2013 is down to its last few days and like many of you I’m sure, I am still wondering where the year went. It all went by so fast, just like every year, and I find myself reflecting (and reminiscing) about everything that happened in the last 365 days. There were great meals, countless cups of lattes and a whole lot of sweet things shared with old and new friends, major changes both in my professional and personal life and just like last year, I was lucky enough to be able to travel to a few dreamy places this year as well. Below is a quick photo essay of my 2013 travels. Thank you all for your love and support for me and for this blog. 2013 was one great year for me and I hope it was for you as well. I wish you all a very happy new year filled with amazing trips and memorable meals shared with loved ones. May you always have your head in the clouds and your feet in the sand.

January 2013: London

I spent the Christmas holidays with my family in Lebanon last year and stopped by London to surprise some good friends on my way back. It was the best way to start the year!

March 2013: Cuba

I have always been opposed to all-inclusive holidays but in March of last year, I found myself in need of complete rest. I realized that you can allow yourself to do absolutely nothing for a week without feeling guilty about it, especially since I had been to Cuba several times and visited every nook and cranny of the island’s entire northern half (and hadn’t stayed in all-inclusives). I also realized that I loved being disconnected from all technology and playing the part of beach bum for a few days!

March 2013: New York City

Right after I came back from Cuba, I went from the absolute peace of a Cuban beach to the hustle of New York City in about a week (and I loved it!)

April 2013: Toronto

I jotted off to Toronto for a couple of days in April to attend the fabulous Terroir Symposium where a great selection of international and Canadian chefs shared food stories and memories with a mesmerized audience. I am looking forward to attending the 2014 edition.

June 2013: Charlevoix, Québec

In June, I fell in love with Hotel La Ferme and the whole Charlevoix region. The sense of solidarity among local producers and farmers was very present with every person I spoke to while there.

July 2013: Rome and the Amalfi Coast

I can never get enough of the Eternal City, which I’ve visited a few times in the past few years. It was also my first time on the Amalfi Coast and I can honestly say without the shadow of a doubt that it won’t be my last.

October 2013: South Africa

This was definitely the most memorable trip I took this year. From observing the wild life of Kruger National Park to driving up the coast of the Western Cape to frolicking on the hills of the South African wine country, everything about this trip was absolutely magical. (I’m in the process of writing my second post on the South African wine country so stay tuned!)

November 2013: New York City

I went back to New York City to celebrate my birthday with a couple of good meals, a few too many cups of coffee, an obscene amount of in-between-meals snacks and a perfect dinner at Eleven Madison Park.

So dear readers, do you have any travel plans for 2014?