This past year has been fantastic for us. We completed another eye-opening Round-the-World Trip, bought a little condo and embarked on some challenging renovation projects, spent a month in the Baltic States, visited with friends and family … and made some great new friends.
One of our big joys has been all the wonderful feedback we’ve received from you. So we’ve rounded up your Top 10 Favorites from 2012, with a little backstory on each for your weekend pleasure.
TOP 5 READER FAVORITES FROM 2012
1. Those Bodacious Baltic Beasties
While visiting the Baltic States this past Fall we were intrigued by all the animals imbedded in the architecture. What gives! So we researched and discovered some interesting answers. And we were awarded Freshly Pressed for this post.
2. Out With the Old In With the New
Writing a a short, humorous piece on a trip to the Department of Motor Vehicles was the original idea for this post. Well, the topic struck a nerve, and we’re still mystified as to how and why this post became so popular. I joke that if I had known it was going to be so popular, I would’ve spent more time on it.
3. Savannah’s Tiny Cottages: Total Charm in 300 Square Feet
Our love of the Southeastern USA took us to Savannah … and our passion for unique, small homes lead us to these fascinating cottages. The popularity of this post seems to be fueled by a growing trend toward simpler lives and smaller homes.
All photographers have their obsessions. For some it may be sunsets. Others revel in a great action shot. For us, it seems to be … circles!
5. The Watchers in the Hammock
Most of the views on this post are tourists, past and present, who stumble into the Tree Spirits of St. Simons Island, Georgia. Everyone is amazed that such beautiful art is carved into an oak tree, and the word spreads. It also helped that the artist Keith Jennings gave us a plug on his Facebook page.
TOP 5 READER FAVORITES FROM OUR ROUND THE WORLD TRIP
6. Scenes From a Buddhist Wedding.
Have you ever been to a wedding where the main attraction was an elephant getting a bath? Truly memorable. But I contend it was the photo of the gorgeous bride and groom that got everyone’s attention.
7. Byzantine Church Supplies: Another World
While meandering the back streets of Athens, we stumbled into a fascinating merchant street – elite shops devoted to meeting the needs of the Greek Orthodox Churches and Clergy.
8. “Dengue Fever! … I’ll be an RTW Rockstar!”
I must say, without a doubt, I worked harder for this post than any other. I didn’t work ON the post (Terri wrote it), but struggling through Dengue Fever takes some energy. But the scary truth is that millions of people contract Dengue each year, and these are the folks that made this, and my other Dengue posts so popular.
9. The Fascinating Thai Spirit Houses
Everyone knows that Bangkok rocks, but few know about the mysterious world of the spirits that roam family compounds and reside in the Thai Spirit Houses.
10. Cambodia’s Skin-Eating Fish … Creepy but True
A big part of reaching readers is getting their attention. And if creepy, skin-eating fish (with photos) can’t do it, nothing will. We were tempted to give it a try, but decided to have a beer and watch other people do it instead.
And as Lagniappe (a “little something extra” and a hint to where we’re traveling next) here are a few of our personal faves.
What if you lived in a country where you were not allowed to drive? As Americans we find this hard to believe, but as world nomads we know that there are places this is the reality. But “where there’s a will” … there’s a tuk-tuk and a teacher.
Gangaramaya: Colombo’s Buddhist Temple
Experiences like the Gangaramaya Temple are what every international traveler dreams of. Essentially everything we experienced at the temple was exotic with an upper-case E. A buddhist wedding, elephants, and drums and horns in the temple … nothing was missing.
And then there are posts that always bring a smile to our faces. It’s a perennial favorite we’ve brought back from 2011. We loved our experience in Santorini, and the hilarious donkey encounter is a memory that will never leave us.
The Gallivance Blog started life as a journal of our travels, and a communication tool for our family and friends. It has achieved both of these goals perfectly. However, along the way, we’ve picked up an audience, literally, in every corner of the world. We have fun blogging, and are flattered that people from over 125 countries drop by to see what we’re up to. Thanks everyone.
Peace, Love, and Happy Trails,
Terri and James
