Kinabatangan River, Borneo - July 2009

Current Location

----------

S. Kinabatangan, Sabah, Malaysian Borneo


----------

31 December 2010

Selamat jalan 2010



I was thinking the other day about 2010 and how the year turned out for me. And I think by far, it has been one of my most interesting years, and definitely my most nomadic.

In terms of adventures and new experiences, this was the year for me (although I hope not the last for adventures and new experiences). Three months was the longest I was in one place at one time. I was on 3 different continents, 7 countries, 22 airplanes (at least, but i feel like I'm missing some...).

I was going to write about the past year and what it brought, so I started going through pictures, and then got distracted by one thing, so I’m going to sidetrack briefly to write briefly about ravens. They are huge! I had no idea, but I guess I technically saw my first real life raven this spring in Banff and was enthralled yet terrified of this massive creature which looks like it could feed on small dogs and babies. 

Speaking of babies, another wonderful thing in 2010 was I got to be there (well, basically there) for my lovely Adrienne to have her first baby, Lincoln! And I got to meet Lisa’s little Evan, who was born just after I left for England in 2008! I’m so proud to be able to call these wonderful mommy’s my girls, my friends.

I got to catch up with almost all my girls  all over the world in 2010…some of which I hadn’t seen in years, but felt just like a day had passed when we met up, just with a lot more stories. It was especially great to see all my = Primatology ladies in Calgary, where it all began. Who knows if I’ll ever be back in Calgary, (but K’s wedding?!!), but I know that no matter where this world takes us, and how long it is between seeing each other, it doesn’t really matter. It’ll be like no time passed, just with more stories to tell!  

I’ve also made some really great new friends in 2010, and I hope they know that they won’t be able to get rid of me easily!  Other friendships really solidified their place in my heart this year and for all of these friends, I am truly grateful. 

I’m looking forward to the new year, with more trips to new and excited countries! (the Philippines being the one starting it all off in a couple of weeks), and heading off the relatively unexplored areas of Indonesian Borneo, with the BRINCC expedition! And other than that, I have NO idea what 2011 has in store for me, but if 2010 is anything to go by, it’s sure to be an eventful one.

For ALL of you (and it’s a long list) who nurtured my nomadic ways this year, thank you for letting me sleep on your floor, couch, extra bed, wherever!!And I hope to be able to repay the favour at some point!

This time last year, I would have never thought that this is where I would be bringing in 2011 or who I would be spending it with, and who I would no longer be with. Selamat Datang 2011 - I can't wait.


2010: In memory of Jeff: my coffee, wine, stand-up, and music inspiration.