Visiting Finland was a bit of a last minute decision. I suddenly found myself with some extra time, and thought I’d round out my trip to the Nordics.

My first full day in Norway turned into an epic impromptu walking tour as I let my curiosity get the better of my feet and let myself wander.

I found out about and booked this trip a year ago on the recommendation of a couple I met in Buenos Aires. I’m so glad I did! And I’m so thankful for the fellow guests who rounded out our crew.

My cousin let me tag along with her family on this trip to the Maldives and I’m forever thankful. The weather didn’t quite cooperate, but we didn’t let it dampen our spirits. It’s still an amazing part of the world.

I wish I had given myself more time in Tallinn. I fell in love with it almost instantly and would have liked to have enjoyed more time soaking it in.

Getting to know my new home (if only for a week).

Even with the amount of time I gave myself in Riga, there were a few things I hadn't quite gotten to. This was my opportunity to fill in those gaps.

Wanting to see a little more of the country I booked a day trip to visit some castles in Latvia and the Hill of Crosses in Lithuania. I'll have to come back to spend more time in the latter country, but it was nice to get a taste.

Exploring the medieval Old Town and the surrounding neighborhoods while getting to know the Latvian capital.

Looking to get some exercise and see a bit more of the city, I decided to do the Cape Town coastal walk along the western edge of Cape Town.

After visiting the northern tip of AFrica in Tunisia, I wanted to visit the southern tip. Happily, I got my chance.

It was great returning to Cape Town to visit my family and revisit after attending the 2010 World Cup. So much I remembered, so much seemed new.

A greatest-hits sort of trip around eastern Australia.

An amazing three-week voyage to the Ross Sea where we were lucky to step foot in Shackleton and Scott's huts.

Wanting to make sure I arrived with ample time before the Antarctic cruise, I ended up with a few days in town before we sailed.

Making the most of my visit to the New Zealand capital.

A wonderful way to spend my first full day in New Zealand.

I'd flown through Dubai a number of times; this time I decided to stay a while to get out of the airport and to know the city.