2011 started out in my typical wanderlusting style. January and February found me traversing Swedish Lapland on assignment covering indigenous Sami culture, Jokkmokk market, fun outdoor activities like dogsledding, reviewing the TreeHotel (pictured above), as well as hanging with a certain crown princess (here’s proof).
It was also when I was heavily campaigning to go to the North Pole with Quark Expeditions – a lifelong (and current) dream of mine. Unfortunately I missed the top 5 by only 3 votes, but looking at the bigger picture, I was grateful for people’s extreme generosity and support.
In March, I was in the US visiting family and wrapping up a few things. Then it was off to London and Manchester where I was super stoked to meet fellow bloggers and travelers at Travel Bloggers Unite (TBU). Kindred spirits I’d known online for a long time.
Back in Sweden for April, I’d started prepping our East Africa trip in May to Kenya, Tanzania, and Zanzibar when we got some unexpected yet sweet personal news. I made the personal decision to cancel all scheduled international trips including a photojournalism trip to Sierra Leone (except another quick jaunt to the US in August) for the rest of the year.
I probably didn’t need to, but I wanted to.
I focused on digging deeper into Sweden (travelling around the country) while re-prioritizing once again and making sure “things were in order” as well as vamping up my Swedish. Staying put for six months helped me focus on getting a couple projects and work assignments out the door while helping me build solid local networks and connections.
Something that would have been tough to do had I been constantly on the road. Needless to say, while I didn’t do as much travelling as I normally do, I’m super grateful and blessed for the way 2011 turned out personally.
2012 Travel Plans?
A lot, actually. I’m excited to be able to be actively back on the road again by the end of its first quarter. And quite possibly with someone else in tow.
@St. Lucia – Thanks for visiting. Happy New Year and hope to make it to your island soon.
@Rhona – Thanks so much for your support and well wishes 🙂
Look forward to following you this new year. Also, looking forward to your sweet new little news (this is my guess of course). Happy travels and new life plans.
Am sure alot of people are happy to see the end of 2011. Thanks for giving us so much inspiration. Wishing a better 2012 for everyone.
@Carolina – ;). Thanks so much and Happy New Year!
@Perlina – Tack så mycket! And I definitely wish you the very best as well in 2012. Lots of blessings, happiness, and success for you as well. 🙂
hej,
i would like to thank you for your job, you have gave to me a lot of inspiration for my future life. I love the pics you took, they are beautiful and full of life. I hope that 2012 will bring you happiness and success. Talking about happiness, Grattis for your “sweet personal news” ;D
Bonne année Lola.
By the few hints, it maybe that you are happily waiting a new addition to the family…if no, then I wish you a happy travel around the world next year. I have to say that I find your photography amazing.
Happy New Year.