The Streak

So, many of you know I've had this amazing travel streak going for about 18 months. It started out quite randomly that I was flying somewhere every month for a variety of reasons, until I realized my streak could be broken..that's when I took matters into my own hands and purposely planned trips to continue the streak..and to see friends. I have been quite blessed and actually looked forward to my many adventures...and many is right. While it hasn't always gone smoothly, it's always been an adventure & a story to tell. That's what I love about travel - I always learn something new, see something with new eyes, meet new people - and always come home with a story to tell...and about 300+ pics.
Enjoy my Streak in Review:


June, 2010: Europe: This is where the trip started with a student trip to France & Spain. I had a small group of students this trip, but we were paired up with some amazing travel companions. One of our days took us over to Morocco - hence me & the camel. :)



July 2010: China: I was asked to speak at a Travel convention in Beijing, China. If you look close enough, you can see the sweat dripping off my face - hot & humid would describe this trip.



August 2010: Colorado: Went out to visit a dear friend. We sipped wine & chillaxed by this river...sigh...


September 2010: New York City: My cousin Amy & I went to NYC for a family wedding. While it was a whirlwind weekend, we took in all the sites & sounds this amazing city has to offer. Here I am outside the US Open tennis center.



October 2010: Orlando: Risius Family Vacation to Disney - all 9 of us went...actually 10 if you count that Abby was pregnant with Amelia. We went over Halloween and also got to spend time with the Florida clan.



November 2010: Rome: Was asked to speak at a Travel convention in Rome over Veteran's Day. This was my first time back in Rome since college, so was nice to have an official tour...gorgeous!


December 2010 - January 2011: Dubai: Happy New Year's from DUBAI!! I signed up for a trip to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates over New Years. What an AMAZING place! Behind me is the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa. We went to the top one day, and got to watch New Years fireworks from a hotel facing it - unreal...



February 2011: Portland, OR: Flew out to visit a friend & her mom from my Dubai trip. Such a fun city and we did a beautiful scenic drive along the gorge..wow!



March 2011: China: My cousin Amy & I went to visit Eric, Lori & nephews Jack & Will, in China over Spring Break. Eric had been there since August for John Deere and Lori & the boys joined him in January. Was definitely a bit cooler weather and loved seeing the boys!!



April 2011: Madrid, Spain: I was asked to speak at a Travel convention in one of my most favorite Spanish cities. :) It was Holy Week so got to see the sites & sounds of all those festivities.


May 2011: San Diego, CA: Flew out to visit a friend who lives in La Jolla. We even took a side trip up to Hollywood. My first time in CA. Loved the sounds of the waves...



June 2011: Europe: 20 kids & I headed to Europe for 17 days, visiting London, Paris, Switzerland, Florence, Rome, Pompeii and the island of Capri (pictured above). What truly a trip of a life time - Go Big or Go Home!!



July 2011: Colorado: Back out to visit a friend and a side trip to St. Mary's Glacier...snow in July :)


August 2011: Ohio: This trip to the Western & Southern Tennis Tourney started in October as a birthday gift. I got to see the Semi's and the Finals before heading home. Quick weekend, but who can complain with 20+ hrs of tennis watching...and a Roger Federer sighting... sigh..



October 2011: Cedar Falls, IA: So the streak was broken in September & October - a hiatus if you will... and although I didn't fly anywhere, I can include this in my travel streak. Went up to my old stomping grounds with 4 college friends for a weekend of laughs. We should not have waited so long to go back & visit.



November 2011: Denver, CO: I went out to the ACTFL National World Language Conference held downtown Denver. Was an amazing conference and came back with oodles of ideas. Spent some time with my friend Sara - we even went to the Denver Aquarium, saw tigers & pet/fed stingrays. A successful weekend - gotta love that direct flight!



November 2011: Paris, France: I was asked to speak at a Travel convention in Paris over Thanksgiving. I love seeing old cities at different times of the year - you get a better feel for the true essence of the city. Paris was a-lit with Christmas lights & decorations - breathtaking.



And, now, here it is, December 2011 - and tomorrow I'm off to HONG KONG to ring in the New Year! Stay tuned for those posts & to see if the streak stays alive...

Much love & many blessings for a fantastic 2012!!
~steph :)