From the Gulf of Mexico at sea and days from Belize to Slovenia, the last 12 months have been a year of marriage like no other. We travelled four continents, 32 countries, 114 destinations, and countless memories. Seventeen years ago today, we promised to live a life of captivating moments, to love each other and explore the world as one in front of our closest and dearest friends and family, and we couldn't have chosen a better half to live this life together. These past 12 months have been an incredible collection of moments and experiences as we unwrap layers of the world we never imagined possible. The bucket list experiences that we ticked off we will cherish forever, some we didn't even know we had. The dear friends we have met over this past year and the old ones we have reunited with this past month we hold very close to our hearts, each and every one of you. We continue to build a beautiful circle of incredible humans around us who share our love of exploring this world, and we continue making even more memories. The world continues to share its beauty with us, and there is no one I would rather have by my side to share it with. Happy Anniversary, dear hubby! I can't wait for the next twelve months and beyond to celebrate many more magical life moments across this globe we call home, 73 countries and counting!

You can't visit Slovenia without experiencing the picturesque capital of Ljubljana. On our 17th wedding anniversary , we spent our last night in a cosy boutique hotel called Vander Urbani Resort in the heart of the old city by the Ljubljanica River. A member of Design Hotels, it was a funky, stylish, and very quirky establishment. Firstly, Ljubljana is not only an enchanting town but also full of romantic attractions. The ancient city centre is mainly pedestrian, and its architecture was distinctively influenced by the famous Jože Plečnik, giving the city, which was the place of his birth, a permanent seal, similar to Gaudí in Barcelona. As you arrive in the old town on foot, the bridges that decorate your view give off a nice vibe, and all the bars and restaurants along the waterside provide energy and liveliness. We perched ourselves on a table in the hotel restaurant, Haus ,  which was perfect for celebrating our 17th wedding anniversary and spending the afternoon watching the city, its locals, and visitors stroll by. The food was super impressive; we soon returned for a rerun at dinner, and our second bottle of champagne, what the heck, it was our anniversary. With an afternoon in the city to celebrate our love, we couldn't have chosen better, one that was the perfect gift for the end of our week of Slovenian travels.  We woke up in the morning to travel to the airport, and the city was shrouded in a layer of mist; it was quite eerie, yet beautiful. Upon arriving at Ljubljana Airport, it is extremely efficient and impressive, providing a very nice experience. We know there is much more to see and do in this beautiful city, but we also know we will be back with bells on in the near future. Slovenia, you deserve much more than eight nights, but thank you for exceeding our expectations and enticing us back to enjoy more of you.

A reunion: it had been a month of reconnecting with friends from afar, and spending a weekend in Skofja Loka, Slovenia, with Tamara, Nick, and their family was a blessing. We last caught up in Belgrade in 2021 with the fam, so it had been two years. The two-hour drive from Bohinj was a wonderful experience, as we opted for the road less travelled and took the scenic route. It was a challenge at times for hubby, with some less-than-perfect roads, but as we ascended the mountain range, the views were all worth it. Imagine driving through perfectly manicured, lush green valleys, dotted with small villages often divided by a narrow one-lane highway. The Slovenian landscape The Slovenian landscape A Slovenian village The Slovenian landscape Mid-afternoon, we arrived at Skofja Loka; it was full of joy and cuddles as we all caught up on the past few years and reconnected. That evening, we had our own little tour guide in Tamara, who shared her hometown and tales of growing up in Slovenia. Skofja Loka is a historic town renowned for its tradition and creativity, located near Ljubljana and just 30 minutes from the capital. It is an excellent starting point for exploring the Julian Alps or, in our case, an ending point. A beautiful old medieval castle is the centrepiece of the old town. The views are endless, and an easy walk up to the castle, and you can even enjoy a cocktail over sunset. Seriously, how this place can serve bespoke cocktails with big ice and amazing staff is beyond words. Our weekend together went differently than planned. We had planned to explore more regions of Slovenia, but after a minor mishap with a tyre puncture, we were sent back to the safety of home and forced to relax. Wayne got to experience mountain driving in his friend's Porsche GT3, and his squeals of delight at tackling some serious mountain driving. The Joyride It was precious; we were wined and dined, and the kids even prepared breakfast; who can say no to weekend pancakes? The kids were fans of having hubby around to play with Lego. We even got to finally see Top Gun: Maverick, a film we never had the chance to watch, and we loved it. We all loved the time together and are eternally grateful to Nick, Tamara, and their family for sharing their weekend, their home, and time with us, as well as their unwavering hospitality. We truly can't thank you enough; we loved our time together and look forward to the next adventure.

