November (Thanksgiving of all days) of last year, my apartment completely flooded from above and was rendered uninhabitable – we couldn't turn on the heat and it was wintertime in Prague (freezing!). I was even involved in a car accident. The end of 2014 was not in my favor.

 

My nightmare. No joke – there was even water in the ceiling light. Ugh.

 

Being an expat, little help was given to me. My only option was to sleep in hotels. After a month of insane holiday-time rates, I was fed up. Nothing had been done to fix my apartment, and I wasn't compensated for paying for hotels. I was frustrated.

I had two choices in life: be miserable or change my current situation. So I left.

This year I have stayed overnight in a sketchy no-mans-land border town in Cambodia, had a panic attack at the Cu Chi tunnels in Vietnam, kayaked naked in Thailand, been attacked by a rogue monkey in Indonesia, climbed a pyramid in Egypt, went to the top of the world’s tallest building (conquering my fear of heights), made my own Khmer curry from scratch with locals, ate things I never imagined I would (and some things I don’t want to know), drank vodka in Russia (Jameson in Ireland and wine in Italy), learned a new language, experienced a Spanish bull run, witnessed a sex show in Pattaya, walked on an abandoned Olympic bobsled track, rode a camel in Morocco, and much, much more.

Thank you, 2015. Next year takes me on a trip across the USA and then down to Central and South America (and hopefully more Eastern Europe). I can't wait to see what's ahead. 2016 – lets go!

Here are some of my favorite highlights of 2015, my unbelievable year.

 

I love this guy. Only my “brother” would get a ticket on a scooter in Pattaya. I was only supposed to go to Thailand and meet him on a holiday, but this trip ignited a flame inside me. I kept going (and going) after he left. This was only the beginning – I traveled the entirety of 2015.

 

I celebrated three different New Years in 2015. The differences in this world’s cultures are beautiful. Hong Kong puts on one hell of a show for Chinese New Year.

 

I've experienced loss during my adventures (two close friends, a grandmother, and a pet). The pain I've felt can't be described – and being thousands of kilometers away didn’t help. Right after my tortoise, “Turtle”, my beloved pet for almost 20 years passed, I stumbled upon a conservation program in Koh Tao. Helping to preserve the lives of sea turtles gave me purpose during a sad time. I'm forever grateful to New Heaven Reef Conservation and their employees. The kindness they showed me will never be forgotten.

 

Wow. I never imagined I would be watching the sunrise over thousands of ancient temples in Myanmar – let alone from a hot-air balloon. I'll never forget how I felt that morning.

 

I've been humbled beyond belief. Traveling has allowed me to appreciate where I come from. This is one of the funnier times I've been humbled. This was hard work – I couldn't do it for long! I love Vietnam and its people.

 

I’ve always dreamt of seeing these towers. For years, I have tracked KL, and finally I got to see this city. In fact, I treasure Malaysia so much that I’ve been there three times this past year. This photo was taken on my birthday. Sorry for the graininess – my photographer had had a few cocktails. 🙂

 

I had high hopes for Bali. While I enjoyed some of my time there, I found the island overrated because it is very touristy and the locals have become jaded. Also, the worst accommodation experience of my life happened in Bali. While I look back and laugh at it now, it truly was a nightmare. Ugh. I couldn’t wait to leave.

 

I bathed elephants. OMG I bathed elephants. Our faces say it all – Sri Lanka was a magical experience. Everyone should get to this incredible country at least once.

 

This sunset at the Kremlin. Russia was amazing. 50 grams with old friends, magical architecture and more – I never imagined I would be in Russia. My time in Czech Republic with my Russian friend, Pavel, really paid off. I was translating Cyrillic and speaking Russian. He would be proud.

 

Spain. Visit Spain. This place is amazing. This year took me to Spain, and to San Fermin in Pamplona. It was incredible to be a part of such a rich tradition. See you next year, new friends! For detailed information regarding Pamplona, check out Bulls Before Breakfast.

 

Morocco scared the shit out of me. This pic of Samantha and I was taken during happier times.

 

I’ve even picked up a new hobby – photography. It’s a new passion of mine – I look at everything differently now. I’ve still got a lot to learn. This pic of me taking a pic is in Bosnia and Herzegovina, one of my absolute favorite places on earth.

 

New friends. I know I'll keep in contact with these people forever. The bonds we made are unbreakable and the life lessons we've shared cannot be compared to anything. Photo courtesy of Play Bar, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

 

I’m blessed to know such incredible people. Thank you to my friends and my number one cheerleader, my mom – who literally went out of their ways to see me – for meeting up with me on this awesome journey. We have some awesome stories! Thanks to (not featured) RICO!, Theo Thompson, Katy Goodrich, Gary Cooper, Michelle Dubaj, Caitlin Flanigan, and Raf Franjul – YOU ROCK.

Many parents may be disappointed with their child for quitting his or her job. My mother has always encouraged my journey. Here we are in Split, Croatia. Sorry for posting a bad pic, Mom, but I love it.

 

Tana, a former expat in Greece, introduced me to her friends. Her Greek family welcomed me with open arms. Here we are enjoying a gorgeous sunset in Mykonos.

 

Prost! Emilie met me in Munich to celebrate Oktoberfest. This was my third consecutive Oktoberfest! Emilie's brother was not feeling the pic!

 

Rick, a friend I have known for over 13 years, made his way to Rome. I'm always looking for an excuse to go back (and back) to Italy.

 

These folks – they met up with me more than once in 2015. In fact, Trisha takes the prize for that one. She met me in Sri Lanka, Brussels, Amsterdam, and New York City.

 

THANK YOU, 2015!