As 2013 winds to a close, I thought it would be a good time to take a look back at the past year, during which this blog has come a long way: on this day last year I had three followers and only posted sporadically. As I began posting with more frequency (concentrating on my travel stories) my audience grew, which in turn inspired me to post even more frequently, and so on . . . it’s the circle of life. 😉
This year has been very rewarding for me as a writer and I want to thank all of you for inspiring me to stick with it. I’ve never been much for resolutions, but if I were to make any, they would be to work harder on getting my novel published and to set aside more time for visiting the blogs of everyone who has visited mine.
In 2014 I will continue writing and sharing the journal from my recent trip to Mexico, and I am considering a trip to London this summer to see the Monty Python reunion (and build a trip of the UK around it). Until then, and in keeping with the tradition of year-end countdowns, here is a countdown of my own (or I should say count-up since I’m starting with #1). The following posts were my most popular of 2013 based on “likes.”
Photo of the Day: Overlooking Dubrovnik – A happy accident photo.
The Vintage Reel Award – My acceptance of this award from my fellow blogger at The Vintage Postcard touches on some fond childhood memories.
The Inca Trail Day 3: Almost There (My Trip to Peru, Part 6) – This was my favorite day of the Inca Trail hike as we passed by numerous remote Inca ruins that the average tourist will never see.
Dubrovnik: A Tour of King’s Landing (and other locations) – This is my most-viewed post by a wide, wide margin. Perhaps I should start tagging all of my posts with “Game of Thrones.” 🙂
Eurotrip 2009 Part 2: Munich – Recounting my adventures in Munich, Germany, including stops in Dinkelsburg and Nordlingen.
The Inca Trail Day 2: Detour Through Hell (My Trip to Peru, Part 5) – Although this was the worst day of my trip to Peru (hiking up a mountain through freezing sleet), it is probably my favorite post because it represents some of the best storytelling of any of my travel writing.
My Trip to Peru, Part 2: Here and There – My time in Cusco as well as excursions to Maras and the Inca ruins of Moray.
Photographs and Memories – This poem is a tribute to my grandfather.
Eurotrip 2009 Part 4: Lucerne – The beautiful city of Lucerne, Switzerland and breathtaking views from the top of Mount Pilatus.
Hiking the D&R Canal – Photos from my hike along the D&R Canal in Princeton, NJ.
And here are ten of my most-viewed posts:
- The Inca Trail Day 4: Arrival at Machu Picchu (My Trip to Peru, Part 7) – My journey along the Inca Trail ended at the majestic city of Machu Picchu.
- My Trip to Peru, Part 3: The Sacred Valley of the Incas – My excursion to the Inca ruins of Pisac and Ollantaytambo.
- Gettin’ My Shining On at Congress Hall – A collection of creepy photos taken at Congress Hall in Cape May, inspired by my favorite horror film, The Shining.
- Jenna – A poem for my then girlfriend (now wife).
- Return of the Jedi 30 Years Later: Remembering Opening Day – The most memorable movie-going experience of my life.
- Eurotrip 2009 Part 3: Neuschwanstein and Innsbruck – My visits to the fairy-tale castle of Neuschwanstein in Bavaria and the charming city of Innsbruck, Austria.
- Cape May Sunsets – Cape May is the best place to view a sunset in New Jersey.
- Eurotrip 2011, Part 8: Long Train Runnin’, Destination Zagreb -The story of my 15-hour train ride through Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Slovenia, and Croatia, including a passport scare with Croatian police.
- Cape May: Our Home Away from Home – More photos from my beloved Cape May.
- Eurotrip 2011, Part 9: Palace Living (Roman Style) in Split, Croatia – An amazing city built in and around the ancient palace of Roman emperor Diocletian. Now that Game of Thrones is filming in Split for the new season, I might have to do a sequel to my King’s Landing post above.
Well, that’s it for 2013. I wish all of you a Happy New Year. See in the blogosphere!
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Michael Rappa 