What a wierd yr. On one hand, it feels prefer it’s unattainable that 2022 is only a few days away, whereas on the opposite, it seems like this was one of many longest years but.
I actually needed to search “2021” in my images on my cellphone to recollect all that we obtained as much as, and the place we have been.
I’ve been doing these reflection posts for 10 years now. Ten years!
Every year, I do a round-up on this weblog and mirror on our lives over the previous 12 months. As with my earlier posts, this yr has a phrase (properly, a number of phrases really) that may sum up the way it felt to us.
For Nick and I, 2021 was a combined yr full of uncertainty, indecisiveness, and overwhelm surrounding the present state of the world and a few issues in our private lives. However, it was additionally a yr of journey, love, and wine… quite a lot of wine.
The principle theme that stands out from the yr, nevertheless, is connection. This yr we needed to be surrounded by buddies, household, and strangers, and I believe we succeeded in doing so.
Aside from connecting with folks, two of our targets going into 2021 that I wrote about final yr have been to: “Reside off the fruits of our labor and transfer round as a lot as doable — whereas working as little as doable.” And to “Do issues that we take pleasure in”.
As you’ll learn under, I believe it’s secure to say we completed the above targets this yr. Learn on to see how our yr progressed when it comes to enterprise, life, and journey. And, what’s in retailer for 2022!
See the earlier reflections posts right here:
- 2012: A Very Memorable Yr
- 2013: A Yr of Firsts
- 2014: It Began and Ended With Mexico
- 2015: A Yr of Spontaneity
- 2016: A Yr of Massive Choices
- 2017: A Curler Coaster Yr
- 2018: A Yr of Achievements
- 2019: A Yr of Highs and Lows
- 2020: A Yr We Gained’t Neglect
Ideas on Journey in 2021
On the finish of 2020, I believe we had all thought (hoped) that life would return to “regular”. But, right here we’re two years later, nonetheless coping with the life-altering aftermath of COVID.
Relatively than a 3D, bodily reference to folks, 2020 was full of digital get-togethers. As a substitute of going to eating places, folks ordered in. Relatively than becoming a member of a tour with different people, on-line experiences have been the norm.
Which will have been high-quality for 2020, however I want to be with others, shake arms, hug, and stand nearer than 6 ft aside!
After all, everyone seems to be entitled to their very own opinions as as to whether or not they really feel it’s secure or acceptable for them to journey proper now. Personally, we went for it and jumped in with each ft this yr, and have zero regrets about that.
We couldn’t wait to discover, work together and join with folks, strive new meals and expertise distinctive issues. In 2020, we have been principally simply in Portugal and Mexico. The world was ready!
By selecting to journey, we helped the native economies, small companies, and the journey trade as an entire — to not point out, our psychological well being and general wellbeing.
We’re conscious that not everybody is ready to journey proper now, which is another excuse why we didn’t need to take our skill to discover without any consideration.
Contemplating we have been nonetheless in our residence in Playa del Carmen till Could, I believe we did fairly properly this yr when it comes to residing a “regular” journey life.
Residing in Playa del Carmen, Mexico
The yr began with a bang, actually.
As we counted right down to midnight, Nick and our good good friend Tom virtually misplaced their eyebrows, and singed their leg hair whereas lighting fireworks on the seaside in Playa…what a strategy to ring within the new yr!
At this level, we had been residing in Playa del Carmen, Mexico for nearly 4 months. We have been next-door neighbours with Tom and Anna, and had different good buddies and fellow bloggers like Nathan, Sarah, Jen, and Sean residing close by as properly.
We even met up for espresso with one in all our long-time readers! That was so nice.
The yr began off surrounded by buddies, which was excellent.
Life in Playa del Carmen
Town actually is among the greatest digital nomad locations in Mexico.
With tremendous quick wifi, a great deal of lodging choices to select from, limitless eating places and bars, and many coworking areas, it’s no shock that many individuals put down some short-term roots right here.
It had the whole lot we have been in search of on the time after which some.
After we weren’t engaged on our laptops, swimming within the sea, or going for walks, we volunteered strolling canine on the GSPCA, ate at some fabulous eating places, and hungout with buddies.
