Best of 2012: Travel moments to remember
Looking back at the most memorable Jetting Around moments of 2012: places, people, food, and more.
As the year is coming to a close, I find myself reminiscing about time spent on the road. 2012 started with me getting home from Europe (via three flights…), just in time for a New Year’s toast with Mr. Jetting Around. I don’t remember if we made any specific resolutions, but we both were looking forward to more travel.
12 months later, I can say that 2012 has been quite eventful. I feel fortunate to have visited beautiful new places, gone back to a few favorite ones, and met great people.
Here are 12 experiences I’m likely to remember for a long time. I hope that some of them can inspire you in planning your 2013 trips, or perhaps you will get to know me a little better.
1. BEST TRAVEL DISCOVERY: Lake Michigan Shore Wine Country
It’s hard to believe that I live less than two hours away from the wine trail, but for a few years I didn’t even know about it! It all changed when I visited a friend who had moved to southwest Michigan. After getting a taste of the area (and its wine), I vowed to return and explore more. It was certainly worth it for the award-winning wines, affordable prices, and a relaxing atmosphere.
On the wine trail in southwest Michigan
Apparently wine tasting starts with staring at grapes…
2. MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACE: Point Loma Peninsula in San Diego
Ever since my first visit to California in 2005, I have been enamored with the Pacific coast. I consider the combination of mountains and water one of the most beautiful sights, and one I can never tire of. My latest discovery, the serene Point Loma Peninsula in San Diego, is where the first European set foot on present-day West Coast. Excellent choice, Mr. Cabrillo!
Pacific views in San Diego
Taking in the sunset
3. FAVORITE VIEW FROM ABOVE: San Francisco rooftops
There are many excellent vantage point in San Francisco for city and Bay views. Thanks to a friend and former SF resident, I got to look at the city from yet another spot - the rooftop deck of the San Francisco Art Institute. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to own a place with a view like that?
San Francisco rooftops, viewed from a terrace in Russian Hill
4. FAVORITE CITY BEACH MOMENT: Baker Beach in San Francisco
I am not much of a beach goer, unless it involves walking. Or running downhill, as was the case in San Francisco’s Baker Beach, just west of the Golden Gate Bridge. With wind and sand in my hair, I felt like a child for a few seconds. Happy, carefree, laughing…
A sunny and windy afternoon at Baker Beach in San Francisco
5. MOST ENJOYABLE ACTIVE MOMENT: Hiking in Boulder, Colorado
Boulder is a city of about 100,000, located 30 miles northwest of Denver at the base of the Rocky Mountains. I call it the perfect mountain city – it has all the amenities of a bigger metropolis, plus miles of hiking trails and 45,000 acres of open space.
During two hikes – one with a guide and one solo – I not only got to see fantastic views, but I was also inspired to hike on a regular basis, like I used to do as a teenager.
Flatirons in Boulder, Colorado
6. BEST “TOURISTY” THING I DID: Chicago’s Skydeck Ledge
Looking at Chicago’s magnificent downtown skyline – from a glass balcony suspended 1,353 feet/412 m above ground – is a thrilling experience, no matter the crowds. I’d gladly wait in line and pay $17.50 again.
Hovering over Chicago
7. MOST MEMORABLE MEAL: Misión 19 in Tijuana
This infamous Mexican border town may be known for cheap pills and the red light district, but it has recently started to emerge as an exciting foodie destination. Case in point: Misión 19, named the country’s best new restaurant by Travel + Leisure Mexico.
The meal I enjoyed there is one I won’t soon forget – an 8-course chef’s tasting menu, paired with local wine from the Baja California Wine Country. Extra points for making it all vegetarian for me.
Fine dining at Misión 19 in Tijuana, Mexico
8. FAVORITE NEW HANGOUT: Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis
Having grown up in Krakow, where many theaters are located in the Old Town, I am used to performances inside historic buildings. However, the second I stepped into the modern Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis, completed in 2006, I couldn’t wait to see a play there.
