Here are my favorite and most memorable moments of 2014. I can't imagine a more emotional and rewarding year (but get back to me in like 60 years and I'll let you know):
Taking one last nap with my Grammy Linda
And the tears have started already. We lost Grammy Linda "GL" to cancer at the beginning of this year. She lived life to the fullest. I took this philosophy to heart in 2014, and I have to say it is a great formula. I'm lucky I got to take a great nap with her at the beginning of this year. I will miss her.
Starting 2014 in China
Its hard to believe only a year ago I was sitting on a flight to Shanghai! As the man sitting next to me ordered milk to go with his Chinese noodles, I thought "what in the world have I gotten myself into..." I ended up having a blast learning about Chinese culture, visiting the bund, eating dumplings and experiencing real jetlag. It was a great way to begin 2014!
Getting to know new friends in Turkey
Turkey was my second stop on "a year around the world." What a cool country! Even better, I got to know some really amazing girls.
Dream Job= Landed
It's amazing how quickly things can turn around. After a few notable rejections, I somehow managed to land the internship of my dreams in Providence, RI. Not only did I fall in love with the company, I fell in love with the city. My apartment was in a gorgeous refurbished knife factory. I walked to work everyday. I ate delicious local food. I met some wonderful new friends. Lobster Rolls. Del's Lemonade. I guess I did something right because that dream internship turned into a dream job offer. Now Eric and I are headed back to Providence this May!
Spending the Fall in Paris
Ah Paris. Three months of croissants, sparkly lights and the home base for my exploration around Europe. I'm sure you read all about it in my other posts so I won't bore you with too many details. What I loved the most about Paris is how extreme it is. What I disliked most about Paris is how extreme it is. This made for a very exciting and exhausting twelve weeks. There is no grey area in this city. They have the stinkyest cheese, the prettiest buildings and the most confident of people. I loved every minute of it. Even the frustrating minutes.
Sipping Rosé in Provence
Little known fact: there are parts of France that are not Paris. Provence is one of these places and I love it. In fact I love any place where rosé costs less than water. Line in the sand: I love when any drink costs less than water. It's thrilling. I love coming home and saying "and in Mexico the beer costs less than WATER, can you believe it??" They usually cannot believe it so I say it again.
Afternoon Tea in London
When people say "what did you love most about Paris??" I usually tell them London. Nothing against Paris, but London is where it's at. Royals, Paddington Bear, scones, crumpets, Big Ben and afternoon tea...
Watching the Sunset in Croatia
Truth be told, I don't know that I even knew Croatia existed until this year. That's kind of embarrassing, but also probably why the country isn't the worst. Its not riddled with other 20 somethings looking for the next "un"discovered part of the world. I give it a year.
Eating Frites Everything in Bruges
Recently Eric and I watched a movie about Bruges. It turns out there are things to do in Bruges other than eating and drinking. This was news to me. Then again, I can't imagine wanting to spend my time doing anything other than eating frites.
Crossing Carrick-a-Reed Rope Bridge in Ireland
Experiencing Flamenco in Seville
Having an Authentic White Christmas in Switzerland
Eating a $3 Fish Dinner in Marrakech (twice!)
After a year like this one, my bank account leaves much to be desired. In fact, if anyone wants to steal my identity, have at it. Poor Marrakech found itself at the tail end of my travel budget (by budget I of course mean obsessively refreshing my account balance). Luckily Marrakech was like, no problem, im real cheap. Like REAL cheap. One of our favorite Moroccan meals was had at a fish stall in the middle of the medina, right next to the chicken stall that "guaranteed, no diarrhea." I'm just not comfortable with those odds. Anyways.... for $3 we ate a feast. It was so good, we went back on our last night.
Getting Engaged
This was so monumental it deserves its own blog post, heck it deserves its own blog! For now I will leave you with some pictures and try my best to put into words what was going through my mind. It was without a doubt the best moment of my entire life.
omg is he....?
yup, I'm pretty sure he is!!
I can't believe this is actually happening!! Wait is this actually happening?!
I think I'll kiss him now.
let me get a better look at this thing...
