It was very hard to create a top 10 after visiting 7 countries in 2016 but these are the ones that instantly came to mind (this will probably also give you an insight into how my mind works too!).
Number 10: Hiring a motorbike in crazy Vietnam
Vietnam will always stick in my memory as the one place I’ve struggled to enjoy so far, but one experience there is on my list. We have hired vehicles in other Asian countries including India so we’re not in the least put off by the scare mongering that surrounds motor bike hire in Vietnam. However nothing can prepare you for the roads on a bike, in a car or even a pedestrian or passenger on a bus. The rules of the road are completely none existent so seeing the country this way was so thrilling it had to make my top 10!
Number 9: Getting piss wet through on a moto in Langkawi
Another motorbike story… I’m sure Langkawi is a pretty place in the sunshine but it pretty much rained on and off the whole time we were there. We still enjoyed our time there exploring the whole island and really should have known better than to head out for the day with no waterproofs at all but we did and low and behold whilst on our way home from the other side of the island the heavens opened in spectacular style. The motorway flooded completely and without full face helmets on the rain and spray from the road felt like bullets! We arrived at our hotel shivering and dripping with no choice but to both jump straight into a hot shower fully clothed till we warmed through!
Number 8: G catching a shark infront of the locals in Ko Lanta
We loved our time island hopping in Thailand and can’t wait to visit again to fit in some more. G bought a fishing rod in Langkawi but unfortunately the island does not offer the best opportunities in catching anything so when we got to Thailand he was determined to go out every night and fish the coastline to prove he can catch fish. After spending more money on king prawns for bait than we spent a day on food for ourselves, he headed to the pier to fish. There was lots of locals there too as well as some young kids meeting up on their scooters. One of the boys left his girlfriend so she came over to us to watch G fish. Suddenly the end of his rod Nodded down. G excitedly jumped up to reel in his catch and low and behold on the end of the line was a shark! Only a small one but a shark none the less. The young girl ran to tell the other locals who then gathered round to watch G cast off again all eager to see what he could catch next. Unfortunately there were no more takers but it was a pretty cool moment.
Number 7: Seeing elephants and leopards in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is an amazing country and with only a short amount of time there we could only do a couple of destinations. Neither of us have ever been on safari so we decieded we couldn’t pass the opportunity. After a shaky start to the tour with many other vehicles all trying to see the animals too we were totally rewarded by seeing our first ever leopard chilling in the early morning sun on top of a rock. That image we thought at the time would be the highlight of the trip until an hour or so later we actually found wild elephants too!
Number 6: Taj Mahal in India
India is crazy! Lots of people we meet love the country where as I think we loved many parts of it but are also overcome with frustration too. One part though was not only the highlight of the trip to India but also one of my favourite moments ever! I still can’t describe seeing the Taj Mahal only to say that being there even when touching the beautiful marble surface does not feel real. It’s like it’s a projector that you stand infront of for a really beautiful photograph! The whole time I was there I couldn’t believe what I was seeing.
Number 5: G teaching me how to snorkel in Ko Lipe
Ko Lipe is such a stunning place. Probably the most relaxed and chilled we have been on our trip so far. I still can’t believe how amazing the powder white beaches felt on my toes and how clear the blue seas are full of fish. I’ve always been pretty scared of the sea but after getting more confident in swimming in it I decieded it was time to start snorkelling and I’m so so glad that I did. I’m now obsessed with it!
Number 4: Everyday in Cambodia but especially seeing the dolphins
Cambodia has completely stolen my heart. I loved every day we were there and everything about it. I had a spine chilling whole body quivering moment that smacked me hard in Cambodia that was one of a few since I came travelling that makes me so happy to be on the road. We took a small boat out onto the Mekong river in search of the rare Mekong river dolphin. I didn’t have much faith in seeing one so settled into enjoy a morning boat trip and chatting to the boatman. I thought I caught the glimpse of a fin in the distance but quickly dismissed it as a wave. But then I saw another and another then a whole head! We moved closer and found several incredibly beautiful dolphins surrounding our boat for an hour giving us the most amazing wild animal show ever!
Number 3: Sneaking in has to be seeing in the new year at Sydney
Technically we started our Australian road trip at the very end of 2016 and the New Year firework display, I guess is 2017 but we arrived at the harbour in 2016 and as my earliest travel wish it’s on my list my 2016 top 10 moments.
Number 2: G helping me poo at Everest cementing our relationship oh and obviously being at Everest base camp!
Everything about the Himalayas in Nepal was epic. We have been totally spoilt with being in such an extraordinary landscape i could never have imagined I would ever have such an incredible life experience ever it truely was amazing. But as well as the 14 days of jaw dropping scenery and meeting wonderful people along the way, 1 part will always be etched in my memory… Day 10 of our expedition we were at a ridiculous altitude and I was hit with altitude sickness. This compromised of insomnia, exhaustion, inability to breath and the worst migraine ever. It was also day 10 of no bowel movements either and I woke up in agony facing another 6mile climb in the freezing weather. I broke down. G being the wonderful person he was desperate to help me even though there was no way he could. I crouched over the freezing hole in the floor and cried as my head pounded with every effort. I’m not one that believes farting infront of your partner and leaving the door open in the bathroom makes a better relationship so having G outside the door was really embarrassing but I didn’t care I was in in such pain he came in and to anyone that was listening it must have sounded like he was assisting me to give birth! He held my head to try and ease the pain and encouraged me with ‘push you can do it come on!’ It worked and may not be the prettiest memory I have of 2016 but it summed up my toil trekking Everest base camp and that anything is possible with the right person holding your back!
Number 1: The day we booked one way tickets to see the world!!!
Without a doubt the number 1 travel memory for me of 2016 was the day we decieded we were going to see the world. Absolutely no regrets yet and still loving every minute. Infact as with everything you discover in life we both wish we’d started years ago!
I really can’t wait to see where we end up in 2017 but I’m sure that it’s going to be just as awesome, I won’t settle for less 😝
expeditioningloveandstuff 