Happy New Year

As another year comes around, it is time to take a quick look at the resolutions for last year.  It seems so long ago that I made this list and when I look back, I realise how much has changed.  These were the goals – let’s see what happened!

Watch and play more live music – I definitely got round to playing a few more live gigs and open mics this year, along with regular jam sessions with other musicians.  I also was lucky enough to see Vance Joy playing in Berlin, and Die Prinzen in Stuttgart!  I’m going to safely check this one off the list!

Get paid travel writing assignments and begin to monetise blog – Whilst not much has happened in regards to making money off this blog, I have made a few dollars on the GPSMyCity articles, so I’m going to give this one a tick!

Aim to reach 1000 followers – Travel Adventure Discover now has over 800 followers, so we are rapidly approaching 1000. I’ll see if I can check this one off in the near future!

Explore Portugal and Spain – I explored Lisbon earlier this year, walked through the Alhambra in Granada and dined on tapas nearly every day along the South of Spain. As luck would have it, I also made it to Italy, France, Switzerland, Germany and Australia!

Stay Active – I dabbled in yoga, danced at plenty of Berlin clubs (does that count?) and ran steadily throughout the year, even in the midst of the Berlin Winter.  I also did a bit of swimming and cycling.  It feels good to be healthy!

Take German Classes to A2 – I took some German classes this year, though as the school year came to a close, I didn’t quite make it to A2.  Nonetheless, with extensive German language meet up groups and a constant stream of German music on my phone, I am going to say I put in my best effort and have a certain degree of fluency!

Read a Book Per Month – I ended up making it through 6 novels this year, and countless children’s books, so I’m going to give myself this goal!  Some highlights were The Pearl That Broke It’s Shell, The Power of Now and Cafe in Berlin (the first novel I have ever read in a different language cover-to-cover).

Spend another Christmas in Australia with the Family – I made it back to Australia much earlier than anticipated, so I have been able to enjoy an extended Summer on the beautiful South Coast.  It has been lovely to have the family nearby and to be enjoying the sounds and scents of Australia once more!

It has been a big year, with many changes. Often, the best things happen at the most unexpected times and no amount of planning can foresee it.  This year, I’ve kept things simple:

• Follow the heart
• Keep an open mind
• Be open to creative opportunities
• Spend time with the people I love
• Enjoy each moment as it comes along

What are your plans for the new year? Have you got any exciting travel destinations lined up?  I would love to hear all about it!