For probably the most half, nevertheless, we merely loved residing and having a little bit of a routine at the beginning of the yr.
Because it felt when we have been residing in Grenada, it was nice to have a “dwelling” once more, to be surrounded by a neighborhood of like-minded folks, and to be within the sunshine.
In the long run, we spent a bit of over 8 months residing in Playa between 2020 and 2021. Humorous sufficient, I didn’t really write about our time spent there! However I did write a whole information to residing in Playa del Carmen as a digital nomad if you wish to learn that.
Border Run to Costa Rica
As Canadians, we obtain a 180-day keep in Mexico once we arrive on the border. However, we stayed for 8 months. We have been ready to try this by happening a border run to a close-by nation.
Our nation of alternative was Costa Rica!
All it took was one textual content message to Tom and Anna, and we had our 12 day Costa Rica highway journey journey on the books. Different good buddies of ours, Dan and Casey, stay in CR so our first cease was to go to them for a number of days within the beachside city of Uvita.
The remainder of the highway journey introduced us to the pristine Osa Peninsula within the southern a part of the nation which is full of attention-grabbing wildlife, and to the northern space of La Fortuna with the Arenal Volcano towering over the city.
Right here, we lastly met up with fellow journey bloggers and buddies Sam and Yeison. They stay in Costa Rica and run the favored web site, My Tan Ft. It was so nice to lastly meet in particular person.
Our Costa Rica journey was unbelievable, and as we stamped our method again into Mexico, we began planning our subsequent strikes for a number of months later.
The vacation was higher than we imagined, and once more, we loved extra time spent in particular person with nice buddies.
Exploring Extra of Mexico
Through the years, we’ve been fairly fortunate to see quite a few locations in Mexico. It’s one in all our favorite international locations on the earth.
After a complete of 8 months in Playa del Carmen, we determined that somewhat than go on any extra weekends away, or border runs to close by international locations, it was time to pack up and transfer on.
We spent a month and a half travelling to Manzanillo, the Valle de Guadalupe, Ensenada, Puerto Vallarta, Guanajuato and San Miguel de Allende.
Manzanillo
It had been 3 years since we’d seen household, so our first cease was Manzanillo to go to with Nick’s dad and stepmom. It was so good to see them and we loved quite a few enjoyable outings, tasty meals, and catching up.
Three years is a very long time and it was so nice to get in that high quality time collectively.
From Manzanillo, we flew north to Tijuana on the Baja peninsula. Right here, we picked up our rental automobile and headed for the Valle de Guadalupe — the wine area of Mexico.
Valle de Guadalupe
Previous to this latest stint in Mexico, we didn’t notice that the nation is thought for its large, daring, juicy pink wines! The Valle de Guadalupe is an extension of the Napa Valley to the north, however with extra cheap costs.
We spent 10 days right here, together with our 14th anniversary, whereas sipping on incredible wine, having fun with the acclaimed delicacies, and sleeping in some stunning lodging. You possibly can learn extra about our journey to the Valle de Guadalupe, right here.
Puerto Vallarta
We returned to Tijuana and flew to Puerto Vallarta — a metropolis we’d been to quite a few instances.
On this journey, since we’d already seen a lot of the highlights of Puerto Vallarta, we have been in a position to simply sit back and spend time on the seaside, wander round city, and hang around with buddies Juri and Nathan who stay in PV.
It was the proper week-long keep, full of seaside time, sunsets, and laughter.
Guanajuato
We hit the skies once more and flew to Guanajuato — our favorite metropolis in Mexico!
This time round, we spent 10 days climbing within the surrounding mountains and seeing corners of town we in any other case wouldn’t have due to our expat good friend, Donna.
We walked all over the place, ate tasty meals, and loved the bands that play throughout this musical, cultural metropolis.
San Miguel de Allende
This might be our first time in San Miguel, a vacation spot that could be very in style with retirees and expats. We’d heard it’s a really picturesque place, much like Guanajuato Metropolis, however extra “polished”.
After 2 weeks right here, I’d say that’s a reasonably honest evaluation.
We weren’t right here to expertise simply the colonial metropolis, we have been additionally on a mission to go to the encompassing cities and the wineries of Guanajuato state.
