It has been a whirlwind fourth year of medical school starting with away rotations, then interviews, then travel fun. It hardly seems like we were home enough to soak in the beauty of the Black Hills of South Dakota. I will truly miss all the people there and our afternoon mountain biking adventures to Storm Mountain. It is hard to believe that reality will set in shortly as Drew and I embark on our residency training at OHSU in Portland, OR. I am ecstatic to call this home again and look forward to returning to the Northwest.
For now, I would like to leave you with Marta's Top 20 Travel Destinations: 2010-2011.
1) Easter Island, Chile - Secluded island in the middle of the Pacific, huge moai structures everywhere, a pristine beach, and crystal clear diving waters. Well worth a week.
2) Siem Reap and the Temples of Angkor, Cambodia - I loved the people, town, and temples. Seriously a major highlight of our SE Asia stint.
3) Komodo National Park, Indonesia - I will now compare all my diving to here....manta rays, sharks, and beautifully colored coral and fish. As an added bonus I got to see Komodoo dragons from only 10 meters away. I was still scared...
For now, I would like to leave you with Marta's Top 20 Travel Destinations: 2010-2011.
1) Easter Island, Chile - Secluded island in the middle of the Pacific, huge moai structures everywhere, a pristine beach, and crystal clear diving waters. Well worth a week.
2) Siem Reap and the Temples of Angkor, Cambodia - I loved the people, town, and temples. Seriously a major highlight of our SE Asia stint.
3) Komodo National Park, Indonesia - I will now compare all my diving to here....manta rays, sharks, and beautifully colored coral and fish. As an added bonus I got to see Komodoo dragons from only 10 meters away. I was still scared...
4) El Nido, Palawan, Philippines - A series of small limestone islands with hidden beaches and secret lagoons. Perfectly clear, still waters allowed for an up close view on sea kayaks.
5) Phnom Penh, Cambodia - This also makes the top of the list due to the positive attitude I received from every Cambodian I met. The city, now bustling and developed, is a sharp contrast to the history of the Khmer Rouge.
6) Peru - Peru continues to be at the top of the list, although we didn't do many new activities this time around that would break into the top listings. The highlight was re-visiting all our friends and co-workers from the Peace Corp and indulging in Peruvian cuisine, the best of South America in my mind.
7) Gaudi's Sagradra Familia, Parque Guell, and Apartments - Barcelona, Spain - Hand's down, one of the greatest architects ever.
8) Big Sky, Montana - Amazing skiing and beautiful surroundings. I'm sure worth a visit in the summer as well.
9) Costa Brava, Catalunya, Spain - From Cadaques and Dali's home up north to Carnival in Sitges south, exploring the small towns of Catalunya is well worth the rental car and difficult street navigation.
10) Maui, Hawaii - Worth the beaches, pool, and diving....especially all the sea turtles. Thanks to the fam for a great family vacation.
11) Arches National Park, Moab, Utah - Although only one day spent there, this place needs another visit, especially to see Canyonlands as well!
5) Phnom Penh, Cambodia - This also makes the top of the list due to the positive attitude I received from every Cambodian I met. The city, now bustling and developed, is a sharp contrast to the history of the Khmer Rouge.
6) Peru - Peru continues to be at the top of the list, although we didn't do many new activities this time around that would break into the top listings. The highlight was re-visiting all our friends and co-workers from the Peace Corp and indulging in Peruvian cuisine, the best of South America in my mind.
7) Gaudi's Sagradra Familia, Parque Guell, and Apartments - Barcelona, Spain - Hand's down, one of the greatest architects ever.
8) Big Sky, Montana - Amazing skiing and beautiful surroundings. I'm sure worth a visit in the summer as well.
9) Costa Brava, Catalunya, Spain - From Cadaques and Dali's home up north to Carnival in Sitges south, exploring the small towns of Catalunya is well worth the rental car and difficult street navigation.
10) Maui, Hawaii - Worth the beaches, pool, and diving....especially all the sea turtles. Thanks to the fam for a great family vacation.
11) Arches National Park, Moab, Utah - Although only one day spent there, this place needs another visit, especially to see Canyonlands as well!
