High Five 2025

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Another fabulous year of traveling in the bag. I went to seven countries and six US cities. I started the new year in Phu Quoc, Vietnam and went to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. In the spring, I went to Rovaniemi, Finland to see Northern Lights with stops in London and Amsterdam. And to close out the year, I went to Brisbane, Australia and Auckland, New Zealand. 

I also went to Chicago, Oakland, Anaheim, Denver, Albuquerque, and Santa Fe. Three of those trips were for concerts. One for a medical conference. And a week with friends at a wellness retreat. 

There were so many highlights this year! This blog is definitely one of them. I started this blog at the beginning of the year. I've written 26 entries so far. I still remember that moment at SFO when I thought I'm starting a travel blog. And here we are. 

I thought it would be fun to count down my top five memories this year. 

#5 - Concerts! 

I went to six concerts this year. My favorites were obviously J-Hope and Jin. I'm am beyond excited for the BTS reunion concert next year. (In case you can't tell from the pics, it's J-Hope, Baekhyun, Jin, Shakira, Cold Play, and G-Dragon.)  

#4 - Eating my way through Downtown Denver between conference sessions 

I love the AAP National Conference and go as often as I can. The food scene in Denver far exceeded my expectations. It's easier to learn on a full stomach.  

#3 - Winter Landscape in Finland 

We went to Finland to see the Northern Lights and while we only saw a smidge of them, I was blown away by how beautiful Finland is: sparking white snow as far as the eye can see with bright green pine trees nestled in. The air was crisp and tingled your nose (and trachea). If pristine was a feeling, this would be it. 

#2 - (Almost) Everything is free in Brisbane 

Everything was magical in Brisbane. And it being free makes it extra delightful. I don't often imagine myself living in other cities or countries. I thought about moving to Brisbane. I can't think of a higher compliment than that. 

#1 - Seeing my favorite books come to life: Harry Potter Studios and Hobbiton 

Is it fair to lump these two together? Yes. Two of my favorite literary universes recreated for real life (or movies to be more exact). It's like being sucked into your favorite books. (The New Zealand post is coming...)  

I'm excited for 2026! Wishing everyone a happy healthy new year with lots of adventures ahead! 

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