Most Memorable Travel Moments of 2015

It’s been quite a dynamic year living this crazy, nomadic lifestyle. Not every moment has been beautiful, but each one adds up to an incredible journey that we’re excited to continue. Some of our most memorable experiences of 2015 were not captured on film. I think that it’s important to have such moments in life – ones where, instead of reaching for your camera, you decide to take a ‘mental picture’ and treasure that experience in a more personal way.

There were, of course, some monumental experiences we were sure to record. I’m excited to share with you our best and worst moments of 2015.

We spent most of our time in Europe this year, touching on the Middle East along the way. We lived in 14 countries, moving in and out of over 30 different temporary homes. We learned a bit of every language we encountered, but find we often speak in the wrong one at the wrong time. The life we’ve chosen can be fast, furious and confusing at times. We wouldn’t have it any other way! Our most memorable moments weren’t all peachy, but they all certainly added to our adventure. Let’s start things off on a positive note…

THE BEST OF 2015

Though many have given us goosebumps, for us it’s not always about seeing iconic sites. Our BEST experiences are the ones that made the worry and stress of the real world float away, reminding us of how lucky we are in the present moment.

#1
Santorini, Greece
Cliff jumping in Amoudi Bay.

Cliff Jumping Santorini Greece

#2
Oludeniz, Turkey
Paragliding from Babadag Mountain

Paragliding Oludeniz Turkey

#3
Dead Sea, Israel
Floating at sunrise.

Floating in the Dead Sea at sunrise.

#4
Butterfly Valley, Turkey
Disconnecting from technology, and living in a beach bungalow.

Beach Bungalow, Butterfly Valley, Turkey

#5
Petra, Jordan
Journey by mule to the Monastery.

Petra, Jordan

#6
Cappadocia, Turkey
Hot air ballooning at sunrise.

Hot air balloon at sunrise - Cappadocia, Turkey

#7
Montenegro
Scenic road-trip through the country.

Road tripping through Montenegro.

#8
Austria
Biking through the Wachau Region.

Biking the Wachau Region, Austria

#9
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Jumping off the ancient walls.

Jumping off the walls of Dubrovnik, Croatia

#10
Venice, Italy
Having the ‘streets’ all to ourselves this winter.

Visting Venice, Italy in the Winter.

THE WORST OF 2015

We are truly grateful that 2015 was a good year overall. We had a smooth start to our journey with only minor bumps and bruises, and some lessons learned along the way. Here are our WORST moments, most of which we can laugh about now. These make the list because they are truly memorable, and because the good would not exist without the bad! 

#11
Andrea slicing her leg on a Champagne bottle.
Barcelona, Spain
This mishap led to 4 stitches and a visit to the famous Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau on the night before our wedding. 

Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau

#12
Andrea wrecking her bike.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Notice a theme? This clumsy move led to more than just ripped jeans (staph-infection), required an additional trip to the doctor and some strong prescriptions while in Copenhagen.

Amsterdam Bike Wreck

#13
Bryan slicing his hand on coral while snorkeling in the Red Sea.
Eilat, Israel
Lots (and lots) of blood, but (thanks to the Israeli nurses) we learned how to tourniquet with just a napkin and that cigarette ash is a great coagulate!

13930622872_a1565047b3_o

#14
Renting an apartment that was directly above a bar.
Kotor, Montenegro
Music was bumping until 3AM every… night… of the week.

Montenegro

#15
The smell of sewage, almost everywhere we live – just pick any place.
Europe
A consistent theme, it seems, throughout many cities in Europe. Good thing the sights tend to make up for the smell!

Lucca, Italy

WHAT’S IN STORE FOR 2016?

We’ve loved our time exploring Europe and dipping our toes into the beauty the Middle East has to offer. We’ve even found a few spots that we are seriously considering as a more permanent place to live. We would like to settle one day, and we feel fortunate to have found so many places that feel like home. Before we slow our roll, our plan is to continue circling the globe and living the nomad life!

Venice, Italy

Time to change it up and switch hemispheres. In 2016 we have big plans to explore new continents, experience new cultures, and get creative with some unique accommodations…

Cheers to new adventures! 

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