2018: The Year in Review

Last updated on December 4th, 2020; Published on December 29th, 2018

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…

T&C: The [Regular] ticket will be given on a first-come, first-serve basis. You have to confirm that there’s one available for the day you hope to go see it. The best way to make sure they don’t get sold out is to buy one for yourself and then get a refund from me.