2014 - the year that was

2014 was an amazing year for us.
We started it off with some much overdue family time in Australia, and it was amazing to be able to celebrate Gypsy's first birthday with so many of our friends and family.
And then 3 days after her birthday our Indian subcontinent adventure began!

I can't even put into words how much we loved our 2.5 months exploring every nook and cranny of Sri Lanka. It's just such an amazing and diverse country. And having a tuktuk gave us so much freedom to go wherever we wanted, and to really meet the locals and see the true local way of life. It was an adventure that will stay with us forever.

Our month in Nepal was an unexpected reminder of what backpacking in Asia is like. We spent most of our time visiting off-the-beaten path areas where sometimes we truly struggled to find a guesthouse or somewhere to eat, and, although frustrating at the time, it was thoroughly refreshing as well!! Add some amazing friends who came to visit us, and some other amazing friends we made on the road, and Nepal was a wonderfully fulfilling month.

And then there is India.
I speak on behalf of all of us when I say we truly hate India. But we also truly love it even more than we hate it. It's such a crazy place. Just when you think you've got it, when you think the constant touting and being lied to isn't bothering you anymore, something tiny will happen and you will snap and the whole love/hate relationship starts again. 
That being said, India is such a beautiful country and we feel blessed to be able to share it with Gypsy. She's learnt so much here. Not too many other toddlers can say that their favourite animals are elephants, camels and goats! Nor can they tell you about the time they patted or rode one of them. She really has grown so much here and we just love the person she is becoming.

Our 4 months at the Ashram was an experience I don't think words can do justice. We both grew so much there as people. Physically, spiritually, emotionally and as a family, we are all so much stronger because of our time there. It will always be another "home" to us.

All in all, 2014 has been a pretty amazing year. But then again, I can't think of a year so far that hasn't been amazing for one reason or another. I truly believe life is what you make of it. If you think it's been a bad time, it has been. But if you focus on the good, the bad will soon fade into the background. And for that reason, I can't wait to see what challenges, adventures and experiences 2015 has for us! Who knows where we will be this time next year! 

Happy new year all of you! Keep smiling. xxx