2011 was a year full of incredible travel experiences. When I look back, my mind automatically drifts to the numerous travel moments which amazed or inspired me, and the many new friends I made. Waking up amidst a sea of icebergs in Alaska, witnessing a romantic moment in Petra, searching for the best viewpoints in Hong Kong, skydiving in Costa Brava, tucking into a divine lunch at El Celler de Can Roca and meeting the master chef Ferran Adriá at El Bulli were some of the most memorable travel experiences in my life.
I feel very privileged to have had the opportunity to enjoy and share these moments. When I started travel blogging in 2009, little did I know that I would one day experience things which I could previously only dream about. My passion has become a career but I realise only too well that it would not have been possible without the unwavering support of my family, friends and travel blogging colleagues. As I sit here typing this, I can’t help but feel proud of my achievements so far and a great sense of gratitude for the encouragement and help I’ve received. My passion for travel is the driving force behind Velvet Escape but every so often, the words of a reader propels me further:
Dear Keith,
I am writing this email, to say i am a big fan of your travel blog. When i read your “Travelations” story i was so fascinated by your big leap of changing career and following your dreams. Since then i am reading your Velvetescape blog on a regular basis on Facebook as well.
Thank you for such an inspiring story! Love it.
Happy New Year and that 2012 has more stories to follow.
Best,
Grace
A huge THANK YOU goes to my family, friends and last but not least, my readers. I wish you a very happy, healthy and successful 2012.
I look forward to continuing this amazing journey in the new year, one step at a time, and fulfilling more of my dreams and sharing them with you. I leave you with one of my favourite travel quotes and my favourite 2011 photo that aptly portrays Lao Tzu’s wise words.
A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step – Lao Tzu
Hi Keith,
Inspiring post & Quite interesting to see how far you travel from your place.
Have a great 2012.
Regards/Uma KM
Haha, all thanks to you JohnO! 🙂 Hope to see you this year. have a FAB 2012 mate!
Cheers,
Keith
Hot damn that’s a nice photo of you!
Yes, I did. Very inspiring man. He gave us a tour of his kitchen in El Bulli, then chatted with us and spoiled us with some of his culinary creations. It was a dream! 🙂
You met the Chef of El Bulli!?! I was able to attend a talk hosted by Anthony Bourdain in Vancouver this year and he mentioned how amazing it was to have been able to film one of El Bulli’s last dinner services before closing last year.
I’ll have to hunt down that blog post after writing this.
I just found your blog and am inspired!
I found your post on Normandy just gorgeous and I have to say you sealed the deal for me. I am definitely not just heading directly to Paris during my Europe trip this year. I need to see more of the lovely country.
The Wanderfull Traveler
I didn’t realize you guys got to meet Ferran on that trip…What an awesome experience that had to be. Here’s to a great 2011 and a better 2012…Happy New Year!
Enjoy all your success – you deserve it. Thank you and wishing you all the best for 2012!
You have an amazing 2012, my friend. It’ll be even better and brighter! 😀