2011: Year in Review
Late on December 31, 2010, I arrived in Manila, Philippines. To celebrate the new year, we set off and played tag with fireworks in the early hours of the morning. If you get the chance, this is a must. The next two weeks were spent traversing the Philippines, checking on goat raisers as part of my work with Give a Goat, and eating the head of a goat as it smiled back at me. It was a gift. How do you say no to that?
Meeting with business men in Hong Kong and attending the inauguration of Rick Perry rounded out the month.
A few weeks later in Paris, I shared my passion for Texas with Europeans at the Eiffel Tower, Louvre and Pisa.
Over the course of 10 days, we spent time in Paris, Monaco, Florence, and the Vatican. Ate gelato in Rome and gazed at the fountains in Versailles.
In mid-April, I attended TEDxOKC and learned about the meaning of coming home.
I spent my birthday on the island of Cebu. It is forever etched in my memory for two reasons.
First, I was given the most unique birthday present ever. Second, my Filipino friends asked me to sing karaoke in the home of a stranger for hours. Killer whales, bloody chicken wings, and homemade pills all made it unforgettable. Read about it. It is the most interesting story of the year.
Days later, I spent a few hours in the slums of Talisay. It was the most moving experience of the year.
Soon after I returned to the states from a month in the Philippines, I started dating an amazing woman. This was the best decision of the year.
My sister got married in August to a great man. I had the privilege of walking her down the aisle. All of my family was together for the ceremony. It was great to see everyone.
I was thrilled when an opportunity arose for me to spend time in Haiti. It was a short trip, but I met Loukie and many other great people.
The largest item off my bucket list this year was Cuba. I spent a week talking with locals and discovering this isolated country just 90 miles from Florida. It is a must see for experienced travelers or cultural enthusiasts.
My next post will focus on 2012. What I plan to do. What I will finish. What I need to change and how that will happen.
What are you going to change next year? Remember that time is on your side.