The Year that was, 2009

2009. What a massive year, absolute massive. After bringing it all to a fantastical conclusion over the past few days in Edinburgh for Hogmanay(AWESOME!), I’m back in what is probably the most ‘normal’ place I’ve had during my travels, Colne. So without further adu it’s time to reflect on the year that’s been.

The big goal for this year was to embark on a journey of both a physical and mental nature, I’ve certainly done that! The last three months have been a real eye opener and I’ve got a greater understanding of ‘self’ now. I’m much more comfortable in my own skin and I think that’s starting to show through in a positive nature. 2010 will see an ongoing progression of that!

I had some specific goals lined out at the start of the year and to be honest I can’t say I really hit any of them on the head. More Photography, Learning German and getting Fit as examples. I’ve danced around them, starting but ultimately falling short of what I wanted to achieve. I think the problem with 2009 was sensory overload. There was so much going and at times I got caught up in that and push some things to the back-burner. Nevermind, there is always this year!

There has been a great deal of highlights this year and very few lowlights, infact to be honest I can’t even think of any lowlights! That’s always a good thing! The motto for the year was ‘travelling to learn’ so it’s no surprise that my top five experiences are all related to things on the the road.

5.) Luzern Konzertsaal

I’ve always enjoyed classical music so the opportunity to see a performance of Vivaldi’s four seasons in Luzern was not to be missed. It didn’t disappoint, it was a magical experience! Classical music has such a positive effect on me and really gets the creative juices flowing. I need to seek out more performances in 2010.

4.) November’s Musical Madness

Continuing on a musical theme, between Oct 31st to Nov 27th I went to a plethora of gigs. Dream Theater, Muse, Arctic Monkeys, Eagles of Death Metal, Lily Allen and Motorhead to be precise! Muse stands out as being the best gig, although Lily was absolutely fantastic, not to mention scorchingly hot! Gigs in Europe are so cheap compared to Australia, it’s startling. I intend to see as much live music as I can in 2010, La Roux and Muse are already confirmed…..

3.) Walking from Bath to Bristol

Despite holding a valid rail pass for the 15 mile from Bath to Bristol I made the decision to walk via the famous Bristol railway path instead! The main influence behind my decision was to test out my body to see how I would cope in preparation for walking the El Camino de Santiago in 2010. Walking solo through the countryside was one of the most rewarding experiences of the year, even if I was absolutely exhausted by the end of it! In the midst of the physical exertion and sometimes challenging conditions I had some very spiritual experiences, revolving around what’s really important in life. I can see why the El Camino is such a popular spiritual experience for people. Bath to Bristol may have just been a sampler, but it was great!

2.) Experiencing Berlin

What a magical city. I missed out on Berlin back in 2006, despite being in Germany for over a month for the World Cup and wow, did I miss out! Berlin has such positive energy for a city which has been under oppression for the best part of the last century. I heard somewhere that Berlin now has the largest concentration of Artists in Europe, due to cheap warehouses and the many sources of inspiration. There is so much to see in Berlin, after all it was the central point of all the major events of the 20th century! All I can say about Berlin is if you haven’t been, go now and if you have been go again! You can read about my experiences here

1.) The People I’ve met.

What’s really made this year special has been the great people I’ve met. I’m constantly amazed by the great friendships you can make travelling on the road. Perhaps it’s the shared feeling on isolation that brings people together, whatever the reason I’ve met some truly inspiring people this year and have formed friendships that will last for a long time. In addition, I’ve also had the brilliant experiences of meeting my extended English family. It’s been absolutely fantastic and the way I’ve been welcomed into the family by everyone, it really has left me truly in awe of the human capacity for kindess and compassion.

That about wraps up the year. I’d like to thank everyone who has supported me through the year and finish off with a recognition of those great new friendships and family bonds that more than any great Castle or Cathedral has truly made 2009 a great year. Thanks to everyone!

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Tagged as: 2009, New Years, Review