And whereas we most popular the varietals on the Baja, we have been blown away by the distinctive wineries and incredible meals within the space. Once more, I can’t consider we didn’t know Mexico produced such incredible wines!
One more merchandise so as to add to the checklist of explanation why we love Mexico.
Now What?
After I talked about at the beginning of this text that we felt quite a lot of uncertainty, overwhelm and indecisiveness this yr, it principally began once we weren’t positive the place to go from San Miguel.
It was the start of July at this level, and we have been completely not sure of what to do.
We needed to return to Canada to go to the remainder of our households. It had been three years and we have been overdue for a go to for positive. With guidelines, laws, and restrictions actually altering each day, it made (makes) planning virtually unattainable.
We have been continuously checking the web to see what the Canadian authorities was selecting to do.
With a 2 week quarantine on arrival (3-5 days of which have been spent in a lodge at our personal value), and three PCR assessments — restrictions on getting into the nation have been actually strict, even for residents at this level.
We didn’t need to cope with any of that, so we determined to attend it out.
The place ought to we go within the meantime?
We had 2 months left on our Mexico visa, ought to we simply keep right here? No. It was time to maneuver on. Go to Europe? No, that was too distant from Canada.
Central America? Possibly, however we weren’t actually “feeling it”. Again to Grenada? We needed to, however once more, numerous restrictions for getting into.
We actually felt like we have been in limbo, till…
The Excellent Plan Types
One night whereas we have been in San Miguel de Allende I had a thought.
Me: “Hey, who’s taking good care of your hassle’s home in Montana? He hasn’t been in a position to cross the land border from Canada for greater than a yr now…”
Nick: “I don’t know, why?”
Me: “Weren’t you saying you needed to stay in a cabin within the woods, by a lake, and go fishing day by day? Possibly we might go there.”
Nick instantly picked up the cellphone. The concept was sensible and actually, Nick’s brother wished we had considered it sooner as he actually needed a home sitter.
Inside a few days, we have been on a flight certain for the USA.
A Peaceable Time in Montana
It had been a yr and a half since we’d been in a rustic with English as the primary language.
It’s one thing we don’t usually take into consideration when travelling the world, however with the ability to talk precisely what we would have liked whereas within the USA made our keep way more streamlined.
Despite the fact that Nick’s brother had owned the home for greater than 2 years, this was the primary time we’d seen the summer time dwelling we’d be staying at.
As quickly as we pulled into the driveway, we knew it was precisely what we needed (wanted) at that time. Surrounded by forest and only a brief stroll from the lake, we have been trying ahead to the subsequent 2 months!
Many Canadians personal summer time properties within the neighbourhood we have been in, however because of the land border between Canada and the USA being closed, nobody might drive throughout…
This was very unlucky for the Canadians with empty houses in Montana, however for us, it meant we had the entire place just about to ourselves.
Our solely neighbours have been deer, and the one sounds we heard have been the wind and birds. It was probably the most peaceable place.
For 2 months, we loved the Massive Sky state — a spot the place it felt like life was utterly regular.
Our days have been full of nothing however fly fishing, climbing, swimming, and exploring small cities. And, each weekend, we rocked out at an outside live performance with tons of of individuals at a close-by venue!
Life was good.
Returning House After 3 Years Away
As we had hoped, throughout our keep in Montana the Canadian authorities modified the foundations for residents returning dwelling! So, we made a transfer north and simply drove throughout the land border from Montana into the province of Alberta.
There was no quarantine, however we did need to fill out some on-line paperwork, do a PCR check earlier than going, and an at-home check once we arrived.
We didn’t care although, we have been trying ahead to seeing our households! Over the course of 5 weeks, we travelled by land from Alberta into the province of British Columbia.
We spent high quality time with our nieces, siblings, mother and father, grandparents, aunts and uncles and buddies. A lot of reminiscences have been made and many overdue hugs and chats have been had. We even managed to do some fishing and climbing!
It was a beautiful journey again dwelling connecting with the essential folks in our lives. However, after 5 weeks, we have been prepared to maneuver on once more.
Once more, we made a last-minute determination (actually 4 days earlier than flying) to go to Europe!
