It’s almost the last day of 2013. Time to make those New Years resolutions and wishes, I think. Or maybe not? I skipped them last year and it turned out to be a great year.
From a travels perspective Berlin and Lake Como were the two highlights that left the most memorable impressions in 2013. Each of them for different reasons and I am just extremely grateful that I was able to experience those destinations and moments.

In 2013, I left a lot of money at the duty-free shops at the airport and I am more than ever convinced that it is a myth that they sell the stuff cheaper than other shops. Yesterday nevertheless, I went to a shop downstairs at Frankfurt Airport (Schengen area) and bought myself a leather jacket that was on my wish list for a very long time. When going upstairs again, I had to go through passport control again and I saw on the slip that I was able to claim back VAT.. (only because I bought it in the Schengen area of the airport and there no duty-free shops actually exist). So, that’s another goodie that 2013 had in store for me: I needed a new passport and finally my official residence is in South Africa with the benefit of being able to claim back VAT for any purchases made in Germany or anywhere else. Not that there will be  a lot of purchases, looking at the recent devaluation of the ZAR against the Euro.  And if this devaluation continues, I am seriously going to consider to skip any European destination next year…and with this I come to my resolutions for 2014.

Visiting at least 3 new places in 2014:
going places, experiencing new challenges, leaving my comfort zone, being active.
This could be anything from a Yoga holiday in Bali, to a mountain bike tour across Mallorca, to hiking in South America..
Even though the Euro is so expensive, I’d still like to squeeze in a city trip somewhere in Europe even if it is just for one night. Especially since the long haul flight is paid for if it is a business trip to Frankfurt, which is after all the heart of Europe.

Saving money
I am aware that this is the standard NY resolution. My goal is to save up enough money throughout the year, so that I can take a three-months sabbatical December next year through to February. I’d spend this sabbatical in Cape Town. Just three months, doing only what I want, not thinking of any work related problems.. waking up, going for a coffee at Giovanni’s, then to the beach and working on my tan, every second day a hike up Lion’s Head to keep fit. Working on some creative ideas in the afternoons and posting on this blog more regularly.. What a dream..

I know it looks like number 1 and 2 are hard to combine. Nevertheless, one needs to have goals, right? And usually, things turn out differently anyway.. I am wishing all of you the most of success and luck for your goals to become reality in 2014.

Much love
D.