12) Yellowstone National Park (in the winter) - Snowcoach tour, bison, and cross country skiing around geysers. Totally a contrast to a summer visit to the park. I can't wait to hit up more national parks in the future....somehow I have never been to Glacier or Yosemite. Both def on the list!
13) Taganga and Parque Nacional Tayrona, Colombia - A tranquil fishing village and rugged beaches surrounded by the jungle. Sunsets are hard to beat.
13) Taganga and Parque Nacional Tayrona, Colombia - A tranquil fishing village and rugged beaches surrounded by the jungle. Sunsets are hard to beat.
14) Hearst Castle and Highway 1, California - Crazy mansion and spectacular views.
15) Pamilacan Island, Bohol, Philippines - A small village island off Bohol that also happens to have a sea channel home to thousands of dolphins. A 6am wake up to watch the dolphins play and swim in front of the boat...totally awesome.
16) Ubud, Bali - A trendy hang out known for it's beautiful views of rice fields, yoga retreats, shopping, and healthy restaurants. Plus Naughty Nuri's ribs and bloody mary's on a Monday night always makes for a lively occasion!
17) Bogota, Colombia - A surprisingly organized, quiet and clean city in the rolling green hills of Colombia. Steak and all night salsa dance party at Andres Carne de Res, yes please.
18) Cartagena, Colombia - Picturesque Spanish colonial streets. But only two days manageable in the heat before needing a beach relocation.
19) Singapore - Seriously one of the nicest cities I have been to....but also way expensive. Singapore airport is prob the best airport I have ever been to and a perfect hub for travel.
16) Ubud, Bali - A trendy hang out known for it's beautiful views of rice fields, yoga retreats, shopping, and healthy restaurants. Plus Naughty Nuri's ribs and bloody mary's on a Monday night always makes for a lively occasion!
17) Bogota, Colombia - A surprisingly organized, quiet and clean city in the rolling green hills of Colombia. Steak and all night salsa dance party at Andres Carne de Res, yes please.
18) Cartagena, Colombia - Picturesque Spanish colonial streets. But only two days manageable in the heat before needing a beach relocation.
19) Singapore - Seriously one of the nicest cities I have been to....but also way expensive. Singapore airport is prob the best airport I have ever been to and a perfect hub for travel.
20) San Francisco and Alcatraz Island, California - Love this city and although touristy, a trip to Alcatraz is well worth the views and tour.
Unable to rate:
Oregon...obviously I'm slightly partial but there are so many great things to see! The Oregon coast, Mt. Hood, Columbia Gorge, and the city of Portland. So excited to be moving there.
Finally, I would like to give a few personal shout-outs to those that helped make our travel happen this year (cheesy I know!)
-My loving husband Drew - So great to have an awesome travel partner.
-My parents, brother, and parents-in-law - Supportive throughout the school year. Thanks for all your added help with our move. We will miss regular Denver trips and Rockies games!
-Conway - For being an awesome tour guide in Bali and organizing the Komodo trip.
-Laure - Conway's roommate who also helped host us in their lovely villa in Seminyak, Bali.
-Patrick and his roommates in Singapore - Thanks for helping us make this our travel hub...and for a few fun nights out!
-Joe - You added a lot of quality fun and entertainment to our SE Asia adventure.
-Tommy - Conway's friend that has helped plan our trip to the Philippines and who is responsible for many amazing photos.
-All those friends that helped host us when we were on the interview trail.
-The Butz's in Big Sky - Once again, thanks for lending the condo and advising us on a great fourth year rotation!
-Drew's host parents in Chavin, Peru who hosted us for a week on our return visit.
-The Peace Corps Staff of Peru and our old program director Emilia who lent us her apartment in Lima for a few days. Also thanks to Jose for being a good friend and showing us, with great pride, parts of Lima we didn't know existed.
-The Rapid City Vegas Crew - What a great weekend to celebrate match. We will miss you all a ton!
-All those friends that gave input and advice on where we should travel....those extra personal recommendations matter the most!
-All the new and interesting people we met along the way.
It is now time to move to Portland and get back to the grind. I hope you have enjoyed the photos and blog throughout our travels!
