2011 taught me a lot of things. Living in a foreign country with a different culture and language is not easy. I am far away from my family and some I haven`t seen in 4 years.This year taught me lessons in life – Patience, faith and the value of friendship.
They say patience is a virtue and that all good things come to those who wait. Personally I believe you cannot learn to be patient if you don`t have faith. I had many solitary moments during this past year. Times when I battled with questions and couldn`t find the answers. My faith made me strong and carried me through those moments. I have learnt that there is a time and place for everything and if the door is closed, it cannot be forced open.
I lost friends during the year. I ask myself where did we go wrong? I know that some friends stay in your life for a season and suddenly, without reason leave. Maybe we came to the end of our season. I am not going to beat myself up about it. What I want to do is to treasure the friends that I have, especially my dear friend Monica who is always there for me!
The support of the Blogging Community has been incredible! Being it a birthday,anniversary, blog post or just a hello. Blogging has become such a big part of my life and I would like to continue with my adventures into the new year.
Talking about my Travelling Adventures. This year I did not venture outside of the borders of Argentina. Hostel Tinktinkie is taking up each and every penny and travelling was not at the top of the list.However, that did not discourage me and I searched for adventures within our community. That was the best thing I could have done. I got opportunities to practise my photography, meet people and promote our business. Best of all I learnt more about the culture and the people.
We did get an opportunity to travel with my friends to the beautiful lake district in Argentina. What a wonderful adventure we have had! Next year, if all goes well, we will be travelling to Russia for 3 months. I am so excited about it and it will be our first visit since 2008 and also the last time that Andrey saw his family and friends.
My `Hostel` experience this year had been overwhelming. I remember people telling me it will not work. People who waited for this initiative to fail. But with courage, sacrifice and faith we have made it. We at Hostel Tinktinkie will be entering our 3rd season in 2012 and each year the business is growing and we are building a reputable name for ourselves.
I also celebrated my 4th wedding anniversary recently and I cannot believe how quickly time is flying. Andrey, thank you for always reminding me that I should enjoy life, not take it seriously and make time to do the things that I like.
2011 will go down in my book as a good year. It had it`s ups and downs but I will always remember this year for the patience that it taught me, that nothing is impossible if you have Faith and the value of special friends.
Thank you for allowing me to journey with you this year….and for supporting and encouraging me on my journey…I am happy to have you in my life…..As always….XOXOXOXO
Bonnie, thank you so much for your message! It has been an honour to travel with you. I am looking forward to many more special moments next year! God bless and may 2012 be an awesome year for both of us! xxxxx
Oh, yes, Nelieta, with faith, everything is possible! And, you, my friend, have a deep and abiding faith and love for life. It is a blessing to know you!May God give you many blessings in the new year!
Happy new year to you dear Nelieta…I loved your post,I did a similar one last night…This has been a year of ups and downs..but we have all emerged as winners…I thank you for being a part of my life..standing by me all the time..love you always.
Cheering you on (with pompoms) to more traveling adventures for yourself and more success to Hostel Tinktinkie in 2012! 🙂 You have been one of the inspiring online friends I've had this year and getting to know you (and others in Travel365) is one of the best things that I got out of blogging.More power to you, Nelieta!
Nelieta – You're a one marvelous lady and I'm so glad I 'met' you this year…Wishing you lots of love, laughter and many journeys in 2012!
This is the best post I've read from you Nelieta 🙂 I have so many things/people to be grateful for/with and you are definitely one of them. Thank you for your unceasing support and prayers. It's funny how God could give us friends for different situations and He gave me you at the right moment :*Thank you for sharing your reflections and the people and things you value and hold dear to your heart. I'll always cherish you.Many blessings to you, Andrey, the Hostel as well as for your plans this year. Stay happy and bright !
Hello Nelieta. Happy New Year!Life is one big journey. It's filled with ups, downs, twists & turns, but each experience is a moment to cherish, look back upon & learn from. Indeed…we all have much to be thankful for. Belated congratulations on your wedding anniversary. May this coming year be filled with many more exciting experiences, much happiness, laughter & an abundance of love.Wonderful & inspiring post.Thanks for sharing. I appreciate the visit too.
I believe that with all my heart Martha! Thank you so much for your kind words, it really means so much to me! It is wonderful to know you Martha and your daily devotions help strengthen my faith! Thank you for being my friend in Faith!
AJ, thank you so much! I am so glad I have found you through Blogging. You are such an inspiring person and secretly I am striving to write as well as you do. Love visiting your blog and reading about your adventures! Happy New Year and may 2012 be filled with all great things for you and your family!
Thank you so much Alpana! I will visit your blog later today…apologies for not getting there sooner. I totally agree with you…as long as we can rise from the ashes, we are winners! Thank you for being apart of my journey and I am looking forward to share many more adventures with you, my friend! Love and hugs!!! xxx
One of the hardest lessons that I have learnt John! Wishing you a blessed 2012!
Corinne, you know I am really honoured to know you. You are such a compassionate person and I love reading your blog and your comments. You inspire me! Thank you for your kind words. May we share many happy memories in 2012! xxxx
Melissa dear, I wish I could meet you in person. You are such a kind and gentle person and it is an honour to have you a friend. The times when we reach out to each other means so much to me. You have the ability to lift my spirits and give me hope. i truly value our friendship. May it blossom into 2012! Have a blessed New Year my friend! love always! xxx
Hi Andy, thank you very much for your comment. Yes, life is never smooth sailing and we need to learn to sail through the storms. We have much to be thankful for and we need to value and treasure the friends that we have. Thank you for the wishes. Andrey and I had a busy day preparing for guests but we took some quiet time to sit and think about all the good times in our marriage. Have a blessed 2012 my friend!
Thanks, Nelieta. You inspire me too…You are partly responsible for the word 'travel' on my vision board for this year! ♥
We don't really need to go far to find adventures. Constantly challenging ourselves and reaching for our set goals are adventures in themselves that are both rewarding and fun. Glad your hostel is doing great. Have a great year ahead of you Nelieta! 🙂
Hi Claire thank you so much for your comment! Yes it is true. Most people are looking for adventures in other places but little do they know how many adventures are underneath their noses. We just need to find them 🙂 Thank you for the wishes Claire, the business is going from strength to strength and each year we are looking forward to new challenges 🙂