As I look back on 2023, the word “new” perfectly encapsulates the year. It was a time filled with exciting first-time experiences, embracing every opportunity that came our way, and deepening our understanding of ourselves and the world around us. This Travel Recap highlights a year of remarkable journeys and personal growth.
Our year of exploration included venturing to a new continent, South America, and immersing ourselves in the cultures of new countries like Monaco, Wales, Chile, and Argentina. Family milestones were celebrated with the addition of a new member, Molly, my sister-in-law, whose wedding I had the honor of officiating for the first time. We also sought out the natural beauty of new national parks, discovering the wonders of Mesa Verde and Black Canyon of the Gunnison.
Embracing new challenges, we tried cross-country skiing for the first time, embarked on a through-hiking adventure, experienced multi-day camping, and rode motorcycles on the highest road in North America. Culturally, we attended the world’s largest rodeo, stood at the unique Four Corners Monument marking four states at once, and even participated in the historic King Charles’ Coronation in London, England.
This year also marked the achievement of a significant personal goal: taking a planned career break. We are thrilled to dedicate more time in the coming year to our family and friends, prioritize our health, and wholeheartedly pursue personal passions and interests.
Looking ahead to 2024, we have some incredible bucket list adventures on the horizon. These include an epic motorcycle journey from Wyoming to Alaska, slow traveling through the captivating Nordic countries and the Baltic States, and experiencing the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade in NYC.
Beyond grand adventures, we also plan to pursue activities we’ve long desired but needed more flexibility to achieve. For me, this includes volunteering in my community, planning girls’ trips with friends, and trying the exhilarating via ferrata climbing experience. Brian is looking forward to taking advanced motorcycle classes to hone his skills, hunting in the vast landscapes of Wyoming, and mapping out several new motorcycle routes to explore.
As the new year approaches, marking my 40th birthday, my intention is to fully embrace this milestone by cherishing time with loved ones, revisiting beloved places, engaging in activities that bring joy, and remaining open to new people, places, and experiences that foster continuous learning and personal evolution. I wish you a truly wonderful new year filled with all good things in 2024.
You can’t do anything about the length of your life. But you can do something about its width and depth.
Evan Esar
2023: A Month-by-Month Travel Recap
January: New York City, New York
Our year began with the vibrant energy of New York City, exploring iconic landmarks and enjoying the city’s winter charm.
February: Brussels, Ghent, Bruges, and Antwerp, Belgium
February took us to Belgium, where we explored historic cities, indulged in delicious chocolates, and admired the stunning architecture of Brussels, Ghent, Bruges, and Antwerp.
Image alt text: Cobblestone street view in Bruges, Belgium, showcasing charming medieval architecture and a canal reflecting the buildings, captured on a sunny day in February 2023.
March: Seattle, Washington
In March, we visited Seattle, Washington, experiencing the Pacific Northwest’s beauty, exploring Pike Place Market, and enjoying the city’s famous coffee culture.
Image alt text: Panoramic city skyline of Seattle, Washington, featuring the Space Needle prominently against a cloudy sky, taken in March 2023, highlighting urban travel.
April: Monaco and France
April brought us to the glamorous Monaco and the picturesque landscapes of France, experiencing European elegance and springtime beauty.
May: Wales and England
May was spent exploring the historical sites and natural beauty of Wales and England, from castles to countryside, immersing ourselves in British culture.
Image alt text: Scenic view of rural Wales countryside with rolling green hills, stone walls, and sheep grazing peacefully under a bright sky, photographed in May 2023 during a UK trip.
June: Red Mountain, Colorado
June took us to Red Mountain, Colorado, for outdoor adventures, hiking trails, and breathtaking mountain scenery in the heart of the Rockies.
July: World’s Largest Rodeo – Frontier Days in Cheyenne, Wyoming
In July, we experienced the excitement of the World’s Largest Rodeo, Frontier Days in Cheyenne, Wyoming, embracing Western culture and thrilling rodeo events.
Image alt text: Action shot from Cheyenne Frontier Days rodeo in Wyoming, featuring a cowboy riding a bucking bronco during a competition, capturing the energy of July 2023.
August: Summitting Medicine Bow Peak (12,018 feet!), Snowy Range, Wyoming
August was marked by conquering Medicine Bow Peak in Wyoming’s Snowy Range, reaching an elevation of 12,018 feet and enjoying stunning alpine views.
Image alt text: Summit view from Medicine Bow Peak in Wyoming, showing vast mountain ranges and clear blue sky from 12,018 feet elevation, celebrating an August 2023 hiking achievement.
September: Mesa Verde and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Parks & Four Corners – Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado
September was dedicated to exploring national parks, including Mesa Verde and Black Canyon of the Gunnison, and visiting the unique Four Corners Monument where Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado meet.
Image alt text: Ancient cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado, showcasing remarkable archaeological sites against a canyon backdrop, explored in September 2023 during a national park tour.
October: Buenos Aires, San Carlos de Bariloche, and Los Glaciares National Park, Argentina
October took us to South America, exploring the vibrant city of Buenos Aires, the Swiss-like town of San Carlos de Bariloche, and the breathtaking glaciers of Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina.
Image alt text: Majestic Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park, Argentina, featuring towering blue ice walls calving into the lake, a highlight of October 2023 South America travel.
November: Torres del Paine National Park, Lakes District, Atacama Desert, and Santiago, Chile
November continued our South American journey in Chile, exploring the stunning landscapes of Torres del Paine National Park, the serene Lakes District, the otherworldly Atacama Desert, and the capital city of Santiago.
Image alt text: Dramatic mountain peaks of Torres del Paine National Park, Chile, reflecting in a pristine lake under a partly cloudy sky, captured in November 2023 during a Patagonia adventure.
December: Central and Northeast Ohio
December concluded our travel recap with a return to Central and Northeast Ohio, spending time with family and friends during the holiday season.
Image alt text: Festive holiday decorations in Northeast Ohio, featuring a brightly lit Christmas tree and snow-covered houses, representing December 2023 holiday season travel.
