As we get ready to bid farewell to 2013, I look back at the past 12 months and realize that it was exceptional after all! It brought very pleasant surprises and certainly topped the previous year!
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the source for the many unexpected blessings that were showered upon me, for all the opportunities that I was given and for the amazing people I had the privilege of meeting along the way. They believed in me and gave me a chance to grow and become a better person as well as a professional. That truly meant the world to me.
There were also some special persons who were there for me when I needed it the most, especially while I was at my family member’s side at the hospital a few days ago (you know who you are). Your kind words of encouragement and well wishes were felt oceans apart and I found strength! One thing is definitely for sure, you can count on me whenever you need me!
They say that things happen for a reason and what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger right? Now I’m very happy to report that things are looking good for 2014 😉
Overall I was able to capture many, many happy moments during all four seasons and I would like to share with you some of the highlights through some of my Instagram photos.
Ready? Let’s go!
2013 started off on the right foot
My favorite bubbly!
Winter was quite an adventure
A walk at Lafontaine Park
The day after the snow storm
Spring came as a relief and put a big smile on our faces
Cherry Blossoms in Ville-Marie, MTL
Tulips in downtown Montreal
At the end of April and beginning of May I was invited to discover Charlotte Harbor and the Gulf Islands in Southwest Florida.
Harbor front view, Punta Gorda, FL
Gasparilla Island, FL
In late May-Early June, I headed to Toronto, Ontario to attend the biggest travel blogger conference, TBEX. It was so much fun and got to meet several colleagues as well as new ones!
CN Tower
View of CN Tower and Roy Thompson Hall during TBEX Opening Night
A few days later I left for Kingston, Ontario.
City Hall
Downtown Kingston
Then the best surprise of the year and opportunity of a lifetime came knocking at my door. It was just too good and couldn’t say no!
In late June – Early July, I was selected by Finnair as a Quality Hunter (among the members of our great community), crossed the ocean and arrived in Helsinki, Finland to participate in a workshop to improve air travel!
Great things come to those who wait right? 😉
Love at first sight. Finnish countryside near Helsinki Vantaa Airport
Helsinki Cathedral seen from Senate Square
I got the chance to fly with one of the best airlines in the world!
Waiting for my return flight
I also witnessed something amazing, seeing this part of the world en route!
Aerial view of Greenland
There’s nothing better than spending the summer right at home in Quebec!
Balnéa Spa, Bromont, Eastern Townships
Swimming at Lac Gale, QC
Road trips during La belle saison (the beautiful season) are one of my favorite things in life! I love driving to gorgeous and peaceful locations such as:
Lake Monroe, The Laurentians
or
Lac Supérieur, The Laurentians, QC
The city comes alive and everyone is out
Ste-Catherine street, Montreal
View of Downtown Montreal from Mt-Royal
Fall is a magical season full of bright and vibrant colors
Fall foliage in Old Montreal
Lac aux Sables, The Laurentians
Fall Day in Montreal
Reflection on Lac des Deux-Montagnes
*Update* Statigram finally sent me a short video of my most popular photos and here it is 🙂
Now ending the year surrounded by my family and loved one is the best present I could ask for! I am very grateful for every single experience and I would not change a thing!
Now we look forward and welcome 2014 with great enthusiasm!
I guess there is just one thing left to say (and great words of wisdom)
Word!
Thank you so much for your continuous support. I hope I can keep you entertained and help you in any way I possibly can.
May all your dreams, desires and wishes come true.
ASK, BELIEVE AND RECEIVE!
Have an amazing year and happy travels!
Lots of love always,
*Hugs*
Kay
P.S: BTW, what is your biggest dream for 2014?
Share it with me in the comment section 😉
Traveller Soul 
great photos – I bet you enjoyed going through them to find the best! I did similar earlier in the week! Great to see others and get ideas!
Thank you! Yes it was great going through them and reliving those special moments in incredible places!
The hardest part was narrowing down to 25-26 pics among the hundreds i took. Very happy memories though.
Oh you did one as well? Send link for me to see please 😉
Thank you for stopping by and Happy New Year!
http://travelwithpenelopeandparker.wordpress.com/2013/12/28/2013-in-months-the-best-bits/
I only included 12, not necessarily the best, but ones I’d forgotten about!!
Wow! Now that was an awesome, action packed year. Cheers to a fab 2014 😉
What a great recap!! Looks like you had an awesome year! 🙂 Somehow I missed that you went to Finland. I’ll have to catch up on some old posts. Summer is Quebec looks awesome! Wish I could jump into that photo of the spa right now, hehe
Happy New Year! 😀
Thank you so much Christina! Indeed 2013 was an awesome year. Lots of unexpected surprises but welcomed them with open arms 😉
Ah Finland was IT, the highlight of the year. Loved it from the first moment I set foot and met some amazing people. I so can’t wait to return for a longer period of time and go nuts on a photo tour of the country as it is drop dead gorgeous there!
You sure would love the spa, it was my first time but certainly not the last.
Happy New Year to you and your family.
I appreciate the time you took to visit & for your support!
Love, K
Hurray for Finland then! Hope you do get to go back soon!
All the best to you and your family in 2014! 😀
Thank you so much!
All the best to you & yours in the New Year 😉
Seems like you’ve had an amazing year! I loved watching your year through the lovely photos in this post. May 2014 be as amazing or even more amazing to you than 2013 was 😊
I sure had a great time in 2013 except for a few days but all in all Life was really good to me and I am quite grateful!
I’m happy you enjoyed the photos.
May 2014 be a fabulous year for you and your loved ones.
I will keep you updated on the blog.
All the best!
Kay 🙂
Looks like you had a great year! Love that second photo with the sun shining, all those places look beautiful! See you in Costa Rica 2014?? Hehehe 🙂
Thank you! Yes, 2013 was such a great year and very grateful for everything that i experienced!
That photo of the sun shining was taken during a very cold day at a park close by. I translate for hours & when i need a break i go for a long walk and that’s 1 of my fave places to recharge batteries 😉
I have definitely put Costa Rica for 2014!
Thank you for visiting.
Have a fab year. Pura Vida!
Wow, looks like you had a beautiful and amazing year of travel. Terrific photos! I’m headed to follow you on Instagram now.
Thank you so much!
It sure was an outstanding year full of blessings and I can.only bow in gratitude!
Thank you for following me back.
Let me check your best moments!
Have an incredible 2014 filled with love, joy, blessings and lots of travel 😉
Many thanks for your visit!
K 😉
I love how you captured all the seasons! It seems like a pretty great year.
Thank you so much!
I’m happy you liked it 😉
It was much easier breaking down the year by season rather than by categories: food, drinks, destinations.
Otherwise It would have been too long!
Hope 2014 is a fab year for you.
Thanks for stopping by 😉
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