Top 10 of 2013

Each year we put together a list of our Top 10 Experiences from the year and disclose them to each other on New Year’s Day. This year, we subsequently worked together to merge our lists and share them here with you.    

India provides a unique experience that is not for the feint of heart. One of the rewards for overcoming the more challenging aspects of a visit is getting to marvel at the symmetry and splendor of the Taj Mahal. 

This vibrant city far exceeded our expectations. It’s picturesque both day and night with a stunning skyline and a harbor filled with emerald green waters. It’s easy to get around and there are lots of interesting neighborhoods to explore. We hope to return again some day.    

We like to go on day hikes where we can enjoy nature’s beauty while getting a good workout. It doesn’t get much better than the day hikes found in Parque Nacional Los Glaciares in the heart of Patagonia.    

While we wouldn’t call ourselves street food junkies, we did leave our comfort zone on several occasions to dine on the local street food. When we did, we were often rewarded with some very tasty foods. Our favorites included: Spicy potatoes at the Muslim Night Market in Xi’an, Okonomiyaki in Hiroshima, and Samosas in Old Delhi.    

Penguins are adorable and having the chance to mingle with them in their native habitat was an amazing experience.    

We enjoyed exploring the west coast of Ireland earlier in the year and visiting a couple of their whiskey distilleries (Kilbeggan & Tullamore Dew). The highlight however was standing on top of the awe inspiring Cliffs of Moher. 

Seeing is believing. The Great Wall is quite a sight to behold. We now understand why its one of the wonders of our world.    

This is a wonderland filled with natural beauty. We love: thrill seeking in Queenstown, the magnificence of mountains, valleys, lakes, fjords, glaciers & the ocean and drinking their Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. 

We love Adelaide and the fine wines that are produced in the surrounding Barossa, McLaren Vale and Adelaide Hills appellations. Visiting Australia is so comfortable that it almost feels like home.    

We liked so many things about Thailand that it stood out from the crowd.  It started with the breathtaking Grand Palace in Bangkok and included fun excursions to Phuket in the south and Chiang Mai in the north. We loved the food, people and Thai massages. Thailand also provided far and away the best value for our money.