Last updated on January 1, 2018
2017. It’s been a hell of a year. Not just for me, but for all of us. But I’m choosing to focus on the good bits.
I’ve travelled extensively throughout Spain this last year and met some truly amazing people – there’s still loads more content to come from my time in Menorca, Asturias, Galicia, Cantabria, the Basque Country and on the Costa Brava.
I’d like to say a huge “Gracias!” to you all – my friends, followers and fellow travel lovers – for all of your support and energy over the last year. How lucky I am to do what I do for a living, to have YOU to share my life and passion for travel with!
Highlights
Writing another travel book: My biggest project in 2017 was writing another book about my beloved Barcelona for The Precincts. It consumed much of my time and energy, which is why things have been relatively quiet here on the blog, but the finished result looks absolutely stunning and I can’t wait to share it with you once it’s published in the new year!
Honing my photography: I’ve always been passionate about photography and have spent a vast amount of time (and money) this year honing my skills.
I finally feel like I’m developing my own style and can’t wait to capture more magic moments in 2018 – be sure to follow me on Instagram for more visual inspiration from Barcelona and beyond!
See some of my recent photo journals here, here, here and here.
Hiking the Camino de Santiago in northern Spain: I can’t quite express how much I loved hiking the Camino. It was far more of a challenge than I imagined it would be, but it was also one of the most rewarding experiences of my life (even if all my toenails fell off). I really need to find another physical challenge to take on in 2018, whether it be hiking, cycling or… well, I’m open to suggestions! Any ideas?
Living the good life: I can’t deny it, I’ve lived like a king this year. I’ve eaten and sipped my way through Barcelona and the rest of Spain like a true bon viveur and had the good fortune to stay at some of the finest hotels in Barcelona (and during my various jaunts around the country).
As I write this post, I can’t help but feel it was all a dream. Surely it was all too good to be true? What did I do to deserve this wonderful life?
Travel Plans and Dreams for 2018
Undoubtedly I will continue to explore Barcelona and the rest of Spain in 2018 – I’m so fortunate to live in such a culturally rich country and to be able to enjoy it with my denizen girlfriend, Rosana.
Some fairly big news: we’re currently talking about moving to a new city in Spain. The problem, though, as you may imagine, is that it’s difficult to find somewhere that compares (or even comes close) to Barcelona. If you’re familiar with my story then you will know I have tried to leave Barcelona a number of times before, so we’ll see if we actually make it happen!
I also hope to travel beyond Spain, and beyond Europe for that matter. We already have a trip to Rome planned in February and I’m desperate to get to South America, India, China and Japan. I also have good friends scattered across the US, so a road-trip may be on the cards.
Have you been to any of these destinations? If so, please leave a comment below if you have any advice and/or recommendations for me.
THANK YOU!
More than just my job, this blog has become my home over the last few years. It’s my obsession, my safe place, but it’s meaningless without YOU. I love being able to invite you in to enjoy it with me, to dream of beautiful and interesting places, to share a sense of wonder for the world and all it has to offer.
I can’t thank you enough for supporting me and coming with me on my quest to see the world. I look forward to creating more content to help and inspire you to travel, whether in Spain or elsewhere on this tiny planet of ours.
Just think of all the places there are waiting to be discovered by you and me. All the things you’ll do and see. Oh, the places you’ll go!
Appalachian Trail would be an adventure or the pacific coast trail.
That’s an excellent idea, thanks very much Julie! I read Wild last year and did think it would be a great idea! Where would the starting point be? Gracias!
I lived in Barcelona for 2 years and now am back in the US. I love reading your blog as it brings back so many fond memories!
Gracias Julie! Thank you for your comment! How is life back home in the US? Not a bad place to call home, but can imagine you miss a lot about Barcelona. Any plans to come back?