The Art of Travel: Ciao 2012!

2012 was the cocoon. 2013 is the butterfly.

Hola gypsies! Hope your 2012 was fabulous. 

I must admit, my break from the social networking world was worthwhile. Although to be honest, I snuck in more Pinterest than I care to admit. Pinning aside, not only was I oblivious to the internet (opa gangman, wha-what?),  we also returned to real-life in the States, moved cross-country from NYC to Denver/Boulder-area and made some major career moves. 

Cheers to you, 2012! Thank you for...

1. I Heart Magazines: Back in Publishing + Loving My Job
How crazy that after years of living in NYC to fulfill my dream of magazine publishing, I’m still able to accomplish this in Colorado. When my husband was offered a job (and a totally new career choice!) in Denver, I 100% assumed that – career wise— I’d have to start fresh.  So I really feel incredibly lucky that I'm able to continue working in magazines—plus work for a brand that I LOVE!

2. Sun + Mountains: Spending Every Day in Gorgeous Boulder, Colorado.

Since my husband works in downtown Denver, and I work in Boulder, we live in between the two cities. And although my commute bites, the view is incredible. Every day = Snow Capped Mountains. Did you know that Denver has 300 days of sun a year (that’s more sun than San Diego!)? Plus Boulder is a super cute college town. Great restaurants, awesome community + lots of free yoga.

3. Silver + Gold: Friends, Family and Community.
A year of living out of a suitcase has taught me much. Most important? Being home equals time with my husband…. And we like our home best when filled with friends.  

So one of my 2012 goals was to reconnect with friends here in the Denver area. Although I’m not from Colorado, it seems like a slew of peeps have moved out here. It’s made the transition from NYC incredibly worthwhile. Honestly, it’s tough to give up the adventure of Soho and The West Village. But I’d rather be rekindling friendship at a suburban Starbucks than alone at the Gansevoort pool lounge. Jah feel?

4. Pilgrimage + The Art of Travel: Lose the Travel-Snob Mentality Already!
My favorite sound in the world is that of a customs official’s stamp slapping my passport. I love international travel and -- yes -- I have completely failed to curb my travel snob inclinations.

But here’s what 2012 taught me: The art of travel begins with your own pilgrimage. Travel begins (and ends) internally. There's necessary time involved to prep for any journey…and to process it. So this year has been one of reflection and appreciation. Reflecting my past trips and appreciating my current pilgrimage.

And we didn’t get to travel internationally in 2012. No big deal.

Instead, we spent our time exploring Colorado --- We climbed Pikes Peak, drank fresh mineral water in Manitou Springs, hiked Estes Park, tromped through Aspen and can now spot the difference between a deer and an elk. I even made a quick trip down to Santa Fe, NM (such a gorgeous little town!).  So…I might never get the same excitement over a trip to Wyoming as I would Rome; but I’m slowly learning to appreciate both journeys equally.
 

2012 was the cocoon-- change, adjustment and overall adapting.
2013 is the butterfly-- get my butt moving again. Join life.


xoxojess