It’s that time of year again! The (Northern European) streets are covered in snow, our homes are threatening to catch fire under piles of Christmas lights, and I’m pulling out all of my loosest fitting clothes in anticipation of all the Christmas cookies. Seriously, Christmastime is the best!
Except…
It’s also that time of year when I see my family again and have to answer dreaded questions about my life. Of course it’s wonderful to see everyone, but reentering family dynamics which I haven’t really been part of since I was a child and being surrounded by amazingly talented and successful family members is the perfect reminder that my life is a teeny bit of a disaster. I’m not going to tell you how many times I cried the last time I went home for Christmas, but it was a lot.
I’ll be in Norway this Christmas, so when my great-uncle asks me what I’m doing with my life I’ll probably answer with a blank stare, after which I’ll mutter something in broken Norwegian about going to Mongolia. At least there’ll be eggnog!
In the end I’ll have to disappoint everyone and tell them that no, I don’t have a real job and no, I have no idea when or where I’m going to “settle down.”
So what did I accomplish this past year? I traveled to a lot of places, and made a lot of choices that brought me not even a small step closer to having a normal, grown up life.
In a feat of amazing foresight about titling this post, I went to exactly 20 countries this year: the United States, England, Norway, Thailand, Laos, Oman, Iran, Armenia, Georgia, Egypt, Jordan, Israel, Palestine, Serbia, Albania, Macedonia, Greece, Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines.
This is the point where a good blogger shares her 14 highlights of the year, but considering how little progress I’ve made in “growing up” this year, 2014 seems to have been full of disasters instead. Enjoy!
1. I started Heart My Backpack.
From July to December 2013 I was blogging with my friend Danielle, who studied journalism and is an amazing photographer, which basically makes her the ideal blogging partner. But when we decided to travel separately in 2014 I thought it best to start up my own blog. Recipe for disaster, obviously.
2. I ran off to Laos with Dan.
Who doesn’t want to have a no-strings fling in an exotic location? I think most solo travelers can appreciate a good travel romance. But everything went disastrously wrong when we got way too attached and decided we wanted to stay together, even though Dan had to return to a job in Chiang Mai and my travel plans would be keeping me away from Thailand for the next six months.
If you don’t consider that a disaster, then just think about all those poor people I met on my travels who had to listen to me going on and on about missing a boy. Gross.
3. I fell hard for Iran.
Traveling solo to Iran might have been the best decision I’ve ever made. The people were ridiculously welcoming, the food deliciously fattening, and the sites awe-inspiring.
The disaster? 1. It was in a way heartbreaking to see how utterly different Iran is from how it’s portrayed in Western media. 2. I’m now obsessed with the country and can’t wait to go back, but after all the attention my blog posts got in Iranian media, I’m not even sure I’ll be granted a visa again. 
4. It snowed in Armenia and I nearly died of happiness
But then I realized that the rest of my travel plans for the year would have me in tropical paradises. UGH.
5. My plans to take a ferry across the Black Sea to Ukraine were foiled, so I had to go back to Thailand to celebrate Songkran.
Needless to say, it was pretty upsetting.
6. I went to Egypt and Jordan with one of my best friends and we were perfect travel buddies – until she abandoned me to go apply for law school.
WHAT?! Some people are just the worst.
7. I reunited with Danielle and we were friends again. And then she went back to the U.S. to get a job.
By the end of our four and a half months of traveling together last year, Danielle and I were very ready for some time apart. In fact, I’m pretty sure that around this time last year I was thinking that it would be just fine if I never saw Danielle again. Of course those feelings didn’t last long, and soon enough we were booking tickets for our next adventures. We planned on just going to Israel together for a few weeks, but after reuniting and quickly getting into some new coconut antics, we were extending our tickets and adding four more countries to our itinerary, of course.
But then she decided to return to America and become a grown up! Seriously, friends, my life already feels like a disaster enough without you guys going off and getting jobs and degrees. Plus it makes it a lot harder for me to convince my family that no one my age has their life figured out.
