For weeks before my annual pilgrimage home to Melbourne for Christmas and summer holidays, I always put this post on numerous to-do lists. As though it’s a burden; another thing to do before I fly out. How will I find the time to write it and select photos? What if I run out of time?
And then somehow, it just comes together.
Because just naturally, a couple of weeks before it’s time to leave, I start reflecting. And thinking. And smiling and crying. I’m one of those people. Those suckers who cry watching the news, at strangers weddings, during powerful election campaign speeches and watching romantic comedies. I’m a goner for nostalgia.
And so here I am, in the dead of the night typing away on the notes in my iPhone. Pulling together fragments, memories and emotions of another year gone too fast, but extremely well lived. Well-lived for me, means good and bad. For nothing really is heartwarmingly good if you don’t have the not-so-good to compare it with.
On the work front, 2016 has been a tumultuous year – full of ups and downs but I’ve come out stronger and happier than ever about the experiences I’ve sought and received and the decisions I’ve made. My blog is stronger than ever and I keep working hard to create freelance writing opportunities because they enable me to share my passions with you. In 2016, these opportunities included writing my first articles for CNN Travel, more work for USA Today and Fodor’s and an exciting collaboration coming up this week as I take over the Condé Nast Traveler Instagram account for the day in Dubai (be sure to watch @cntraveler on 15 December). I participated in press trips and blog trips, day spa viewings, restaurant openings and even a social media management job that had me work with one of the most talented and creative film crew ever across Rome and Berlin (watch videos here). I was also selected as one of Italy’s top instagrammers for a special behind-the-scenes look at Italy’s Presidential Palace! Not to mention interviewing Massimo Bottura – the chef and owner of world’s number 1 restaurant, Osteria Francescana in Modena.
On the travel front – work and pleasure – I’ve visited, explored and dined in more cities this year than in any other year of my life.
And I got to do it all with my sister. She took a year off from job and life to travel and spend the year in Rome https://buyingdiazepam10mg.com with me. And it’s meant more to me than anyone will ever know.
Because as much as you try to share and explain to family and friends back home what life is like in Rome, it’s hard really capture the the essence of it. They don’t see what your daily life is like. The good times, hard times, the rewarding moments, the challenges, the fun. But this year, my sister did! She saw it all!
We shared just about everything this year. Travel, a house, friends, a life lived to the fullest in a city and country we both love. If my heart is bursting at the seams each year when I leave Italy, like with everything else this year – it’s as though it’s times two this time around.
Rome won’t be the same. She won’t be the same. I won’t be the same. But that’s life. It’s how you change, how you grow and evolve.
I look back on this year as a true blessing. One day we will both reminisce fondly and laugh, smile and even cry as we talk about that year we lived together in Rome.
The memories we have created together will remain emblazoned in my mind and heart forever.
We also had my mum come and stay, which was also special so close to Christmas!
Finally, as always, thank you. No really, thank you from the very bottom of my humble heart for reading, sharing and commenting on my blog and across social media. If you’re reading this now, you are one of my readers that come from over 100 different countries. On social media you guys now top 25,000.
Because you enjoy and believe in what I do, I’m encouraged always to do more.
I wish you and your loved ones the happiest of holiday seasons. Eat lots and above all, hug your family and friends and stay safe.