Blue and red mood lighting, river views, and images of old production photos projected on the walls create a very inviting space, cozier than some other modern buildings I’ve seen. I hope to go back there some time.
Inside the Guthrie Theater, old production photos are projected on the walls
A lounge at the Guthrie Theater during an intermission
9. FAVORITE TRAVEL BOOK: The Mango Orchard
The Mango Orchard by British writer Robin Bayley tells the story of the author’s journey to Mexico to retrace his great-grandfather’s footsteps and learn more about family history. This book combines elements of a memoir, travelogue, romance, and mystery, making for an engaging read.
After I read the book, I had the pleasure of interviewing and meeting Robin, which was a chance to get more insights into his journey.
“The Mango Orchard: The Extraordinary True Story of a Family Lost and Found”
by British author Robin Bayley
10. MOST MEMORABLE INTERVIEW: Grażyna Auguścik & Paulinho Garcia
2012 was a wonderful year for Jetting Around’ interviews – I chatted with several great travelers, photographers, musicians, and writers. The one interview that stands out though, is the one I did with the Polish-Brazilian musical duo Grażyna Auguścik & Paulinho Garcia.
This interview was different, probably because it wasn’t done via email, the preferred method for interviewing someone on another continent. Since the three of us live in Chicago, we met at Paulinho’s home. It was very early in the morning and we talked over a cup of Brazilian coffee, brewed… in a 30-year-old kettle .
Grażyna Auguścik & Paulinho Garcia performing in Chicago’s Millennium Park (photo courtesy of the artists)
11. MOST MEMORABLE MEETING: Windy City Tweetup
During a weekend in May, I met up in Chicago with several travel bloggers that I had met via Twitter. We had a fun time trying deep dish pizza, doing an architecture river tour, and exchanging travel stories. Since then we’ve kept in touch and some of us have met in person again. Here’s to more meetings in 2013!
Windy City Tweetup crew
12. MOST NOSTALGIC POST: My ten favorite things about the USA
2012 marked 10 years since my move to the USA. The anniversary was an occasion for me to reflect on the time spent here. The result was a list of things I hold dear about the adopted home, such as baseball, automatic transmission, and sub sandwiches.
I’ve been a Chicago White Sox fan since… before my move to the USA
What will you remember about 2012? Share your favorite travel moments of 2012 in the comments below!
Category: BLOG, Special Features
About the Author (Author Profile)
Pola Henderson is the founder and editor of Jetting Around. She grew up in Krakow, Poland, lived in North Africa, and has called Chicago home since 2002. Traveling internationally has been a part of her life since she was 3 years old. When she isn't busy in her day job, Pola ventures out to explore cities and their culture. View more...Subscribe
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I live so close but I’ve never been to Baker Beach! I need to get up there, what a gorgeous photo! And I wouldn’t have the guts to do the Chicago skydeck :) Here’s to a great 2013!
Cassie recently posted..Our Top 10 Food Adventures from 2012!
If you go there, Cassie, keep in mind that parts of the beach are clothing-optional, haha. ;) Wishing you great travels in 2013!
And here’s to a fabulous, travelicious 2013! :-)
Miret recently posted..Coming in January!
Cheers, Miret! :) Travelicious – hehe, I like that.
Jetting Around recently posted..Photo of the Week: Boats in Ensenada, Baja California
Love your Best Travel moments & wish all the best for 2013 :-)
Anita recently posted..Picture my Day #12
Thanks, Anita! xx Best wishes for 2013!
What a great year! Looking forward to meeting you face to face in 2013. ;)
The World Wanderer recently posted..SA Sunday: Reasons to Head to Brazil.
Thanks, Erin! I’m glad we’ll get to meet soon. :)
I really like the diversity of experiences you had in 2012! You missed being part of Charlie’s Angels! :)
Raul (@ilivetotravel in Twitter) recently posted..How I Enjoy a Good Photo – and a Post-Christmas Giveaway!
