2022 - A Year of Unexpected Adventures
I can hardly believe we are already in February - closing out 2022 was something of a whirlwind after a year of incredible and unexpected adventures!
Visiting 16 countries, across 4 continents I witnessed first hand my own transformation through travel, and I would like to share a few of the highlights and impacts with you.
My 2022 journey began with departing from a long career in HR. I finished my job on the 25th January and that evening I flew to Sri Lanka. The stark shift between ‘corporate’ life to the beauty and serenity of Sri Lanka offered me the chance to rest, recuperate and re-set - re-aligning in nature as I began the transition from employee to leader of my own business.
After Sri Lanka came Malawi - I am always drawn by the African continent. In Malawi I had the chance to enjoy simplicity & life at its most basic, immersing myself for a while without electricity or running water before heading to Ethiopia for my third trip there.
Ethiopia, Jordan, Morocco, Estonia & Turkey…
Ethiopia holds a special place in my heart with so much to see. On this visit I chose Lalibela in the Northern Region; a place steeped in mystery and history known for its distinctive churches cut out of rocks. This visit gave me a sense of perspective. The people in the region have had a tough existence yet continue to smile.
My journey to Jordan took me to an event where transformation was evident. I found myself breaking open, shedding the corporate armour and allowing myself to be me, to be free….
And then came Morocco - I’d describe it as a trip of 3 halves. The first half, a guide and me exploring central and northern Morocco. The second half was all about Family celebrating my birthday milestone a year late, (yes, due to Covid) was nothing short of epic and a great opportunity to share and celebrate the beginning of the Dream Catcher journey. The third half, an adventure in the high Atlas mountains with my bestie and a guide.
Estonia and Turkey (Istanbul…the colour and vibrancy are something else!) offered me self development with incredible food, culture and like-minded people. Tallinn….now there is a fairy-tale city!
Next up was Indonesia
WOW! Transformative in so many ways and a realization that finally, I was actually living my dream life. This is the ideal place to spend time alone; to learn to be comfortable by being still.
Here, in IndonesiaI I gave myself permission to break down, which gave me the chance to break open and to break through.
A life changing month and a time of manifestation and healing with Sumba Island the highlight - completely off the beaten track and both unspoilt and magical.
From there I embarked upon my first Dream Catcher business related event, hosted by the Transformational Travel Council, in the valleys of Slovenia. 4 fascinating days alongside like minded experts in transformational travel, provided me with a continuation in self development, this time helping me shape my observations of my own journey into valuable learnings for the future of Dream Catcher.
And then…Syria
Why are you going to Syria they asked?
For me travel has enriched my life helping me to become a kinder and more loving human being.
Syria was an experience like no other; confronting its harrowing past was startling and yet seeing the hope that has sprung gives joy; the Syrian people both hospitable and welcoming - exuding warmth, beauty and resilience; deeply humbling and inspiring. A place with so much to offer and so wonderful to see other like-minded travellers thinking the same.
Onwards to South America!
Flying by helicopter over Brazil’s Iguazu falls was breathtaking. Argentina during the world cup was impeccable timing, oh what an atmosphere! Imagine soaking up the energy of the wins through each round…and then they go on to actually win the World Cup! At this point I had left but can only imagine the epic celebrations given what I witnessed during the qualifying rounds. The passion, the vibe, the immense love for the sport that translated to people dancing in the streets! It truly is something no words can capture!
Iguazu on foot, Argentina side was majestic to say the least - falls wider than Victoria and deeper than Niagara were a thing of beauty.
At some point I found myself standing in Argentina and seeing Brazil and Paraguay at the same time; that’s 3 countries, 3 borders, 3 currencies and 3 languages, all at once!
Salt Flats & Death Road
Bolivia blew my mind - the stuff of National Geographic magazine and of my dreams, and by far my favourite of the 4 South American countries I visited. I was remote, SO remote, driving for what felt like days and days and days but worth every moment.
Highlight, if you are thinking about going were Cactus Island and the Bolivian Salt flats, (the biggest in the world) but also… wait for it… I cycled down the world’s deadliest road - aptly named Death Road (not for the faint hearted), and for me a huge achievement with a profound sense of empowerment once I had completed it. It was WAY out of my comfort zone.
Peru delivered with Machu Picchu as I had hoped but truthfully it was Lake Titicaca that ended up being Peru’s highlight for me; where I witnessed a man made Island (constructed from aquatic Totora reeds), home to the Indigenous Uros people. Another up close and personal national geographic moment where I was invited not only onto their island but also into their homes.
I closed out this phenomenal year by going deep into the jungle of Costa Rica for a plant medicine experience like no other; it was the great revealer of who I really am.
The Christmas holidays was back with family in the United Kingdom, surprising my Mum and standing still for a little time to absorb and process all that I had experienced.
2022 - the year the game changed!
All in all, 2022 was…
A year where I was able to realize all my dreams and one which opened me up to true freedom.
A year I stepped into my power to follow my true passion and joy.
A year I stepped with risk and landed with faith, leaving my secure employment as an HR leader to become CEO of my own life.
A year I experienced monumental transformation through travel.
A year of healing, manifestation, courage, adventure, exploration, self belief, risk, possibility, self development, self discovery, spirituality, discomfort, the list goes on.
A year fear became my wings and I am now free to fly.
Travel has truly changed my life, helping me to cultivate the courage to make life changing decisions. For this I’m truly thankful and I can’t express how excited I am for what awaits and what I create with Dream Catcher Global in 2023!