It’s been a year, I tell you. A year of travel, of growth, of self-discovery.
We sold everything and moved to Gran Canaria with our two cats. We couldn’t stay in Spain, and so we flew, with our two cats, to Belize. Moving country challenges you.
Here’s a recap of that incredible year.
Ours cats, we discovered, travelled well, and were curious about everything they saw
and we arrived in Gran Canaria happy and in one piece.
We discovered the food – oh, the food!
And the coffee, which quickly became Michael’s favourite way to drink it.
We visited wineries and farms,
picturesque villages and towns
and markets
We climbed up to one of the highest peaks, Pico del las Nieves
and down to sea level to the lighthouse.
We visited the cave houses of Guayadeque Ravine
and joined in the celebrations on Dia de Canaria
We went to the beach
a lot
At the last moment, we learned that our visa had been denied and we were faced with a decision as to where we wanted to be – certainly not Canada – and we chose Belize.
Once again, we packed up, said goodbye to our family and friends and left the beautiful blue deep blue waters of Gran Canaria behind.
After 2 days of travelling, 3 time zones and 4 flights we arrived in beatuiful Placencia, Belize.
We discovered, different but equally mouthwatering food.
We sampled cocktails and juices,
explored every inch of Placencia,
and did the Hokey Pokey to Independence and Mango Creek.
We attended all the celebrations and festivities – Lobsterfest, Floatchella, fundraisers, The Battle of St. George’s Caye Day, Independence Day Carnival, Garifuna Settlement Day, The Christmas Boat Parade and the Christmas Eve Parade. What can I say? The Belizeans love to celebrate.
We got a dog.
We visited the Belize Spice Farm and Botanical Gardens.
And we went to the beach
A lot
We avoided a hurricane, or rather, it avoided us, ate Christmas dinner outdoors, New Year’s Eve on the beach and New Year’s day on an island.
We made some awesome friends.
The lovely people of Gran Canaria and Belize changed me.
I made a conscious effort to be less of a people-pleaser. I chose to walk away from toxic people. I set boundaries. I chose me. I don’t have the same tolerances that I’ve had in previous years. I’d rather be alone sharing my own company, than be around people whose company I don’t enjoy.
I’ve learned to celebrate the positives in my life and separate myself from those who see the glass as half empty. I healed a little more, I learned how to laugh again.
I’ve learned that I need to come first.
I am grateful for every life that has touched mine, even those who only were only there for a moment, or who are no longer with me on my path. Each gave me something. A token of themselves that provided a deeper understanding of myself.
I am looking forward to 2023 and all the magic it will hold.
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