Wow, another pocket of goodness is Bohinj in Slovenia. Bohinj is located in the heart of the Julian Alps, encompassing the valley of Nomenj, the Upper and Lower Bohinj Valleys, the lake basin, the Pokljuka and Jelovica plateaus, including a high mountain range. Bohinj Lake - Slovenia We longed for more of the encapsulating views of the Slovenian Alps, so we found a quaint boutique hotel where you could do precisely that: soak up the views. Upon arriving at Boutique Hotel Majerca , we high-fived ourselves as if we had won the lottery again with our stays. It was majestic and just moments from another beautiful lake, Bohinj Lake, the most recognisable and astonishing natural site in Slovenia, and the largest lake in the country. The hotel is described as the most amazing corner on earth, and it truly lives up to this description. Boutique Hotel Majerca - Bohinj - Slovenia Boutique Hotel Majerca  - Bohinj - Slovenia We soon settled in whilst the sun was still shining and enjoyed a bottle of champagne to pause and appreciate the awe-inspiring views in this enchanting corner of Slovenia. As the evening drew near, we were booked into the Michelin-recommended Majer'ca Restaurant ; we love it when the hotel spoils us with a beautiful restaurant to experience authentic Bohinj cuisine. The meals served were delicious, home-cooked dishes prepared according to local recipes with a contemporary touch. The evening was one we hold close to our hearts, and the warmth of service from our lovely waiter, Guspkja, was one in a million. The food and wine were indeed a culinary journey and only made us fall more in love with Slovenia. Following a tranquil sleep in the peacefulness of the mountains, we rose to enjoy one of the best hotel breakfasts, a lovely and delicious start to the morning, as we watched the mist rise as the Alps came into view. We followed breakfast with a morning walk at Lake Bohinj to capture the memories of our stay and relish in the true beauty of the region; we left Bohinj bound for our friends with a refreshing bounce in our step, ready to embark on the two-hour drive to Skofja Loka to spend the weekend with our dear friends and family. Bohinj is another delight for nature lovers. You have everything on your doorstep: cycling, paragliding, water activities and hiking. Bohinj is another perfect summer getaway, and we can only imagine the ideal winter adventure. Paragliding - Bohinj - Slovenia

