As another year comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on all the adventures, challenges, and growth this year has brought. 2015 was a year of transitions – from life on the road back to something resembling normalcy, and all the confusing emotions that come with it.

This time last year, I was in a small guesthouse in Chiang Mai, watching fireworks from my balcony. I had been traveling for over a year by then, and the road had become my home. The idea of settling anywhere felt both appealing and terrifying.

Looking back, I'm grateful for every moment – the beautiful sunsets in Portugal, the unexpected friendships formed in Korean hostels, the quiet mornings in French countryside, and even the difficult days of homesickness that taught me the value of home itself.

2016 will bring new adventures, new challenges, and new reasons to keep exploring. But for now, I'm happy to pause and appreciate how far I've come. Here's to another year of journeys – may they continue to surprise and transform us all.

– Carmel