Monday, December 31, 2007

A Year in Review

Hi Everyone,

We arrived in Bangkok from Hanoi last Friday. I don't know if Chris' post mentioned, but I have pneumonia and it has put more than a bit of a drag into the holiday season. We spent $400 at a clinic (thankfully we have travellers' insurance) for chest x-rays and bloodwork to find out that my bronchitis never quite went away and that it resurfaced as its ugly cousin, pneumonia. I was prescribed bad ass anitbiotics and rest and I am just starting to feel more alive. This morning we decided to go to a computer mall and by the time we got there, I had to head back to the hotel. Not fun. As the days go on and the antibiotics do their job I feel I am getting better. It has been a long week for me and no doubt, even longer for Chris.

Thinking back on the year, I can't believe how much we have done, seen, eaten and spent. What a year of contrasts in terms of the places we have visited, the people we have met, and our own feelings about all of it. There are times when I have never felt so excited and then times when I have never felt so bored. I feel really thankful that we have had such an awesome chance to do a trip like this, and I have mixed feelings about it almost being over.

In the spirit of New Years Eve I am going to list my 2007 highlights.

Getting engaged on the sand dunes, Erg Chebbi, Morocco
Hot air ballooning over Cappadocia, Turkey
Elephant bath time, Chitwan National Park, Nepal
Donkey ride to Valley of the Kings, Egypt
Getting to know the students at Kilimehewa school, Moshi Tanzania
Walking around in the ancient markets of Damascus and Aleppo, Syria
The beautiful food in Florence
Everest Flight, Kathmandu Nepal
Taj Mahal, Agra India - the gorgeous colours of saris against the milky white marble


I'm sure there are more, but these were the ones that come to mind immediately. It has also been a big year for a lot of our friends at home. There have been some big changes and we are looking forward to seeing new homes, new babies, new puppies, and hearing about new jobs, new romances and other exciting events that have happened since we've been gone.

Anyhow, I hope that everyone had a very happy Christmas. Best wishes for the new year and we'll see you all soon.

xoxo
Paula

9 comments:

  1. Happy New Year Guys!! Look forward to seeing you soon Jo & Damian xx
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  2. Hello , you dont know me but i have been following your journey and loved it!! i am sorry its comming to an end but i bet your both ready to come home. hope your feeling well soon! have a happy new year to both of you!!
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  3. Happy New Year! Paula I hope you get to celebrate a little. Miss you both. I already know the highlight of '08 will be your return. The highlight for me anyway!!
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  4. Happy New Year wish you both the best in 2008.
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  5. wayne mac leanJan 1, 2008 12:39 PM
    happy new years to you both.hope to see you soon,love dad and bonnie
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  6. Happy New Year Paula and Chris, sorry I am a bit slow with my greetings,I to am happy that you will be home soon.We are hitting the road tomorrow for some much needed warm weather . You two have had an awesome trip . Memories for a lifetime, that most of us will only dream about.
    Love Mom
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  7. Happy New Year! I imagine it's hard to believe it's been almost a year already, I've really enjoyed following you guys across the globe. Continue to have a safe journey and keep posting pictures! :) Take care and talk soon!
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  8. I usually do not comment on blog posts but I found this quite interesting, so here goes. Thanks! Regards, P.
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  9. Hi. I read a few of your other posts and wanted to know if you would be interested in exchanging blogroll links?
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