8. I hung out with Nate from Yomadic and I realized how boring and uncool my life is.
I’m sure you all read and love Yomadic, and if you don’t you should, especially now that he’s writing about the Stans, which are some of my all-time favorite places to travel. Nate and Phillipa graciously offered not only to host Danielle and me on our 16-hour layover in Belgrade, but also to stay up all night with us to show us the city. It was great fun, except that they are so incredibly cool that I couldn’t help but realize that I’m, well, not. Also, now I have to figure out a way to move to Belgrade, because that city is seriously awesome.
At least now over the holidays when my relatives ask me what I’m doing with my life I can say “no idea, but I want to do it in Belgrade!”
9. Danielle and I went to Lazarat, Europe’s illegal drug capital, and a week later it was violently raided.
Luckily only about four people read my post about Lazarat, so it probably wasn’t the reason behind the raid.
10. In Macedonia I discovered that you can buy 2 liters of actually really good local wine for a dollar.
I assume I don’t have to tell you guys what the disaster here was.
11. I got into grad school! And decided not to go, again.
Last year I was set to go to grad school in Norway, but decided to put it off in order to travel with Danielle across Asia. When I was accepted again this summer I swear I really did consider it, but I once again ended up choosing travel instead. So I returned to Chiang Mai to save up money for a huge trip in 2015 while also taking the chance to go on a few small adventures around Southeast Asia.
I’ve returned to Chiang Mai so many times now (five!) that I’m sure my friends won’t even bother with a going away party when I leave Chiang Mai in January (for good this time, I swear!).
12. I must have started oversharing on this blog, because now the Internet knows way too much about me.
Guess who pops up as the first Google search result for “shy backpacker.”
13. I tried to take blogging seriously and wrote a post full of my best photography tips, and everyone commented telling me it was “hilarious.”
Apparently you guys have figured out not to take anything I write seriously.
At least I hope you have, otherwise this post definitely has you thinking I’m totally spoiled and ungrateful. Whoops.
14. I realized I’m really sick of Southeast Asia and need to go somewhere less touristy again.
This past fall I made some small trips around Thailand, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines. It was a lot of fun and very easy, but I eventually realized I was getting really bored of the backpacking scene in Southeast Asia. I guess spending so many months traveling off the tourist trail in Central Asia last year spoiled me.
The disaster: I’ll be leaving the blissfully warm temperatures of Thailand in the wintertime to head on a long, frozen journey up north.
I sure hope you guys have had a more successful year, and I would love to hear your highlights!
tempesst says
can’t wait to hear more about the 2015 trip!
Silvia says
I can’t wait to share my plans! I’ll be sorting out two important visas over the next week, and hopefully then I can set my itinerary.
Miquel says
You sure know how to make a list of disasters sound awesome. 20 countries in one year?! That’s amazing! You’ve totally got me convinced that I need to head to Iran, and I can’t want to hear about your upcoming plans for 2015.
Good luck with your family over the holidays. Let there be eggnog – lots of eggnog!
Silvia says
Haha goodness, there had better be eggnog. I had no idea I had been to so many countries until I started writing this post. Iran was definitely a highlight though – highly recommended!
Becky says
Disastrous, indeed! I almost hate saying this, but…I hope you have more “disasters” in 2015 🙂 Happy travels and wishing you plenty more adventures in the future.
Silvia says
Haha thanks, Becky! If 2015 brings similar disasters I’ll be happy (even if my family will not, ha).
Aine @ Awkward Irish Girl Blogs says
Your disasters are laughably amazing! My biggest travel fails this year were getting horrific food poisoning the night before flying home from Asia, and also failing to book a flight for my friend as well as myself and only finding out the night before we were due to leave – disaster!
Silvia says
Oh wow, that’s actually horrible! In 2013 I had lots of travel horror stories, but 2014 seemed to be much kinder to me. I wonder what that means for 2015…
becky hutner says
20 countries in one year is my definition of success! And I totally recognize that bridge in Laos — Nong Khiaw?
Silvia says
Yes, that’s Nong Khiaw! Pretty impressive spotting 🙂
Andrea says
So many fantastic experiences. I read your post on Lazarat and as you possibly know I went there with Nate and Phillipa not long before you did. I’m really looking forward to following your travels next year!
