Faces and Places 2012

My best travel experiences for the year

2011 was such a wonderful year of travel for me that I was sure 2012 wouldn’t be able to beat it. I was wrong. 2012 was full of faces and places that made it a spectacular year.

From road trips in the United States to Christmas markets in Europe, I lapped it all up with wide-eyed enthusiasm. Of course, sometimes things don’t always go as planned, there are embarrassing moments, and there were a few cranky people along the way. Those were so rare they don’t deserve mention in contrast to the great experiences that this year’s travel gave me. In particular, I made new friends, got together in person with old friends, and observed or met many interesting people.

Faces and Places

Germany

"Faces and Places: Blogger Laurel Robbins with Cathy in Munich"

In Munich with Travel Blogger, Laurel Robbins

"Faces and Places: Band at Hofbräuhaus in Munich"

Band at Hofbräuhaus in Munich

"Faces and Places: Friendly Server at Hofbräuhaus in Munich"

Friendly Server at Hofbräuhaus in Munich

"Faces and Places: Christmas market on Frauenchiemsee Island"

Performers at Christmas market on Frauenchiemsee Island

Spain

"Faces and Places: On the Mediterranean with Hotel Spa Terraza Owner, Miquel Gotanegra"

On the Mediterranean with Hotel Spa Terraza Owner, Miquel Gotanegra

"Wine and Food at Empordalia Winery with Visit Costa Brava""

Sampling the Flavors of Catalonia with Travel Bloggers hosted by Empordalia Winery and Visit Costa Brava

"Faces and Places: Context Travel Tour Group in Barcelona"

Context Travel Tour Group in “Rauxy i Seny” Barcelona

"Anti-austerity Protestors in Madrid"

Anti-austerity protestors in Madrid

Austria

"Violinist at Concert in Vienna"

Violinist at Concert in Vienna

"Opera Singer at Concert in Vienna"

Opera Singer at Concert in Vienna

United States

"Danielle Fox of Oakland Art Murmur and Lonnie Lee of Vessel Gallery in Oakland"

Danielle Fox of Oakland Art Murmur and Lonnie Lee of Vessel Gallery in Oakland

"Learning a Card Trick from Magician at Chicago History Museum "

Learning a Card Trick from Magician at Chicago History Museum

"Wine Server Kristen at McGrail Vineyards in Livermore, California"

Wine Server Kristen at McGrail Vineyards in Livermore, California

"Ken Miller at Apothecary Museum in Alexandria, Virginia"

Ken Miller at Apothecary Museum in Alexandria, Virginia

"Marian, a Volunteer Guide at the Peshtigo Fire Museum in Peshtigo, Wisconsin"

Marian, a Volunteer Guide at the Peshtigo Fire Museum in Peshtigo, Wisconsin

"Vendors at Farmers Market in Houston, Texas"

Vendors at Farmers Market in Houston, Texas

"Kids Riding Bikes in Patriotic Gear for 4th of July Parade in Marinette, Wisconsin"

Kids Riding Bikes in Patriotic Gear for 4th of July Parade in Marinette, Wisconsin

Mr. TWS

"My Favorite Face of 2012 Travels -- Mr. TWS in Munich"

My Favorite Face of 2012 Travels — Mr. TWS in Munich

There were so many others who made my “People of the Year” list, but I’ll have to share those with you later.

Wishing you all happy travels in 2013!

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43 thoughts on “Faces and Places 2012

  1. Jeff Titelius

    Well, it looks like you had a fabulous time in all of your travels and what a collection of faces too! I love how you didn’t focus on the destinations as much as the people who enriched your travels along the way. Such an inspiring post that I am sure will become a keepsake to look back and remember the good times!

  2. Linda

    I was going to say that about the people too. It’s something which has been on my mind of late! Lovely post. Hope 2013 surpasses even this!

    Oh – and – the make wine in Texas??

    1. Cathy Post author

      Thanks, Linda! Those guys at the Farmer’s Market were actually selling olive oil, but they actually do grow grapes for wine in Texas. That’s an aspect of the state that I’d like explore one of these days.

    1. Cathy Post author

      I know. I love photos with people in them, but often I forget to take them or there’s just not the right situation for the ones in public.

  3. Deb

    Love this! It’s the people you meet along the way that make travel so special. Looks like you had a great year meeting fun and amazing people. And look at you with our favourite Laurel:) Happy New Year and all the best for 2013.

  4. Senaf

    I just love the pictures of all the people you have met along your travels. You focused on the people in different areas of your travel and not so much on the places of travel. You have met so many interesting people you will remember for a long time. I hope and pray that 2013 will continue a journey that will give you as much enjoyment as 2012 has…maybe even better!! Happy New Year!!

    Senaf

  5. Mary @ The World Is A Book

    What a fantastic post, Cathy! It has been so much fun traveling with you this year and you’ve had some great adventures. The people along the way make for memorable travels. Here’s hoping I get to meet you this year at TBEX in Toronto. Best wishes to you and Mr. TWS in 2013 and may you have more travel adventures that surpass 2012. Happy New Year!

  6. Laurel

    You’ve had such an amazing year! Agree it’s the people that make a place special and memorable. It was so great finally meeting you and Mr. TWS in Girona and then meeting up with you again. Looking forward to reading about all your adventures in 2013.

  7. Pingback: Some of My Best Travel 2012

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