Without further ado, as I have every year – in no particular order – here is my 2016 in pictures. Kicking off my year with an Australian summer on the Mornington PeninsulaLove a Dubai layoverSeeing one of my fave people in the world – Adam of Travels of AdamSpecial moments in Paris with my sister on a Flytographer photo shootCollaborating with the City of Paris and the Pullman Tour Eiffel to promote the stunning city of lights. Read More“>Read MoreMy HeartRome Valentine’s Day photo shoot with the lovely Annie of Scooteroma ToursVisiting the Capitoline Museum for the first time!Wine and comfort food moments with special friendsBeing invited to a special behind-the-scenes event at the Italian Presidential PalaceCooking in the Tuscan countryside at a villa in Siena. Read More“>Read MoreSeeing how cool Milan continues to be (thanks to the Baglioni Hotel group)Seeing a Tuscany I’d never seen before at the Baglioni Hotel Cala del Porto (Punta Ala)Having pavlovas for the first time at an ANZAC day event at the Australian Ambassador’s residence in Rome (sweets by the super talented Toni Brancatisano)Moving into a new house! New place, same ‘hood!Celebrating another year older (or wiser?) in Rome with friends and for the first time with my sisterTasting lampredotto (Florence’s fave street food – basically a tripe sandwich)Literally ‘hanging’ out with friendsTreating my friends to a traditional and homemade high teaEaster in Abruzzo & the “Madonna che Scappa” (the Madonna who runs) parade in SulmonaAmazing tour of Cosmati flooring in Rome by Personalized Italy. Read MoreA concert in the ruins – Lionel Richie at the Terme di CaracallaLovely weekends away – like this one in Bath, EnglandSeeing the wonder of the world that is StonehengeLa Traviata at Teatro dell’Opera with all costumes by ValentinoRinging in the Roman summer with cocktails and my sisterTasting a particular sweet of Abruzzo’s, Guardiagrele – Le Sise delle Monache (literally Nun’s Tits!)Dining at Zuma Rome, Palazzo FendiI was fortunate to dine at a number of Michelin starred restaurants around the world this year – here I am at Akellare in San Sebastián (3 stars)Loved loved visiting the Guggenheim Museum in BilbaoSeeing Adele under the stars (& rain!) at the Arena di VeronaLunches with friends that go on forever (like this one at my fave Da Enzo in Trastevere)The sparking waters of Rovinj, CroatiaTrying a rustico for the first time in Lecce (puff pastry filled with tomato sauce, cheese and bechamel). Changed my life!Mesmerising blues of Gallipoli in PugliaBeach views like this in IschiaSailing on private boats around CapriTuscan waters in the Monte Argentario that took my breath awayUsing street art in Ostiense as the coolest backdropMeeting and working with the most amazing crew on the Arabic language TV show, RahaalahMingling with the stars (Michelin that is!) at the Taste of Rome Festival (Roy Caceres, Heinz Beck, Toni Brancatisano and I)Hanging with the hot Italian actor, Raoul Bova for a good cause (Amatrice earthquake appeal event)Working on the coolest project against the backdrop of Berlin street art (photo credit: Otbah Rayess)The excitement and surprise – trying so many new places in Rome and beyondFinding signs of live everywhere – like this pretty heart in OsloUncovering, discovering and exploring. This was me in Tallinn, Estonia – one of my first destination features for CNN TravelVisiting so many places like Helsinki, Finland for the first timeDining at the world’s number one restaurant & meeting the chef! Read More HereInterviewing Massimo Bottura of Osteria Francescana for USA TodayWelcoming friends to Rome from around the worldMeeting special friend in Scotland!Trying haggis in Edinburgh, Scotland!Experience the fascinating, yet complex history of BelfastDinners with strangers – at none other than Noma in CopenhagenUncovering places in Rome for first time – like Palazzo Doria PamphilliSipping on Bicerin in elegant TurinWalking around the Roman film set that is my TrastevereVisiting the Vatican on a wonderfully intimate tour with Walks of Italy. Read More“Good times with friends throughout the yearPizza in the birthplace of pizza – old Napoli!Always heartwarming to visit my parents’ hometown of birthPutting up that tree again – help from my mum and sister made it even more specialSpecial family in time – my mum and sister in Rome at the same time!Checking out the views from the Pincio Terrace for the first timeCatching the annual Christmas tree at St Peter’s SquareLunches with my mum and sister in RomeCatching many a Roman sunset – like this one on my rooftop terraceSeeing the Christmas lights come on across RomeMy annual tradition of putting up my Christmas ornamentsCatch you from Melbourne for a little while my friends!
Signing off from Trastevere (for the last time in 2016),
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