Silvia says
Nate is 100% responsible for Daniel and my trip to Lazarat, ha. After hearing your stories I couldn’t resist seeing it for myself! I hope 2015 brings me to some similarly interesting places.
Marie @ Marie Away says
I love it! So many great experiences (disasters?), it’s nice to see the openness that you write with 🙂 It gives me lots of inspiration. Cheers!
Silvia says
It’s funny when people say my blog is so open, because in real life I’m quite private and even secretive, haha. I guess it’s just easier to overshare on the Internet 🙂
Renates Reiser says
Such an awesome year filled with so much fun (and disasters haha)! xD I’m looking forward to reading about your upcoming 2015 travels. Have a beautiful Christmas in Norway!
Silvia says
Thanks, Renate, I’m so excited to be in Norway this Christmas! I plan on skiing everyday 🙂
Ashley says
Your year was filled with some pretty awesome disasters! I remember reading that post about Lazarat and thought it was great- so interesting!
Silvia says
Phew, at least someone read it! Lazarat really was such a fascinating and bizarre village.
Patti says
Really fun post to read! 🙂
Silvia says
Glad it wasn’t too ridiculous!
Justine says
I know exactly how you feel about being around family during the holidays. I love my family and I always cherish the rare opportunities to be at home during the holidays when everyone can get together. But I am always an emotional wreck on these occasions. And I hate answering questions about my life choices and why I travel and why I don’t have a steady career. That part is never fun for me. You can pretty much count on me crying on numerous occasions. Glad to know I’m not alone! On another note, I didn’t know that your Iran posts got so much attention in the Iranian media. I guess I came across your blog after those posts…I’ll have to go back and read them because that’s just crazy!
Silvia says
Ahh I’m so happy to hear that I’m not the only person approaching family time with some trepidation! I feel so ungrateful being nervous about it, but I also know I will definitely be an emotional mess this Christmas, haha. And yeah, posting about Iran was insane – some of the posts were translated into Farsi for an Iranian newspaper and a couple of TV channels interviewed me over Skype (which was one of my most embarrassing experiences ever, ha).
Polly says
Yesss. Come to Russia – you’ll freeze, end up hating winter, and then be happy to get tropical again!
Silvia says
Haha that sounds like the perfect plan!
Megan says
ill be pissed if we dont meet up this year (well, i mean 2015 lol).
and welcome to the world of not being allowed back in countries b/c of shit you say on your blog. i think im probably president of this club 🙁
Silvia says
Since I’ll be back in Europe in 2015, it would be insane if we can’t catch each other. Hopefully in Belarus!
And ugh, I hate your club.
Stacie @ SimplySouthernStacie says
Your year looks like an epic win in my book! Look at all the places you went. Most people will be lucky to see just two of those places in a lifetime much less a year! And when your uncle asks what you are doing with your life, you should get all serious and say “I’m seeing the world.”
Silvia says
Haha I love it! It’s funny how differently people feel about my travels, but you’re right, I am incredibly lucky to have made it to so many wonderful places.
Elena@Elena's Travelgram says
So sorry to hear that your Boracay photo post got labeled “hilarious” – that’s a true disaster indeed 😀
And you should make another attempt and come to Ukraine in Jan. It’s the coldest month and last year there was -20C for the whole week 🙂 Seriously, say no to Thai heat!
Silvia says
I really, really, really want to go to Ukraine! -20 sounds perfect, haha.
Anna | The Blonde Banana says
Wow, 20 countries in one year is pretty impressive! I actually just read your post about 9 reasons to visit Norway in winter and I’m excited because I’ll be in Oslo for a weekend in February and can’t wait. I visited Bergen in the spring last year and it was pretty, but I can’t help but think of Norway in my mind as a snow-covered winter wonderland 🙂
Silvia says
Ahh Norway in February will be so nice! I might be in the minority here, but I definitely prefer Oslo when it’s covered in snow. Plus in February it’s no longer so dark 🙂
Lynsey @ Eternally Wanderlyn says
Grown up real jobs are so overrated. I’d much rather be traveling the world! 🙂
Silvia says
Amen. ❤
Alana - Paper Planes says
What a year! Here’s to even more stories in 2015…
Silvia says
Thanks, Alana, excited to see what 2015 brings you as well!