European Travels
Europe is our favorite continent. Despite the fact that every nation is kind of small (particularly when in comparison with Canada), all of them provide distinctive cultures, cuisines and topography.
Enjoyable Occasions in Amsterdam
It appears unattainable given how in style this metropolis is, but it surely was our first time visiting Amsterdam — and it didn’t disappoint!
The mindset and openness of the folks and their progressive methods of pondering and doing issues are fascinating. Plus, town is extremely picturesque with canals and beautiful structure.
We joined a strolling tour, took a ship down the canals, checked out road markets, noticed stay music, went to quite a few bars and eating places, visited the Rijksmuseum …and walked all over the place.
At some point we popped right into a wine store (as we frequently do!) and the proprietor requested us if we’d been in there earlier than as we regarded acquainted.
We stated no and proceeded to style some wine with them. After some time, it clicked and AJ says: “Wait, you’re Goats On The Street!” His spouse, Malory, however, had no clue who we have been!
Proper then, all of us began speaking a mile a minute about journey and residing overseas.
Then, they invited us out the subsequent evening to one in all their favorite “brown cafes” (a neighborhood neighbourhood pub). Good instances have been had and once more, it was so nice to attach with like-minded folks.
On prime of that, we loved day journeys by practice to Haarlem and Zaandam after which biked round these areas. We jampacked our 5 days in and round Amsterdam earlier than taking a practice to Belgium.
Beers in Bruges and Brussels
Subsequent up, per week in Belgium — one other new nation for us.
The Center Age, Gothic-style structure in Bruges is totally beautiful. And it’s not only a few buildings right here and there — all of the buildings, houses (and pubs!) are charming.
Many individuals do a day journey to Bruges, however we determined to spend 3 nights and are so glad we did.
After all, we did lots of the typical issues (canal experience and making an attempt waffles, fries, and chocolate) however since we had extra time within the metropolis, we have been in a position to see and do a bit extra.
We sat and had dinners with locals and chatted with them about life in Belgium. Plus, we explored the parks and windmills and sampled many Belgium beers and meals (at many locations).
From there we moved on to the capital of Brussels. And whereas we thought the Grand Place with its UNESCO-listed structure was extremely beautiful, Brussels simply didn’t WOW us like Bruges.
For us, there was simply one thing lacking — it lacked the vibe of Amsterdam and the great thing about Bruges. Fortunately, our subsequent vacation spot didn’t lack something…
In Love with Slovenia!
Slovenia was a part of former Yugoslavia, gaining independence in 1991. As of late, Slovenia is a member of the EU and is bordered by Croatia, Austria, Hungary, and Italy.
For years now, we’ve all the time needed to go to Ljubljana, the capital metropolis of Slovenia.
We joined a strolling tour (as we all the time do once we first get someplace) to study as a lot as we might concerning the historical past and tradition of Slovenia.
Plus, we wandered across the outdated city and new city, did hikes in Tivoli Park, went on day journeys for fly fishing, visited the fort, and a lot extra!
Town has all of it: a pedestrian-only heart, an enormous park, a canal working by means of town, stunning structure, nice eating places and wine bars, and it’s an awesome base to discover surrounding areas.
As we might study throughout our 3-week keep, there’s a lot extra to the small nation than simply the gorgeous capital.
We rented a automobile for the remainder of our keep and explored the pristine Soča Valley with its towering alps and crystal-clear rivers, whereas fly fishing with a information for Marble Trout.
We spent a while climbing and fishing in and round Lake Bled — which needs to be one of the picturesque locations on the planet.
We have been blown away by the sheer dimension of the Postojna Cave, whereas the Predjama Citadel constructed into the aspect of the mountain was one thing out of a fairytale.
However, there was extra to return.
Slovenia is thought for its wine manufacturing, but it surely’s not all that well-known exterior of the nation as they don’t do quite a lot of exporting.
Our subsequent cease was the gorgeous Brda area — the Tuscany of Slovenia.
Our small residence had beautiful views of the vines and whereas it was just about the low season, we loved the autumn colors of the vineyards with fewer crowds.
We spent 3 days within the area, driving throughout to scenic lookout factors and small cities. We even employed a driver for a full day of vineyard visits…and many ingesting.
