Sabbatical Memories
Tomorrow is back to work in Toronto (April 2). In attempt to avoid anxiety, I will reminisce on my past year living in 14 countries. I’m including pictures of myself in these beautiful places in attempt to remember my state of mind during this past year.
Country 1: USA
First stop Houston and Austin visiting with Sheri and family. 
March 2011.
Country 2: Nicaragua
Cindy and I covered a lot of ground over 3 weeks in this beautiful country. This trip was one of my highlights for the year. I’d like to return, especially back to Little Corn Island.
April 2011.
Country 1 (again): USA
I stopped in San Francisco on the way home from Nicaragua for a quick visit and Easter in Delores Park.
April 2011.
Country 3: Canada
Okay I live here normally, but when I’m not working it’s like a whole new place. I had a few weeks back in Toronto before heading out to Europe.
May 2011.
Country 4: France
Paris, Bordeaux, Avignon, Lyon, Reims. Cheese, duck, baguettes, wine, champagne. Good country.
May – July 2011.
Country 5: Spain
Just a quick visit to San Sebastian to eat and the Rioja region to taste wine. I need more Spain.
May 2011.
Country 6: Switzerland
A quick train ride from Lyon to Lausanne for a weekend visit to Ashraf and Maha’s house.
June 2011.
Country 7: Italy
My second time to this amazing place. This time the itinerary was a bit different, Amalfi Coast, Rome, Umbria, Florence, Verona, Valpolicella, Lake Garda. A bit of time on my own visiting wineries mixed in with time with Kath, Tony, Jenny P, and Sylvia.
June 2011.
Country 8: Czech Republic
A great week in Prague with Mel and her cousin Filip. Beer, dumplings, pork knee, and castles.
July 2011.
Country 9: England
A week visiting folks in London and Hastings.
July 2011.
Country 3 (again): Canada
Back from Europe to a flooded basement at my sisters in Toronto. Stayed in Ontario for 3 months, August – October, one month at cottage in Minden area with friends and family, ‘working’ at Norman Hardie Winery in Prince Edward County, and traveling around Ontario visiting friends and tasting wine.
August – October 2011
Country 1 (again): USA
My last big adventure for the sabbatical started in November. The 98 Accord got packed up and I set off for Florida to see mum in her knew home and then flew to SF for another quick visit.
November 2011.
Country 10: Australia
This is my third time to Australia and I still love it. I am fortunate to have friends around the country so lots of fun times. From Sydney (Ali and family) to Melbourne (Tina and Michael) to Perth (Paul, Tina, and family). After SE Asia back to Perth, Brisbane (Tina and family), and Sydney.
Dec 2011 and Feb 2012.
Country 11: Thailand
Just a quick trip to Thailand – Phuket, Chang Mai, and Bangkok. All of SE Asia was travelled by myself (not too many pics of me) – but easy to meet great people along the way.
January 2012.
Country 12: Vietnam
This country has been on my list for some time. The people weren’t as warm as I was expecting and Tet made things a bit hectic, but still loved it. Hanoi, HaLong Bay, Hoi An, Saigon, and the Mekong Delta.
January 2012.
Country 13: Cambodia
The tour of the Mekong ended in Cambodia. I thought it would be a quick visit, but i stayed 2 weeks. Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville, Kep, and a quick visit with Gillian’s sister and family in Kampot. Loved Cambodia.
February 2012.
Country 14: Malaysia
This hardly counts but I did 18 hours in Kuala Lumpur. Enough to walk around, shop, and eat. The towers were pretty cool, but I had no camera (stolen in Sihanoukville) so not many shots from the iPad. One from the flight of all the palm trees (palm oil).
February 2012.
Leaving SE Asia, I went back to Australia (Country 10 above) for my 40th and then back to San Fran/Florida/Toronto (via Bourbon County) in March 2012.
I am finishing this post after one month back in Toronto and back to work. It has been a bumpy re-integration. I guess I could have anticipated it, but it’s been harder than I imagined. After doing whatever I wanted for a year, alarm clocks, cubicles, commutes, Mondays – all very tough. This will pass I’m sure. We are planning a girls trip to NYC for early June so that is something to look forward to. I have no regrets taking this past year off – it has been an amazing ride.
peaceout2011 