JONtotheworld says
I am excited for your 2015 adventures! 🙂
Silvia says
Me too! haha
Julie (The Red Headed Traveler) says
20 countries in one year-color me amazed! I (along with everyone else) loved reading your Iran posts; I love Persian food and can only imagine how incredible the sights and architecture are (along with the friendly people). I would hardly call your 2014 escapades disasters; it sounds like you had numerous experiences that you will always remember and probably always resonate with you in some fashion.
Cheers to 2015 travel adventures!
Silvia says
Haha I’m glad to see that so many people here aren’t judging me on my lack of life direction. Then again, this is a forgiving crowd 🙂 2014 really did blow me away though – I would be happy to have more disasters like these in 2015!
Leah says
I beg of you, do NOT assume that all those friends back home getting jobs and degrees have their lives “figured out.” I’ve had enough conversations with those friends (including most recently a girl who just started medical school) and I can tell you with 100% certainty that it’s just not the case. Many of them are putting on a show for their parents or tricking themselves into thinking it’s what they really want, and perhaps they will really convince themselves of that at some stage, but EVERYONE has trepidation about their life choices whether they seem to “make sense” or not. And I’m right there with you…I started grad school five years ago and dropped out after two terms, I haven’t even considered applying again since. Can’t wait to see what disasters you get yourself into in the new year. You can bet I will be reading 🙂 Merry Christmas Silvia!
Silvia says
I LOVED this comment! Especially with all my Christmas blues, this was exactly what I needed to read 🙂 I do feel ridiculous talking to my family about my lack of life plan, but like you said, who our age really has it together anyway? I’d much rather be off making more disasters, haha. Merry Christmas Leah!
Nate says
You’re awesome.
And seriously, you’re a big motivation for me exploring as much of the ‘Stans as is possible in a snowy and cold winter.
Until we next cross paths…. keep on doing your thing.
Silvia says
I am so jealous of your snowy adventures in the Stans! Though being back in Norway is showing me how weak living so long in warm places has made me, ha.
Katrinka says
Now that sounds like a wonderful year!
Silvia says
It really was! I hope 2015 brings even half as many adventures.
Cailee says
This is so fun!! Looks like you had an amazing year!! 🙂 🙂 Beautiful pictures!!
Silvia says
Thanks, Cailee, it was a fun year!
Nancy says
Hey Silva, stumbled across your blog through Ashley Abroad and must say I’m hooked! If you ever come to Dubai, you must give me a shout! x
Silvia says
Thanks Nancy, I would love to go to Dubai someday, so I’ll keep that in mind!
Susanna "The Girl Cousin" says
Dear Silvia,
Family. Urg. I know what you mean. Which is why you need an older sibling with you. Everyone focuses on them. It’s fantastic. No one asks you what you’ve been doing in great detail. You can mumble and they move on! Older siblings are great distractions.
On a another note, I love your blog. Mom and I always check it for news from you. It’s like a rum cake that you made and you have to eat it slowly or you’ll get alcohol poisoning. Because when they say one tsp of rum you know they mean three litres(wine worth one dollar? I got my mom(who doesn’t drink alcohol) a beer cup with fake beer.). Too much of a good thing is a bad thing, after all. But in this case the rum cake is not even making you the littlest bit drunk. Seriously, we need to meet up. Honestly.
Love,
Susanna
P.S.
I’m with my family now too. My dad’s side. The fart jokes are unbelievably. And dad hurt his hip. He’s in crutches but its a bruise not a broken bone(thankfully).
Silvia says
Dear Susanna,
I guess you can imagine my horror when Nina pulled out of Christmas in Norway at the last minute (to spend time in Worcester with her boyfriend, gross). It meant that all eyes were on me when Bestemor started talking about how much she loves weddings and can’t wait to host one. Um…
Are you going to be in Norway this summer? I will at least be in Europe, and I think I will need to stop by Bø to get clothes and things that I’m leaving there, which would be the perfect excuse to come see you!!
xxoooo