It was the proper place to spherical off our 3-week keep in Slovenia. There’s a lot extra we need to see and do on this underrated nation, and I’m positive we’ll return.
Street Tripping By way of Croatia
From Slovenia, we drove south down the coast of Croatia. The last word aim was to satisfy up with Tom and Anna for a rendezvous in Montenegro!
However, somewhat than simply beeline it by means of the nation, we determined to cease in at Zadar, a metropolis we hadn’t been to prior to now, and return to Dubrovnik.
Because it turned out, Zadar is an unbelievable city. With Roman and Venetian ruins, stunning sunsets, and its location proper on the coast, we might’ve spent longer than 3 days right here.
We joined a strolling tour and realized so much concerning the historical past of Zadar, ate some scrumptious meals and loved the proper location of our Airbnb.
What an awesome shock!
From Zadar, we continued on and spent an evening within the stunning, in style metropolis of Dubrovnik, earlier than persevering with on.
Assembly Mates in Montenegro
Tom and Anna had been residing in Albania and we have been in Slovenia. So we regarded on the map and got here to an settlement on the place to satisfy up. Montenegro was the nation of alternative!
This might be our second time within the nation, however we went to utterly new locations this time round.
Along with our buddies, we road-tripped across the small, various nation for 2 weeks whereas staying collectively in an olive grove dwelling in Ulcinj, a 3-story lake home in Skadar, and in a contemporary lakefront residence close to the city of Perast.
To finish the journey, we every obtained a room at an adults-only luxurious lodge within the Bay of Kotor.
What was so nice about this highway journey collectively was we actually obtained to see quite a lot of the nation. Every journey day, we might cease in at totally different sights on our strategy to the subsequent lodging.
Highlights of the journey embody visiting the outdated city of Bar, taking a ship across the Bay of Kotor for Nick’s birthday, the wineries of Skadar, the surprising coastal and seaside walks in Ulcinj, and the beautiful drive from Kotor as much as Lovcen Nationwide Park.
The views from the 30 or so hairpin activates the drive to Lovcen have been beautiful. However, probably the most unbelievable view was discovered within the Nationwide Park on the Mausoleum of Petar II Petrovic-Njegos — a must-see!
After many laughs and reminiscences made through the two weeks collectively, it was time to half methods with our buddies.
We drove again by means of Croatia, this time stopping in Break up for per week to take pleasure in some downtime, numerous coastal and forest walks, and incredible meals. And, to plan our subsequent strikes.
Christmas Market in Frankfurt
Everybody ought to go to a European Christmas market in some unspecified time in the future of their lives. This might be our first time experiencing one, and whereas issues positively weren’t “regular”, it was nonetheless fairly magical.
The pedestrian-only space was full of wood huts serving up conventional sausages, fries, scorching wine (and beer!), yummy desserts and different greasy snacks.
We loved ourselves surrounded by fellow travellers and locals having fun with quite a few cups of mulled wine. The world was full of vibrant lights, an enormous Christmas tree, and vacation music.
And, other than bulletins regarding COVID blasting from the loudspeaker once in a while, police ensuring everybody was carrying masks (besides once you’re ingesting, you don’t need to), and the lowered opening hours, it felt very festive.
We’re simply grateful the market in Frankfurt wasn’t cancelled, as so many in Europe have been.
South America Sure
With increasingly measurements and restrictions coming into place in Germany and its neighbours (and with the winter season approaching), we knew it was time to depart Europe.
We’d heard a couple of month prior that Argentina had reopened to the world. After greater than a yr and a half of whole lockdown, this was thrilling information!
It was time for us to maneuver from the northern hemisphere to the south, and to the western aspect of the world.
Our very lengthy (26 hour) journey took us from Frankfurt (Germany) -> Houston (USA) -> Buenos Aires (Argentina).
Buenos Aires
The final time we visited Argentina was again in 2017, and to be trustworthy, we weren’t overly in love with Buenos Aires — one thing was lacking. This time round, nevertheless, we actually loved our keep!
Our residence within the Palermo Soho neighbourhood was surrounded by cute parks, road artwork crammed alleyways, bars and cafes, and many boutique retailers.
