2013: a year in review through instagram photos

 

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

champagne, champagne glass, bubbly, 2013

My favorite bubbly!

Winter was quite an adventure

Lafontaine Park, Winter, Montreal

A walk at Lafontaine Park

snow, montreal, snow storm, the day after the storm

The day after the snow storm

Spring came as a relief and put a big smile on our faces

cherry blossoms, spring, Montreal, MTL

Cherry Blossoms in Ville-Marie, MTL

tulips, spring, Montreal, downtown Montreal

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.

Peace River, Harbor front, Punta Gorda, Florida, Southwest Florida, USA

Harbor front view, Punta Gorda, FL

Charlotte Harbor and the Gulf Islands, Gasparilla Island, FL, Florida, Southwest Florida, USA

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, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, TBEX, Discover Ontario, Explore Canada, structure, architecture

CN Tower

Roy Thompson Hall, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Discover Ontario, Explore Canada

View of CN Tower and Roy Thompson Hall during TBEX Opening Night

A few days later I left for Kingston, Ontario.

Kingston City Hall, Kingston, Ontario, Canada, Discover Ontario, Explore Canada

City Hall

Kingston, Ontario, Canada, Discover Ontario, Explore Canada

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? 😉

Finnish country side, Vantaa, Finland, Northern Europe

Love at first sight. Finnish countryside near Helsinki Vantaa Airport

Helsinki Cathedral. Senate Square, Helsinki, Helsingfors, Finland, travel

Helsinki Cathedral seen from Senate Square

I got the chance to fly with one of the best airlines in the world!

Finnair, my Finnair, HEL-JFK, aviation, plane, travel

Waiting for my return flight

I also witnessed something amazing, seeing this part of the world en route!

aerial view, air, view, Greenland, ice, mountains, rugged terrain, travel

Aerial view of Greenland

There’s nothing better than spending the summer right at home in Quebec!

Balnéa Spa, Bromont, Eastern Townships, Quebec, Canada

Balnéa Spa, Bromont, Eastern Townships

Lac Gale, Balnéa Spa, Bromont, Eastern Townships, Quebec, Canada

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, Quebec, Canada, Lake, Lac

Lake Monroe, The Laurentians

or

Lac Supérieur, The Laurentians, Quebec, Canada

Lac Supérieur, The Laurentians, QC

The city comes alive and everyone is out

Rue Ste-Catherine, Ste-Catherine street, Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Ste-Catherine street, Montreal

View, Downtown Montreal, view from the mountain, Montreal, Quebec, Canada

View of Downtown Montreal from Mt-Royal

Fall is a magical season full of bright and vibrant colors

Fall, Old Montreal, Vieux-Montreal, fall foliage, Quebec, Canada

Fall foliage in Old Montreal

Lac aux Sables, The Laurentians, Quebec, Canada

Lac aux Sables, The Laurentians

Fall, fall foliage, Quebec, Canada

Fall Day in Montreal

Lake, reflection on lake, Vaudreuil-Dorion, Quebec, Canada

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)

Keep Calm, Keep calm and, quote, words of wisdom, 2014

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 😉

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