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An atmospheric return to Christchurch

“Why do you go away? So that you can come back.
So that you can see the place you came from with new eyes and extra colours.
And the people there see you differently too.
Coming back to where you started is not the same as never leaving.
– Terry Pratchett, A Hat Full of Sky

Nine months away, six countries, four and a half months of work over two jobs and here I am. Full circle, surrounded by the unfamiliarity of the familiar.

It’s taken seventeen flights, nine trains, five coaches, four different rental cars and three ferries (excluding the million and one I took in Hong Kong!) to take me there and back again.

Looking back through the reverse lens of a stretch away it can seem just like yesterday that I winged my way off as the sunset over Christchurch. However the pile of memories, adventures and misadventures, learnings, experiences and changes tell a very different story!

Flying back in over the Southern Alps, covered in tumultuous clouds offering only flashing glimpses of the fantastic terrain below you quickly remember how much of an epic country we get to live in.
Now I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t already scheming and concocting my next travel adventure but it sure is good to be home. For now, it’s certainly time for some New Zealand adventures!

Self portrait from my last night in Christchurch before setting off

Cover

“If you never did you should. These things are fun. And fun is good.”
– Dr Suess

Obscured by the remnants of the tropical storm lashing El Nido the sun sets once again. A darkening of the sky much like many others over the last 365 days. The difference? This falling gloom that signalled the end of the day also signalled the wrapping up of another year. Two-thousand and fourteen. Finished.

But let’s go back a bit. If you’d asked me at the beginning of the year what the best year of my life had been, I would have quickly and easily answered 2013. Bulk time spent traveling and working overseas, truly epic people and places along with great adventures at home made it easily the best all round year.
But how about 2014? Does it trump even that? Well, yes. I guess it does!

Eight months away, six countries, 4 months of work, countless amazing people, places, adventures and memories.
It’s been a year full of adventures planned and unplanned, expected and unexpected. Containing magic moments as far spread as descending a canyon of an intimidating nature to falling asleep in beach side hammock on a tiny island.

To summarise the year that was I’ve selected six of the standout places or adventures of the year along with six groups of people that have added the extra level of goodness.

Here they are!

Places and adventures – “Wherever you go becomes a part of you somehow” – Anita Desai

One: Paynes Ford. What better way to start the year than with 10 days getting chalky hands with good mates in a favourite place.

Two: Spain Climbing Trip. Combining all the perfect elements of great climbing in a fantastic country and culture with great people.

Three: Dolomites. 10 days dodging rain and thunderstorms to still pull of a great trip of via ferrata and a little biking.

Four: Greece Canyoning. Good things seem to come in 10’s. Another fantastic 10 days spent on Crete Canyoning.

Five: Hong Kong. Not a place that I’d expected to go. However a place offering it’s fair share of unique adventures and experiences.

Six: Philippines. Another unexpected place and one that has delivered day after day of goodness. Definitely a country not given enough credit.

Six: Philippines. Another unexpected place and one that has delivered day after day of goodness. A country offering a plethora of less known adventures and experiences.

The People – “Experiences shared and adventures undertaken with others”

One: Spain Travels Crew. Three people I’ve been privileged to know from school, work and elsewhere forming a perfect if manic team.

Two: Full On Italy Crew. Surround yourself with people who have a spice for life. These brilliant individuals (not all pictured) as those type of people.

Two: Full On Italy Crew. Surround yourself with people who have a spice for life.
These brilliant individuals (not all pictured) are those type of people.

Three: Post season adventures. A small but solid selection of Full On crew bring their own unique elements for 10days of unplugging and adventure.

Three: Post Season Adventures. A small but solid selection of the Full On crew bringing their own unique elements for 10days of unplugging and adventure.

Four: Crete Canyoning Crew. Canyoning in Crete? Why not? Oh, no water in the canyons? Never mind! Still an attitude for adventure!

Five: APA Fall Staff. Not all pictured here (just the Cheung Chau Clan), a fantastic and international bunch of people to make the season the season it was.

Five: APA Fall Staff. Not all pictured here (just the Cheung Chau Clan), a fantastic and internationally crazy bunch of people to make the season the season it was. Photo: Adam Doan, Post processing by Ben Lees Photography

Six: Philippine Family. Cheers to all the mugs (a.k.a. great people) who jumped on the bandwagon as well as our fantastic Filipino friends.

Thanks to all the people who have been a part of the adventures of the last year. You’ve all added that extra element that takes a place or trip from good to great. Memorable to unforgettable. See you out there!

All the best for the year and hope it is filled with your own unique adventures. Thanks for following this photoblog and photos! I hope you’ve enjoyed them and can’t wait for what Twenty15 might bring.