The locals have been so heat and welcoming and we had some nice experiences with strangers at wine bars, cafes and parks. Plus, we ate at some fabulous eating places, together with the thirteenth greatest restaurant on the earth, Don Julio.
I believe the place we stayed within the metropolis was the primary motive we most popular our go to this time.
South to Patagonia
After 5 days in bustling Buenos Aires, we took a flight south to town of Bariloche within the Lake District of Patagonia.
Right here is the place we’ve been basing ourselves for the previous couple of weeks and it’s the place we’ve celebrated Christmas and can ring within the New Yr.
We’ll be staying in 4 totally different locations over the course of a month, which is type of annoying, however since we booked so final minute (with a lot uncertainty, you need to as of late…) and it’s the vacation season, we’re fortunate to have discovered anyplace to remain!
The primary residence was for two weeks and it was excellent. With a stunning view of Lake Nahuel Huapi and the encompassing mountains, it was an awesome place to base ourselves and luxuriate in close by hikes, seashores, rivers and eating places.
Sadly, Nick has been sick with strep throat for a lot of our time right here in Bariloche. Possibly it was because of the lengthy journey days? Altering climates? A brand new surroundings? Stress? No matter it was, it was fairly tough for him, however fortunately he’s on the mend and we will get again to having fun with ourselves.
Being surrounded by nature right here within the Lake District is the proper place to give attention to our targets and goals for 2022 and to essentially take into consideration what we wish for the brand new yr.
Is Journey Value it Proper Now?
Admittedly, travelling as of late isn’t simple. It may be traumatic, costlier attributable to testing necessities, and fairly frankly, airports merely aren’t a enjoyable place to be proper now.
There are quite a few logistics to consider in the case of what paperwork you want, what the doorway necessities are, and what restrictions are in place once you arrive.
These are a few issues realized this previous yr of travelling across the globe.
We should be organized — extra so than common
There’s a lot to determine as of late, so Googling and becoming a member of journey/expat teams has actually helped us out to know precisely what we have to convey, put together, or do as a way to journey to the nation.
We did our analysis, after which continued to analysis up till the day we left — issues modified each day in some instances.
Minimizing flights
The aim this yr was to go by land and reduce flights when doable, which we did.
The airports are loopy as of late with a great deal of further hassles and safety/well being measures. However, should you journey by practice, bus, automobile, or campervan, the land borders are usually way more lenient and fewer overwhelming.
For us, taking the practice in Europe, and driving our rental automobile throughout borders was easy and pleasurable. It was a stamp-and-go scenario usually, or within the case of the EU, there’s no stamping and primarily no borders.
After we went to airports, we needed to arrive hours prematurely to verify we had our paperwork so as. It felt like all we have been doing was continuously exhibiting our paperwork to totally different folks on the airport.
Plus, there was nothing however ominous bulletins about COVID and well being over the loudspeakers, seat separators within the boarding areas, and in Germany, police coming by to verify your masks was on completely.
To not point out, carrying a masks for a lot of hours on a airplane isn’t the simplest or most comfy factor to do! After all, flying is a should in lots of instances, however we tried to restrict our flights and once we did, it was a extra relaxed journey for positive.
Reserving with free cancellation
Most airways have eliminated their flight change charges, however not all of them. When it got here to reserving flights, we checked their insurance policies and in the event that they didn’t provide free flight adjustments, we’d pay further for “versatile fares”.
We moved our flight to Argentina a few instances, and it didn’t value us something in change/cancellation charges. We merely needed to pay the distinction within the fare (which, because it turned out, was lower than we booked so we obtained a credit score!)
The identical goes for reserving rental vehicles and accommodations and Airbnbs. We’ve been ensuring there are good cancellation insurance policies in place (simply in case) earlier than reserving and paying.
Simply go for it!
Our aim for the yr was to attach with folks and to journey. Simply go was the motto. If you happen to really feel secure now, journey whilst you can (should you can) as tomorrow isn’t promised.
The federal government web sites make it look like it’s unattainable to go to their nation, whereas dwelling international locations could make it tough so that you can come again.
To not point out, entrance necessities are all the time written in a really complicated method.
However, many individuals are travelling proper now. It’s doable.
