A Decade of Travel

There have been questions about when the decade begins and ends, but for all intents and purposes of this blog and this blog alone, the decade ended 12/31/19.

The Holiday season is not just for merry-making, but also a time of reflection. While I was looking back on 2019, I admit it was one of the most challenging year in most recent memory. It's when I was most confused and unsure and hopeless. But I cannot just focused on the "bad", this year was a year of change and making brave decisions and standing up for said decision. Travel-wise, 2019 was a good year. I went on a cruise to the Canary Islands in January and did the fantastic road trip to Utah's Big Five National Park in late May.

However, with all the talks about the end-of-the-decade reflections, I decided I should do that as well. By doing so, I realized that the past decade had been so good to me. It blessed me with many travel opportunities and wow moments. Sometimes, I still cannot believe that I was indeed there and saw these beautiful places, sights, and attractions IRL.

I may skip a few places I've been this past decade, but here are some of the places I've visited and made a big impression on me.

In no particular order, some of the blessings and gifts of the past decade.


Taj Mahal (India, 2012) is more than words can express. It is such an engineering and architectural wonder. Taking a first look at the white marble that shines in the gloomy cover of the skies make one thank the heavens above for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I could not help but choke up a bit for this chance to glance at another wonder of the world. Who would have thought that I would be here today standing in front of the most romantic testament of love and devotion.


The canals of Tortuguero (Costa Rica, 2011) Have you been to the Disneyland boat ride to the jungle? This is a thousand times cooler and better. But having ridden both rides, I must say Disney had it right on target, but nothing beats the real thing.


Cabo San Lucas (MX, 2011, 2014) If you go to Cabo, I suggest signing up for a sunset cruise to The Arch, the most recognizable rock formation in Cabo. It's a fun two hours of eating, drinking, dancing and sightseeing.


Chichen Itza (MX, 2010) One of the new 7 wonders of the world. Big on wow factor for me.


Teknaf (Bangladesh, 2012, 2015)In the quaint fishing village in southernmost Bangladesh in the Bay of Bengal we watched local fishermen bring their boats in from a fishing trip.


New Orleans (2012)
A big surprise was how much I came to love New Orleans and how beautiful it is.


Bali (Indonesia, 2015,2016) When you hear of Bali, the enchanting island in Asia, beautiful beaches are the first things that would come to mind. But I remember the most the good eating I've had there. Aside from the culinary excellence of Locavore, the banana fritters made the most impression to me. They are so yummy. I would go back just for the taste of them.


Sahara Desert (Morocco 2017) I love Morocco, all the places we've visited captured my heart. In my head, I'm planning a return visit.


The Baths (Virgin Gorda, British VI 2016) One of the surprises of the decade. I had no clue that this island is so beautiful, especially the Baths. Very peaceful and idyllic and I cannot wait to go back.


Lisbon (Portugal, 2014,2019) It was love a at first sight affair with me and Lisbon. I found Barcelona's twin city - both have the incredible architecture, the pleasant weather, the beautiful sights and the mouth-watering dishes. I heart Lisbon.


Galway (Ireland, 2018) Along with the other cities we visited, Galway was a delight to visit. The week-long trip was not enough to satisfy us and we barely scratched the surface. I really want to go back.


Cairo (Egypt 2018) Could not pass up the opportunity to revisit the Pyramids at Giza in 2018, but the rest of the trip was incredibly jaw-dropping and satisfying. If I don't get to revisit Egypt, I felt like I'm good. I've seen enough to last me a lifetime.

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Yellowstone NP (2018) Yellowstone NP is food for the soul.

I left out Barcelona, but you know how fond of the city I am. In fact, truth be told, it holds the #1 position in my most favorite places list (my own San Francisco excluded) and adding it to the post seems redundant. There are other places that touched my heart and soul the past decade, but this post is getting very long already.

I don't know how the future of traveling is going to be in this decade, but for sure I know I'm going to relish every moment of it. So many things to be grateful for; I promise to acknowledge the blessings.

Here's to 2020 and Year of the Rat, bring it on!