Today marks one year since I left Canada on this adventure. I didn’t know what to expect, or how long I would last out in this big, beautiful and daunting world. I have not only survived, but thrived in most instances. On my one year travel anniversary, I want to let everyone know I am safe and happy.
Beginning
I began my adventures in Mexico on the Mayan Riviera in a small and quaint town called Puerto Morelos. I loved it there. It is safe, friendly and a beautiful piece of the country with tropical white sandy beaches and a lively little town.
From there, I flew across country to Puerto Vallarta, my home away from home. I stayed here for a few weeks, entertaining family that came for a visit. It was perfect. I moved up the coast after that, to La Penita de Jaltemba, Guayabitos, Sayulita and back to Puerto Vallarta.
In March, I flew across the globe to Malta and was absolutely blown away by that country. I loved everything about it and will definitely return.
From there I flew to Rome, where I had been once before but will spend countless day again, there is so much to see and do.
Middle
After Rome was Split, Croatia. I really enjoyed Split but would probably not return. It’s a beautiful place but nothing that took hold of my heart and soul like Malta and Rome have.
From there, I spent two months in Plovdiv Bulgaria. I definitely won’t go back. I was met with such unfriendly and downright rude behaviour and people it was a struggle to remain in the city. My Airbnb sucked. I filled my time with seeing as much as I could, and searching for beauty.
Taking a train, I headed for the coast of the Black Sea. Here I spent the month of August in Nessebar. What a lovely little seaside village, so quaint and pretty.
Then it was onto Tivat in Montenegro. I will definitely return to explore more of that little country, but not to Tivat. It is very commercial, bougie and just not my vibe.
Ending but not the End
For September I headed to Salerno. Loved it. A truly working Italian city with all that that brings, good and bad. The street art is amazing, the food incredible and a quick ferry ride brought me to Amalfi. I had the most beautiful Airbnb and will return, if only to use the ferry system to explore more of the Amalfi Coast.
From Salerno I flew to Modica in Sicily. For me, this little ancient Italian village rivals Malta. It felt like home, I loved the warmth of the people. The fresh and affordable food was incredible beyond what I thought possible, and I was enveloped in such beauty everywhere I looked. Sicily, you are definitely in my future.
Next was Antalya, Turkey where I have just left. It was not great to be honest. Both of my Airbnb’s were shitty, even though reviews were numerous and good. The city was bustling, noisy, busy, commercial in every sense. There is very little inherent beauty. Walking around amongst midsized drab apartment complexes, along dirty streets and dodging touts and stares was tiring. The numerous homeless, beggars, stray dogs and the like was upsetting. Won’t be back to that region ever.
There are a few other cities that I visited for shorter stays than one week, but these were the biggies. And now I find myself in beautiful, peaceful Paphos Cyprus. I am thrilled to be here, for this celebratory day. I am in a clean Airbnb; it feels like home. Close enough to the beach and a bus ride away from the city. I can’t wait to explore further.
I have many conflicting emotions, I have definitely had struggles mentally, it has been difficult at times to navigate this world alone. But would I pack it all in and head back to Canada? Not a chance in hell.
