Before I start.. HOW is the year already over? It seems like only yesterday I was welcoming in 2017 in a little AirBnB cottage in the English countryside, in front of a glorious wood burning fire, sipping champagne and watching the London fireworks on the TV. And yet, another year is over, 2018 is here, and I’m soon to be yet another year older and wiser (?)
When I look back at the year passed, I must admit it has been pretty darn good. Whilst my travels were slightly more modest in comparison to 2016 and my amazing transatlantic adventure, I still succeeded in visiting five countries and a few new destinations. I’ve also bought my own car, started my first teaching job and graduated for the second time. Definitely things to be proud of!
So, with so many great things I thought it would be nice to say farewell to 2017 by looking back at what I’ve achieved. It’s been tricky narrowing down my highlights but here it is, my year in review.
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A Trip to Lyon (February)
Back in February I spent a long weekend discovering the city of Lyon in south-eastern France. Our few days were packed with gorging on delicious food (Lyon is known for its varied cuisine), plenty of walking and sightseeing, a day trip to the beautiful medieval hill town of Pérouges, and a little bit more food. It was a great way to kick of my travels for 2017 and once again proved that there are loads of underrated European cities still out there to be visited!
Finishing my PGCE (June)
Possibly my personal highlight of the year was finishing the grueling teacher training course I started back in September 2016. It was a long old year with lots of highs and lows but I finally finished the course at in mid June and enjoyed what was essentially a three month summer holiday!
Interrailing Through Europe (June)
The day after my PGCE was done and dusted, I set off on an epic trip to Poland with my parents. As always we travelled by train with our trusty interrail passes and spent fourteen days travelling to some amazing and lesser known towns and cities such as Poznan, Torun and Wrocław.
Celebrating a School Friend’s Wedding (July)
Although I’ve not been to many, I do love a good wedding! A close school friend of mine got married back in July and it was so nice to celebrate together at her reception in the beautiful Syon Park in London.
My First Scuba Dive (August)
Another highlight of 2017 was definitely trying my hand at scuba diving. I’m not really a confident swimmer and the thought of deep water has always creeped me out a bit. But on a trip to Fuerteventura, my boyfriend managed to persuade me to join him on an underwater adventure and you know what, it was pretty fab!
My Youtube Debut (August)
Having returned from the glorious Canarian sunshine in Fuerteventura I thought it was about time to dabble in a bit of video editing. With some help from my boyfriend and glamourous assistant, I made and published my first ever YouTube video highlighting the best bits from my fortnight in the sun. I love having a personalised memento of the holiday and especially love the scuba diving footage! If you haven’t already subscribed to my channel, what are you waiting for?
Starting My First Teaching Job (September)
3 months after finishing my PGCE course, I returned to the world of work at the beginning of September as a qualified teacher. It took some time to adjust to my new school but I’m now one term into being a ‘real’ teacher and am really enjoying it.
My First Press Trip (October)
This was probably my most exciting blogging achievement of the year; being invited on my very first press trip to the wonderful city of Hamburg. Although I had visited Hamburg with my parents a few years ago, my trip with Come to Hamburg proved that I had barely scratched the surface of what there is going on in the city for its visitors. Jack and I enjoyed three days discovering the city; we saw all the major sights including the Rathaus, Speicherstadt, Harbour and Alster lakes, and also enjoyed a Harbour boat tour, trip around Minitur Wunderland and gorged ourselves on chocolate at the Chocoversum museum. For more on our trip, check out my short vlog!
A Trip to Harry Potter Studio (November)
If you’ve been reading my recent blog posts you will have already heard all about my visit to Hogwarts. I had wanted to visit the studio for such a long time and was so excited when Jack told me we were going. Unsurprisingly the studio tour was great – it was fascinating to see all the sets and costumes from the films, along with finding out how they designed and created some of the magical creatures such a Buckbeak the hippogriff and little Dobbie the elf.
Bought My First Car (November)
November also saw me buy my first car – a little blue Hyundai which I adore! My car has given me so much independence and I’m excited at the prospect of taking it on a little road trip in 2018.. still trying to decide where!
Graduated for the Second Time (December)
Having graduated first time round in July 2015, I didn’t imagine another graduation being on the cards. In December however, I graduated from the University of Reading with a distinction in my PGCE course. It was a lovely day spent with my family and friends, neither of which I would have been able to get through the year without.
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So that’s it, the personal and travel highlights of my year. Looking back on 2017, I am really proud of everything I have achieved and feel set up to continue striving for the best in 2018!
As of yet, I have no idea what the coming year will bring but I’m excited to get going and see what comes my way! Thanks to all of you for supporting me and The Girl on The Move for yet another year – I can’t believe this blog will be turning 3 in 2018 and am exciting to continue working on content and my photography for all of you to enjoy!
Wishing you all a very happy New Year and all the best for 2018.
Love, Victoria x
1 comment
great year!