It’s the year in review time again! A time when I reflect on past happenings on my blog and review plans for the coming year. I wrote my first blog-year review in 2016 and went on to the same in 2017. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to do the same this year. So, without further ado, here are the highlights from the year 2018;
The Year in Review: Month-by-Month Adventures on Travel with a Pen
In January: Mark and I rang in the New Year in Marrakesh, Morocco. We went on to have an incredible adventure in the country, visiting different cities and creating wonderful memories in each one. We went from fairly cool weather during the day to freezing weather at night in Marrakesh and the Sahara Desert; From a rainy Fes and Chefchaouen to a snowy Midelt. This trip was magical in so many ways and we experienced the best of Morocco’s hospitality in many places we visited…
In February: I joined Unravelling Nigeria on a trip to Epe. I signed up for a tour to learn how to tap palm wine and distil it to make local gin (ogogoro). It was an interesting experience. I especially loved the hangout after the palm wine lessons. I’m looking forward to going on more trips with the group in 2019.
March & April: There wasn’t much activity travel-wise in March but in April, I visited the Benin Republic yet again. This time, I explored Pendjari National Park with Mark. We spent a few days in Cotonou and Dassa before heading over to the park.
Then in June, I got an opportunity to work in Egypt for three months. This was the longest time I have ever spent away from home and while the job was quite tasking, I enjoyed every single moment of my stay in the country.
My time there also coincided with a few public holidays, so I got the chance to visit places other than Cairo. I visited Sharm el Sheikh, where I went snorkelling and scuba diving for the first time. That was such a fun weekend!
And in July, I continued to explore more of Cairo. I visited the Cairo Citadel, Egyptian Museum, and the Old City. In between all of that, I also took several shopping trips to the malls and markets. When I think about it, I actually enjoyed living in Cairo short-term. I’m super grateful for the opportunity to do so.
By August, my contract came to an end. The last week was a week-long public holiday in Egypt, so I took the time to explore other cities before heading back home. I took a train to Luxor and Aswan and spent a few days there exploring the temples and city ruins in both cities.
I was back home for the next couple of months and in November, I took a trip to Osun State to visit the Osun Osogbo Grove and the Moremi Statue of Liberty in Osogbo and Ife. These places (especially the Grove) have been on my mind for a long time. It was great to tick them off this year.
In December, Mark and I started a podcast called Inside and Out. In it, we talk about our experiences navigating Nigeria, Africa and the world at large. We got two episodes off the ground before the year ended and we look forward to recording more in the coming year.
We also got the chance to explore a bit of Lagos. I took Mark to the Lekki Conservation Center and to see a play about the Legend of Moremi at Terra Kulture. We both had a great time. PS: It’s still showing until January 2nd, 2019. I would be happy to give out a ticket if you want one. Let me know in the comment section below. – T&C apply.
I am certainly looking forward to a more exciting year in 2019. I already posted about my travel wish list and I’m keeping my fingers crossed for pleasant surprises all year-long!
That’s a wrap from Travel with a Pen for 2018! Thank you so much for all the love you show to this blog. I have enjoyed interacting with each one of you who reads, comments, and interacts me here and on my social media platforms. I wish you all a wonderful year full of love and every good thing your heart desires…
I’d also love to hear about some of your highlights for 2018. Please share them with me in the comment section below…
As an avid lover of TWAP, I am here to say, first, Happy New Year!
You did have a good travel year, and it is nice to see. I particularly enjoyed the Morocco series.
I believe 2019 will be my year of not just reading about travels, but actually traveling!
Happy New Year, Desire! Thanks for following my blog and I wish you a 2019 filled with lots of wonderful (travel) adventures!
You have an amazing lifestyle and I am pretty sure you are enjoying every bit of it. I kinda envy the fact that you travel a lot… Lol wish I had such opportunity.
I do and I hope this blog inspires you to travel without restrictions. You’ll be surprised to find that you too can create such opportunities.
Hey Amarachi,
It’s so good to read your blog and your many adventures. I wish you a Happy New Year and an adventurous 2019.
Cheers! Fehintola.
Thanks Fehintola. I wish you a wonderful year ahead too!
I am currently couch surfing through west Africa and I am having the best time of my life. I wouldn’t know I could do it if I didn’t encounter your blog! I am so excited about your journey! Keep living babe. Loads of Love to Mark and You
Tope, I’m so happy to read this! So glad you’re having a great time, excited to read about your journey and I hope you have an amazing year in 2019!
I totally enjoyed reading this post and all your posts this year. My highlights this year was exploring more Nigerian states and Rwanda. I look forward to exploring with you in 2019!
Thanks Diusor. I guess the Gambia is joining the list too. Wish you an amazing travel year in 2019 as you continue your journey to 25 before 25.
Yello!
I love recaps such as this, they remind me of the beauty of life and God’s faithfulness.
I have had quite a number of highlights this year, one of which was discovering you!
You brought such a sweet, strong sunshine to my year! And I am so grateful for you!
I would LOVE LOVE LOVE a ticket to go see Moremi…I’m such a theater rat and I will really really appreciate it.
In the spirit of exploring Nigeria more this year…I’m currently planning my Northern Nigeria tour (Part 1✌🏾)…I want to do Abuja-Kaduna-Niger for first quarter 2019 by God’s grace.
I also really enjoyed visiting Benin Republic this year…the country has really chilled vibes!
Thank you so much in advance for my ticket (because we speak things into existence 🤗)
And thank you for been sunshine Amarachi, I pray the new year comes with jaw dropping miracles in Jesus name.
Love you plenty!!!
I really can’t believe we only just discovered each other this year…You’re such a bundle of joy and I’m super glad we got to connect with each other. I can’t wait to read and hear all about your adventures next year – travel or otherwise.
So glad we share the same passion for theatre. Bolanle Austen-Peters’ works are wonderful so I’m sure you’ll enjoy the play. I’ll send you a message to finalize how to get you the ticket. And yes, you spoke that into existence and it has happened 🙂 Don’t stop speaking! I wish you an amazing year ahead – your best one yet!
💃🏽💃🏽💃🏽💃🏽💃🏽💃🏽💃🏽💃🏽💃🏽💃🏽
Thank you sooooooo much!
Just here to say congrats Fisayo!!!!! And I loved reading this recap… congrats on everything this year including starting a podcast! I look forward to all that 2019 bring for you!
My highlights are plenty…been doing them on instagram and now i’m still not done. They are:
1. Going to watchnight service to ring in the new year in Naija
2. Snowtubing in Swiss Alps
3. FINALLY going to Cape Verde
4. Relocating to the US. bittersweet
5. Trip of a lifetime to dream locations
6. Skydiving in NZ, roadtripping through NZ, hiking a glacier in NZ
7. Going to Vanuatu, a country I only heard about 6 years ago
8. Being inspired in Rwanda
9. Safari & Lamu in Kenya
10. Unexpectedly going to Chile for work
11. Exploring Nashville USA
12. Wrapping up the year in Jamaica
Wow, what a year you’ve had, Dee! Enjoyed following your adventures on your blog and IG. 2019 is only going to be better!
I love traveling. So much to learn and see! You took quite a number of trips in 2018. For me my highlight of the year is finding myself.
Wish you a happy new year.
Ngumabi xxo | ngumabisglam.blogspot.com
Thanks for your comment, Ngumabi. I wish you a wonderful year ahead!