Thanks, Raul! And you know that the Charlie’s Angels experience was special too! ;)
Looks like lots of fun experiences for your 2012. I haven’t been to Baker Beach either, but I can’t imagine being clothing-optional in that weather! Ack! :)
Jenna recently posted..My “Next Big Things”
Right, haha! I was surprised when I learned that about the beach…
Nicely written. 2012 was great and hopefully 2013 will be even better!
Thanks, hon! I can’t wait to travel with you in 2013.
Wow, I have some reading to do, looks like you had a great year… and the photo in Chicago (windy city tweet-up) made me laugh how all of us check our digital images… too funny. And wow has the world of photography changed.
and as much as I loved seeing mexico make the list, my next read is the ten things you love about the US… happy new year, and stay adventurous, Craig
Craig Zabransky recently posted..Sunset Sunday – Looking back at the Sunsets of 2012
You should have seen us at restaurants – photos and tweets first, then conversations. ;) Happy New Year, Craig!
Glad to be represented on the post. You look stunning in Chicago White Sox black! Great list of travel moments from 2012. Look forward to more meetings in 2013.
Traveling Ted recently posted..Training and coverage of the 2013 American Birkebeiner Marathon
Ted – I’m glad we got to meet and hangout in 2012! And thanks – that’s my favorite White Sox shirt. :)
annnd that picture of the chicago skydeck still makes my tum turn over. cheers to 2012 and here’s to 2013!
the lazy travelers recently posted..no travel required
Haha, the Skydeck wasn’t so bad… ;) Happy 2013, ladies!
i LOVE this post so so much. what a great way to commemorate the year. it always makes me happy seeing that bean photo. such a fun weekend & what a great group of friends. can’t wait to see you again!!!
lola recently posted..my controversial musings for 2012
It really was a fun weekend! So glad to have met you too and I can’t wait to hang out again! xo
Nice list, Pola. Seeing the California coast and San Francisco rooftops made me nostalgic for home. Happy New Year!
Angela recently posted..New Year’s Resolutions 2013
Thank you, Angela! You are a lucky gal to call California home, even if you’re far away. :) Happy New Year to you too!
What a great idea for a post and I so enjoyed looking back on your 2012. I especially enjoyed meeting you in Chicago. That was one of the highlights of my year.
Leah Travels recently posted..12 Favorite Posts from 2012
Thanks, Leah! It was great meeting you too, and I look forward to us hanging out in 2013! Happy New Year. :)
I loved your collection of memorable travel moments! Especially as they include a lot of great cultural experiences :) I’m looking forward to reading about your 2013 travels already!
Julika recently posted..Picturesque Monday: Happy New Year!
Thank you, Julika! I look forward to reading your blog too – I’m glad I discovered it in 2012. :)
Great Post and Highlights
Funny to see you wearing coats on May’s Twitter tour :-)
Sivan recently posted..Portfolio
Ha, I didn’t even realize about the coats! Great point though… :)
Beautiful and sweet Pola,
Thank you for sharing your memories with us and thank you for making Grazyna and I part of them, memories are one of the best things worth keeping from this life.
I’m sitting in my kitchen, enjoying the morning sun that comes every morning throught the port window and drinking coffee made in a 30-year-old kettle.
Happy New Year! May your new memories to be be as precious.
Paulinho
Happy New Year, Paulinho! Thank you for this beautiful note. I love what you said about memories – here’s to more beautiful ones in 2013.
What a fab year you had Pola!
It’s great to look back and see how much was accomplished and all the great places you visited ;)
Love the picture of you taking in the sunset! Total bliss right?
Have a wonderful 2013 and I so can’t wait for our paths to cross in Toronto!
Love, K ;)
Karla recently posted..Happy New Year!
Thanks so much, Karla! That sunset moment Mr. JA captured is one I’ll remember for a long time. :)
I can’t wait to meet you in Toronto!
Great list! Thanks for sharing. I’m going to check out that book!
Thanks, Marty! The book was a really fun and quick read. It made me want to go back to Mexico, but also visit Guatemala.