Since it’s the dawn of a new year (one that may very well be our last – you know that whole “End of the World” business and all) I figured it was time to share some of my favourite travel moments from 2011.
Jeremy at Budget Travel Adventures came up with the idea for a “Best of” post and thanks to Michael from Strux Travel, I’m in on the bandwagon now too.
So, without further ado, here are my answers to this year’s travel round-up topics…
Best Domestic Travel Destination 2011
Well, since the only domestic travel destination for me in 2011 was Edmonton, I’m sticking with Calgary. Yes, Edmonton, you’re that bad. (Kidding my love).
The Calgary Stampede parade is something I hadn’t attended in years and since the 2011 parade featured Will and Kate fresh from the altar, I just had to swing by to join the mob.
Here’s what I saw…
If you look close enough you can almost see Prince William’s wristwatch! Let’s zoom in shall we…
Ah yes, I believe it’s a Swatch. And I think Kate’s wearing Sears Roebuck.
I can’t be 100% certain, but I believe Prince Henry, feeling a little left out, made an appearance suitably disguised…
Best Travel Experience 2011
The last 2 weeks of 2011 were the very best of the entire year for me — I spent it with a very special someone (that’s ALL you’re getting out of me).
We spent some time at the Sheraton Krabi Beach Resort and a few days doing next to nothing on Ko Libong in southern Thailand. Even though I was far from home, it was a Christmas to remember, and a splendid way to round out the year.
Best International Destination 2011
That of course, would have to be Thailand. Despite the floods in Bangkok, the rain in the south, and the scamming tuk-tuk drivers, Thailand was just what I needed. I took a cooking class in Pai, I biked in Bangkok and I biked Ayutthaya, I witnessed sunsets galore and I trekked with the hill tribes. Oh and I guess I did meet that special someone here too. (That’s not him below, in case you were wondering. Although the poor fella does have a bathtub — a rarity in these parts. Hmmm…)
Worst Travel Experience 2011
My worst travel experience without a doubt was the accident on an overnight sleeper bus in Vietnam. Sadly, some poor woman lost her life that night. It really made me grateful for all that I have.
Most Embarrassing Travel Moment 2011
There are so many to choose from. Well not really. The only one that stands out is showing up late for a ladyboy show in Koh Samui, Thailand and then getting a big wet one in the gob. (That’s a big wet kiss, not a big wet Ladyboy. Although she was rather moist. Okay that doesn’t sound any better. Let’s just stop right there.)
Best Local Destination 2011
That would be my couch. That’s where I had my arse firmly planted for the first 6 months of 2011.
Best Travel Lesson from 2011
My best travel lesson is more of a life lesson – take nothing for granted. You’ve heard all the self-help hooey before – this is not a dress rehearsal, you only get one life, there is no redo. Well, turns out it’s not hooey after all. And I am filled with gratitude each and every day lately to be able to do what I am doing.
When I first made the decision to quit my job and travel, I shared a poem that had been yellowing at my cubicle for years.
On an ancient wall in China
Where a brooding Buddha blinks
Deeply graven is the message
It is later than you think.
The clock of time is wound but once and no
man has the power,
To tell just when the hand will stop
At late or early hour.
Now is all the time you own
The past a golden link,
Go cruising now my brother
It is later than you think.
-Anonymous
I’m grateful to be finally cruising on…
Now, I’m nominating the following bloggers to share their Best of Travel for 2011:
America 
Canada 
Oman 
Great post, thanks for sharing. Happy you found a special someone, somehow that makes things shine just a bit more. And the poem is great! What an inspiration.
Thanks Arjan! Glad that you stopped by…
Ladyboy? OMG, no comments
How come I missed you inn Thailand?!
Yes, I’ve shacked up with Whitney. (No, no, NOOOOOOOO!)
Not sure how we missed each other — I’ve been here for ages though!
Haha I really didn’t know u were there! I was in Thailand 3 times last year!
Thanks for the travel inspirations and also for the poem which should get everyone up off their couches.
Thanks Vera! Hopefully it will inspire a few folks…
Really enjoyed your recap of your William and Kate sighting! I’m not sure her Sears purchases has helped the company, though. She needs to buy more
I think she keeps those Sears purchases hush hush — that’s why they’re doing so poorly.
You’ve definitely had an awesome year traveling, Raymond. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed following along in your adventures! Best of luck in 2012!
Thanks Michael! Glad you enjoyed the adventure! All to the best to you in 2012 as well…
Awesome stuff! A few newfie words in there we had forgotten, but nice to hear as they always make us laugh… Thanks for all the comedy.
All the best for 2012 Raymond.
Ahhh…my favourite Power couple! Thanks for the kind words, and have a superbly splendid 2012!
You’ve had a great travel year, Raymond! And so glad to hear you have found someone special. Hope you guys have loads of awesome travel experiences in 2012!
Thanks Cherina! Can’t wait to see what 2012 has in store!
I love your stories. Always. Can’t wait to see what 2012 brings for you!!
Thanks D! And a huge congratulations on the Viator Top 25 Travel Blogs listing!! Quite the accomplishment!
Good to hear you had a great 2011 Raymond. All the best for 2012!
Thanks Jarmo! Hope you have a stellar year as well!!
I have to say, I really enjoyed reading about your homosexual kiss in Koh Samui. But I have to wonder if that wasn’t one of your more exciting moments of 2012
Indeed these are some great travel experiences for you, even if it was only for six months. I’ve no doubt you will have even more fun and funny travels in 2012. Love the poem, BTW!
Thanks Sherry — there is so much more I want to see and do in 2012! And I’m sure you’ve got great things in store as well!!
Can’t wait to see what 2012 has in store. We’re heading to Thailand in April and will visit Krabi. So tempted to book a nice resort at least for 1 day while we’re there.
I used Points plus Cash on the Sheraton Starwoods Program, so it was only $90 for 3 nights. Would not have been able to afford it otherwise…
Thanks so much for nominating us!!! Yay!
But you shouldn’t be so mean to poor Prince Harry. In my opinion he is the hottest of the princes.
Love your year round up, although I would never pick Calgary for best of anything. But I am biased. And even despite saying that, Calgary is still probably better than Winnipeg (which is where I am from).
Prince Henry’s got that whole dangerous drifter/unstable soldier thing going on. Seems to help him when it comes to the ladies. Price William is quickly turning into Prince Charles with those gopher cheeks of his.
And I am so sorry to hear you are from Winnipeg. My heart goes out to you…
That’s a cool year. Being in an accident is always a sobering reminder to cherish what you have.
It was quite sobering for sure. I hope I never have to experience anything like it again…
beautiful round up…I had read your article about the Vietnam accident…I still shiver when I think about it.
You seem to have fallen in love with Thailand. I might have to give it a try. Thanks for the nomination by the way. I’ll start working on it when I get back from my holidays with a big, noisy family.
Looking forward to seeing your list Denise when things calm down for you.
Thailand is fast becoming one of my fave places on this planet…
Haha, that’s a great round up for 2011 and your most embarrassing moment was funny, especially when I saw the photo!
Happy New Year 2012 and all the best in your travels this year!
Thanks David! She did a pretty poor Whitney…poor thing…
Have an awesome 2012 as well!!
Jealous you were at the wedding and saw Will’s wristwatch. Lol
These are always interesting type of post for the fellow traveler