A place that needs no introduction, we are all familiar with the fairytale pictures of Lake Bled, a Slovenian resort town in the foothills of the Julian Alps, set along the glacial lake. On a cliff overlooking the lake is the 11th-century Bled Castle, which houses a museum, chapel and printing press. Atop a small island in the lake's centre is the Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of Maria, with its steep staircase and bell tower. Lake Bled - Slovenia We were en route to Bohinj from Kranjska Gora for another night amidst the divine nature of Slovenia. Bled was on our list to visit, and it had been for eons, so it was a must! As we arrived in the busy little town, less than one hour's drive from Kranjska Gora , we quickly found a car park and wandered to the lake, as they keep the tourist traffic on the outskirts of the lake. Bled - Slovenia Immediately, we came across a horse and cart carriage ride, the perfect way to circumnavigate the 2km lake and be able to soak up the atmosphere in a relaxed style whilst listening to the beautiful tones of the horse's hooves clip-clopping along, music to my ears! The weather was perfect, and we loved the half-hour experience for €60; it provided us with just enough of the town's atmosphere, along with views of the beautiful castle and church. Bled, Slovenia Following the carriage ride, we were on the lookout for a lovely waterside restaurant to celebrate Bled over a bottle of champagne. If you have a sweet tooth, you will be tempted by the renowned Bled Cream Cakes , originating from the Park Hotel restaurant in 1953, courtesy of pastry chef Istvan Lukacevic. Annually, the Park Café produces 500,000 Original Bled Cream Cakes, culminating in a staggering total of 13 million cream cakes over the years. Were these cakes to be arranged in a straight line, they would span the distance from Bled to Rome. Alternatively, if placed side by side around Lake Bled, they would form a towering 7-meter-high wall encircling the lake. Unfortunately, being a Thursday, all the Michelin-recommended establishments were closed, and the places opened were unappealing and very busy with tourists, so we found a spot by the water for a quick aperitif, and you definitely could feel the poor staff were also over the tourism and were glad summer was coming to an end. Lake Bled - Slovenia Slovenia holds the title of the Country of Chess, renowned for its masters of boutique chess sets, and boasts the world's first chess monument at Lake Bled. The chess sculpture, a collection of bronze pieces, is elegantly positioned within Park Villa Zora and was crafted by the sculptor Janez Boljka. Our verdict is that, upon experiencing Bled first-hand, Kranjska Gora still has our hearts; there is no comparison. We had heard so much about Bled over the years; it was always a must-visit destination, but with Bled being popular with tourists, it lacks the warmth and soul of other areas of Slovenia. For an authentic experience of Slovenia, go beyond the obligatory visit to Bled; you will be pleasantly surprised.

Slovenia, you are hard to describe! You truly captured our hearts; you are now among our most beautiful visited countries. We drove from Koper, where we hired the car, as it was only 20 km from Trieste , where we finished our Italian travels. It was interesting as we crossed the border, and the infrastructure was impressive, with the country well-connected throughout. This provided well-built access to navigate the small country easily. Slovenia is a nature paradise; you have a sense of wonderment as the world around you unveils itself. The mountains, the everlasting views, the lush green meadows, and the villages, all home to an enchanting chapel as the centrepiece, there are constant 'wow' moments! Slovenia Kranjska Gora was where we began our love affair with Slovenia, thanks to a fabulous Airbnb we found, which would make the perfect hideaway to nest and catch up; it did not disappoint. Kranjska Gora - Airbnb We have all felt this way before, an instant vibe of belonging, and this place just gave you all those chills and a sense of tranquillity. We spent the first three nights in our Airbnb, soaking up the Julian Alps, peeking through the surrounding nature over sunsets and wine, of course! Airbnb - Kranjska Gora - Slovenia On our final day, we emerged from our peaceful abode and explored the beautiful village of Kranjska Gora, which offered all the perks of a ski winter village but was also a quaint and pristine summer village, perfect for hiking enthusiasts. You were spoiled for choice with dining options, too. On our final night, we stayed at Jasna Chalet Resort , another tranquil haven on Jasna Lake. It is here that our jaws dropped upon arrival, and the 24 hours we spent enjoying this magical corner of Slovenia were so inspiring. It truly is one of the most beautiful pockets of nature we have seen, even more so than Banff. The untouched presence of tourists was enlightening, and just a scattering of local tourists due to the end of summer. The chalet is committed to complete sustainability, and the apartments are fully equipped, modernly designed and very comfortable. We had a ground stay and loved being so close to the lake with the incredible mountainscape towering above us. Jasna Chalet Resort We enjoyed a slow lunch at Restaurant Jasna and strolled around the crystal turquoise bodies of water, soaking up the sunset and views, and enjoying being at one with nature. Lake Jasna Jasna Resort, Kranjska Gora , Slovenia Jasna Resort also holds a little history, as it was a favourite spot of one of Slovenia's kings, who chose it for one of his homes. The lakes served as his backyard swimming pools, with a picturesque view as a backdrop. We soon felt why he chose Jezero Jasna (Lake Jasna), and you will be mesmerised by its raw beauty, too. