Just as predicted, 2013 was quite the year for travel! I visited not just one, but two new countries this year — Norway and Finland. I’ll have to admit, I definitely fell in love with all things Nordic. Here’s a quick look back …
Oslo, Norway
An amazing March and April were spent in Norway, based mostly in Oslo. Although I worked a lot, I made sure to also visit some of the city’s highlights, like Frogner Park, the Holmenkollen Nordic Skiing World Cup, the Oslo Opera House, and the Nobel Peace Center. It most definitely will not be my last trip to Oslo!
Gausdal, Norway
One of my absolute favorite adventures of the year was taking a weekend trip to Norway’s Gausdal Valley to meet relatives and see the farm where my great-grandfather grew up. I still can’t really put into words how much this trip touched me.
Trondheim, Norway
A 7-hour train ride north of Oslo lies Trondheim, where I spent one of my last weeks in Norway.
Groß Pankow, Germany
Groß Pankow was the perfect weekend escape from the city’s oppressive summer heat.
Finland
While Finland was not on my travel list at the beginning of the year, I jumped at the chance to attend a conference in Jyväskylä and then added a weekend getaway to Helsinki. Both cities charmed me completely.
Brussels, Belgium
Once again, I took advantage of travel for work and enjoyed the charms of Brussels.
Seattle, USA
Finally, to round out the year, I traveled home for a relaxing Christmas holiday with family in Seattle.
2014?
It looks like London, and hopefully Malta, are on my travel agenda for 2014. Everything else still remains to be seen for the new year, but one thing is for sure — it promises lots of new adventures! And on this last day of 2013, I really couldn’t ask for more.
Where were the favorite places you visited this year? Where do you hope to travel in 2014?
I too was in Oslo this year, for a work meeting. It is a great city. I met a fellow blogger when I was there which added to the fun. I also went to visit friends in The Hague and it was great spending time with their kids. Highlight was the Shetland Islands though.
This year – not sure yet – 2 trips to London in February – one to do a 10k with a friend, one for work. Back to the Netherlands for tulip season I hope and perhaps to Madrid to catch up with a friend coming from Costa Rica for work. That should see me to the end of April. Who knows after that.
Hope 2014 is a great year for you.
Sounds like you had a wonderful year for travel too, and some exciting trips coming up! Wishing you all the best in the new year.