And when you’re on the highway, you’ll notice that it’s not likely that difficult and half the time the paperwork that have been so annoying to arrange gained’t even be checked by anybody…
Journey is totally doable and should you give your self sufficient time to plan and analysis, you’ll have a superb journey! Exploring our stunning world is most positively price the entire present complications and roadblocks.
Not solely does the journey trade want our assist, however when you arrive at your vacation spot, the planning overwhelm simply melts away and all that’s left to do is take pleasure in your journey.
We’re extremely grateful and grateful for the travels we have been ready to do that yr!
Targets and Ideas for 2022
As we spherical out 2021 and look ahead to 2022, there are many issues we need to accomplish — most of that are associated to enterprise and our private lives.
You’ll discover that this text isn’t associated to enterprise in any respect. This yr, we principally managed our groups and didn’t spend all that many hours on our laptops. We have been extra centered on our private lives and travelling.
Whereas it’s nice that we’ve constructed our companies in a method that they produce passive earnings, we need to be extra concerned with our web sites once more.
This yr of “connections” has reminded us how essential our private connections with folks actually are, and that features you… our readers.
We actually need to be extra private on this weblog once more and have enjoyable connecting with the individuals who learn this weblog once in a while.
Press Journeys and Campaigns
We’re really beginning the yr off with two actually thrilling press journeys. One has been provided right here in Argentina by means of our area of interest web site, whereas the opposite is for Goats On The Street someplace within the Caribbean. We’ll announce that quickly, so keep tuned for updates on these!
We’re actually blissful to see partnerships within the journey sphere persevering with even amid the entire chaos, and we look ahead to working along with extra manufacturers because the yr progresses.
Being Artistic Once more
We’ll be specializing in being extra artistic. This yr I hardly wrote an article right here on GOTR, I barely posted on Instagram and we didn’t create a single video for our Youtube channel!
Whereas I don’t remorse it, as we have been busy having fun with being within the second and travelling the world, we each actually benefit from the artistic aspect of our companies.
2021 was spent principally managing our group of content material creators, however for 2022 we’re each feeling the pull to get again into it. We’re trying ahead to connecting with you extra by means of our articles, our publication and social media channels.
If you happen to haven’t carried out so but, make sure that to subscribe to our publication right here.
Have a Correct Base
Our subsequent main aim is to have a house.
Someplace that we will name “dwelling” year-round and use as a base to discover from.
We’ll be spending the yr trying to find that excellent spot.
Ideally, that vacation spot would have forests, mountains, seashores, and rivers. A spot with numerous facilities, a neighborhood of like-minded folks, and exquisite lodging for lease (oh, and Nick says he wants there to be fly fishing).
Our excellent place would have quite a lot of eating places, incredible wine, and quite a few enjoyable issues to see and do. I’d prefer it to be inexpensive, comfy, and have an excellent vibe. It additionally must be well-connected to different elements of the world.
That’s not asking for an excessive amount of, proper?!
This “pull” for a spot to name dwelling has develop into stronger over the previous yr. We each actually loved residing in Playa del Carmen for 8 months and prior to now, we’ve liked having a house in Grenada. However, these have been all short-term.
We’re able to have an tackle to placed on kinds.
We’re able to have a spot to depart our private possessions once we’re away travelling as an alternative of regularly promoting or donating after which rebuying.
We’re prepared to totally unpack our stuff for longer than a few months.
We’re able to have full-time buddies and neighborhood.
Thank YOU!
Nick and I need to thanks for following our journey this previous yr and all of the years prior. Lots of you’ve gotten caught with us by means of so many alternative iterations of this weblog and of our running a blog journey.
We’re blissful to say that for these of you who take pleasure in our private journey tales and day-to-day lives, that content material might be returning in a giant method in 2022. We need to re-connect with this unbelievable on-line neighborhood of like-minded “goats”.
2021 was all about wanting to attach and work together with folks, and whereas we would not have met up with you in particular person, we actually do admire the entire emails you ship us, and the feedback you allow on our articles, movies, and social posts.
Our Tribe is what retains this web site going and with out you, there can be no Goats.
Wishing you an plentiful, wholesome, joyful new yr.
Dariece and Nick
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The put up Wanting Again on 2021: A Yr of Connections appeared first on Goats On The Street.
