1. Mornings in Kukljica, Croatia
Waking up, seeing the sun rise over a calm Adriatic Sea and taking a plunge with the water all to myself.
2. River Plate v Boca Juniors
The ultimate club football experience. A genuine grudge match in Argentina’s national stadium (in Buenos Aires) with colours, noises and celebrations I’ve never seen before.
3. Driving through Croatia
We spent two months there this summer. Although I’d spent many months during my childhood in my motherland, for some reason the true beauty escaped me – until we drove there and home this summer. It is truly the most stunning country in Europe (for me anyway).
4. Meeting new people and seeing family members
One of the real joys of travelling is the interesting people you meet and friends you make. I met some fascinating characters. But another huge pleasure was spending time with family, from Croatia to France to Florida to Buenos Aires, and introducing them to my family.
5. Views of Quito
Being the highest capital city in the world has some advantages. Although Quito is a vast concrete jungle, there are some superb vantage points. I loved discovering them to take in the spectacular sights.
6. Rock-climbing with Zenchai in Argentina
With temperatures in the 90s, Zenchai and I went into the rocks at Paseo de Mamagotes close to Capilla Del Monte. Wearing flip-flops, Zenchai wasn’t ideally equipped. Some of the rocks were slippery and when he slid early on, he wanted to turn back. But I convinced him to continue, pretending we were on a pirate treasure hunt, and he persevered. He loved it and so did I.
7. Introduction to Hillbilly golf
At a family gathering for Jamie’s mother in Toledo, Ohio in August, a bizarre game was unveiled. It involved what looked like mini-rugby posts but with an added bar on the top. The only other equipment required were six golf balls with rope going through them. The posts are placed about 20ft apart and teams toss the balls by the rope, aiming to hook them on to the posts. The higher the ball sticks, the better the score. Couldn’t believe how much fun it was.
8. Eating ripe, locally-grown watermelons
You may have gathered my favourite fruit is watermelon. It’s not only fantastic for hydrating and full of goodness, but so tasty when chilled. We had our best watermelons in Croatia and Argentina.
9. Hiking Cerro Uritorco
In Capilla Del Monte, Argentina, where we spent Christmas and New Year, one mountain overlooks the region. It's an impressive beast and hiking it one morning after Christmas was unforgettable not only for the views, but also the challenge and the stunning sense of tranquility and connecting with nature.
10. Weekend in Icacos, Trinidad
What a special place, so peaceful, colourful and spectacularly photographic. Lake, beach, sunshine and, above all else, a sense of calm and silence I didn’t experience or find anywhere else on the island.
Oh my God, thank you for sharing...what a pictoral round up. what a gift for your son! I am debating my travel from Jan 14th onwards at the moment, following your blog to help me decide...argnetina, ecuador or chile...
Looking forward to your next post.
Leigh
Posted by: India-leigh | 04 January 2011 at 04:40 AM
Thanks, Leigh. How long do you have to travel from Jan 14? Remember, Argentina is an immense country. Ecuador is much cheaper to get around, but, if going by coach, be warned the drivers are lunatics. Interested to see what you decide on. Good luck.
Posted by: Claude Abrams | 04 January 2011 at 02:27 PM
You've got an Amazing 2010 for you my dear friend. I'm sure 2011 will lead you to a very informative travel experience. Happy new year to you and your family.
Posted by: jobs in australia | 05 January 2011 at 04:14 AM