Green man sculpture at Lost Gardens of Heligan in Cornwall, England.
Blessed thus far with good health in my retirement, I have seized the opportunity to travel as much as possible - this year even more so. Of the 366 days in 2016 I have been out of Alberta 274, with 204 of them out of Canada. This year I have visited 13 countries and spent 8 weeks house sitting with pets – in Canada, the Netherlands and New Zealand. I have had a mix of short and longer stays with family and friends and Airbnb hosts plus the occasional hotel stay.
Travel essentials: passport and hat for shade.
My 2016 started in Panama where, unusual for me, I attended a New Year’s Eve party in a Panama City penthouse with my Airbnb host. That month I made a 10 day visit to Curaçao before returning to see another area of Panama.
University of Panama outdoor art.
Iguana mural in Willemstadt, Curaçao.
February and March saw me on Vancouver Island with stays in Victoria and Courtenay, where I appreciated the early spring. During the year I managed both a spring and an autumn trip to Southern Alberta, a favourite area where I visited friends and relatives. Wherever I went, I enjoyed outdoor art and here are just a few samples.
In Ireland, Walls of Waterford mural brightens a community garden.
Take a seat in Breda, The Netherlands.
By June I was in England checking out some places my ancestors had lived. From there I went on to Scotland and Ireland before pausing for 6 weeks in the Netherlands to visit friends and look after their dog while they had a holiday in Canada. After that I was on the move for 3 ½ weeks enjoying autumn in 8 European cities.
Goat in Riga, Latvia. New Zealand Fern in Christchurch Botanic Garden.
Seeking summer again, I was back in Alberta just a month before setting off once more. My year is ending quietly in New Zealand with two small dogs to care for.
Giant butterfly at Eden Project, Cornwall, England.
Lethbridge Alberta overlooking the Viaduct or High Level Bridge, 1909.
From the year I have many good memories of friends, old and new, beautiful gardens, interesting architecture, museums and art, memorable meals and books. Sometimes I think I would like to be settled again, and in due course I will be, but for now I am fully appreciating this stage of my life.