Irreplaceable, indescribable, incredible! The year 2010 saw me hopping around the world, making conversations with the world’s most inspiring minds, and learning valuable lessons that only experience can genuinely teach. I could literally write a book for the past 365 days! But that’s another project. For now allow me to share you the highlights of 2010 which I aptly cut in three parts. And so the Tale of Juliet, my tale, continues:

14 amazing destinations! Exploring the world with deep gratitude and child-like fascination.

1. Went to the land down-under and explored the beautiful places in Sydney, Melbourne and Cairns in Australia. Oh the Great Ocean Road, Great Barrier Reef and the world’s smallest penguins are my favorite!

2. Visited the limitless wonders of Oregon, Arizona and California in the United States of America.

3. Danced to the beat of tango and awakened my senses in the rich and passionate culture of Argentina. (Read blog post here.)

4. Felt the thrilling and sizzling sports, traditions and customs of Rio de Janeiro and Salvador Brazil. (Watch video blog.)

5. Traversed the amazing Amazon jungle, crossed the Amazon river from Brazil to Colombia and trekked in its lost city “Ciudad Perdita.” (Watch video blog.)

6. Fell in love with the beach, the people, and country of the beauty queens Venezuela.

7. Rekindled the fire of love between me and my husband Ted when I surprised him at his birthday party in Holland, his place of birth!

8. Stood in awe at the grand man-made structures in the open city of Dubai.

9. Experienced the heat, the cold, and the calm of the deserts of Abu Dhabi.

10. Overwhelmed by the sights and sounds of the second most populous city in the world Mumbai, India.

11. Visited the temples and rode the mighty giant elephant in the striking beach community of Phuket, Thailand.

12. Made a short and sweet visit to the cleanest country in the world, Singapore.

13. Came home to my country of birth, reconnected with family and friends and found time to trek in the majestic 2000+ years old mountain communities of Banaue and Sagada, Philippines.

14. Experienced the cold, snowy winter in Seoul, Korea but the company, the culture, and the great food made my stay all warm and memorable.

Living life to the fullest and enjoying the best of the world. I am truly grateful!

For more photos, you can visit my Facebook page, Juliet van Ruyven.

Salvador da Bahia, also known as Salvador, is a city on the northeast coast of Brazil. It is known as Brazil’s capital of happiness due to its easygoing population, outdoor parties and street carnival. I found myself happier indeed as my South American trip continued here.

I previously stayed in hotels by myself, but this time I found myself in the company of fellow lady travelers as room mates. It was wonderful to meet new friends.

The first night we went to town and encountered drummers moving around the streets with people following and dancing with them too. I, of course wanted to be counted, danced to the beat of the drums. The crowd got bigger – it was like an awesome mob party!

Known for its music, cuisine, and architecture, 80% of Salvador’s population has Black African ancestry, making it the center of Afro-Brazilian culture. Among its famous Afro-Brazilian artist is Gilberto Gil who won a Grammy award for Best World Music Album – and I was blessed to be able to watch one of his concerts in his hometown!

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