When I started writing this blog, I made it private for two reasons: 1) I was writing it for me, and for my sister, and that’s all that mattered.  And 2) I thought no one would want to read it anyway.

After a while I invited a few people to the blog because they knew I was making plans, taking trips and writing a little something about the experience.

Then I thought… “Why NOT make the blog public?”  I figured since not many people would read it anyway, there would be no harm.  And just maybe, in time, I could actually connect with other travelers.

After about five years, I’m still writing the blog primarily for myself, but I’ve been overwhelmed by the stats.  I have received 1200 views by readers in 21 countries this year alone.  I know in the grand scheme of things these numbers are small.  (Just look at the YouTube sensations who get millions of hits in a few days.)  But for me, these numbers are not only impressive, they are meaningful.

It has truly been a wonderful year for me.  In many ways it’s been one of my best, and I’m so happy more and more people are sharing this time with me.

As 2014 comes to a quiet close, I find myself doing what I always do: looking back over my old monthly planner, reveling in the memories of all I was able to experience and accomplish in a quick 12-month time period, and scratching down tentative goals and opportunities for my up-coming year.

Stay tuned! 🙂