Compared to my travel stats for 2013 and 2014, this year seems sedentary, with only two continents and eight countries visited. The beginning of 2015 was spent in Texas taking care of my health. And at the end of March, I moved to Paris. Looking back, I can’t believe how much my life has evolved in a mere 365 days.
For the first time in recent memory, I felt perfectly satisfied simply being still. There was no inner voice pushing me to move. I loved having a routine and slipping into the same bed most nights. Despite my contentment, I traveled extensively throughout France. During my multiple campaigns with Atout France {Fall for France/Top French Cities, France Wine Travels, 24 Hours in Paris} and personal trips, I managed to visit ten French Regions: Lower Normandy, Midi-Pyrénées, Brittany, Poitou-Charentes, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, Rhône-Alpes, Burgundy, Alsace, Champagne-Ardenne, and Île-de-France.
I’ve come to realize that quality is far more important than quantity, whether that be shoes, people, or travel. In 2015, I only visited two new countries and marked four items off my to-do list. I’m just fine with that, because the bulk of my travel time was invested in the places that I love most–France, Austria, and Texas.
I’d love it you’d follow along on Instagram {Leah Travels}. My 2016 is already shaping up to be an exciting year.
Mountains
“May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds.” –Edward Abbey
Architecture
“We shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us.”―Winston Churchill
Flowers
“A garden to walk in and immensity to dream in–what more could he ask? A few flowers at his feet and above him the stars.”―Victor Hugo
Sunrise and Sunset
“Lost, yesterday, somewhere between sunrise and sunset, two golden hours, each set with sixty diamond minutes. No reward is offered for they are gone forever”–Horace Mann
Portraits
“Slow down, take time, allow yourself to be wildly diverted from your plan. People are the soul of the place; don’t forget to meet them and enjoy their company as you explore a place.”―David duChemin
Trees
“The tree which moves some to tears of joy is in the eyes of others only a green thing that stands in the way. Some see nature all ridicule and deformity… and some scarce see nature at all. But to the eyes of the man of imagination, nature is imagination itself.”―William Blake
Black and White
“To see in color is a delight for the eye, but to see in black and white is a delight for the soul.”–Andri Cauldwell
Booze
“I feel sorry for people who don’t drink. When they wake up in the morning, that’s as good as they’re going to feel all day.”–Dean Martin
Water
“Eventually, all things merge into one, and a river runs through it. The river was cut by the world’s great flood and runs over rocks from the basement of time. On some of the rocks are timeless raindrops. Under the rocks are the words, and some of the words are theirs. I am haunted by waters.”–Norman Maclean
Street
“There’s something about arriving in new cities, wandering empty streets with no destination. I will never lose the love for the arriving, but I’m born to leave.”―Charlotte Eriksson
Moi
“She was free in her wildness. She was a wanderess, a drop of free water. She belonged to no man and to no city”―Roman Payne
Madame Eiffel
“I look to the right as I cross the bridge and smile to see the tip of the Eiffel Tower soaring over rooftops in the distance on the other side of the river. I’ve seen it in photographs a thousand times, but seeing it in person for the first time reminds me that I’m really, truly here, thousands of miles away, across an ocean from home.”–Kristin Harmel
kathy Rowe
December 25, 2015Just beautiful. I love that you showcase the spot while including yourself but it’s not really all about you. I learn a lot from your photos and think you’re such a natural. I’ll see you in the Spring. I can’t wait to get back.
Liz
December 26, 2015What a beautiful year my dear! Hugs xx
Antonina
December 26, 2015This post is a real treat. Thanks a lot for all the beautiful images.
Erin Marie
December 26, 2015What a beautiful year you’ve had! I love the way you organized your photos. It’s funny because I definitely traveled less this year too, but it was all in order to quit my job. I feel like 2016 is our year for lots and lots of travel. 😉
Raul (@ilivetotravel)
December 27, 2015Beautiful photos. Hard to begin to rank which are my top 10. The lady in the park is a pretty cool one. Glad your year went so well!!
Traveling Ted
December 29, 2015Amazing set of photos that I have enjoyed seeing popping up on my feed. I was a little disappointed not to see a fanny pack section. Perhaps next year?
Jurnal de calatorii
January 2, 2016A beautiful year!!!! Amazing photos!!!!
Success in all projects in 2016!!!
the-worldwide
January 14, 2016You had a great year. Very lucky to see this photographs.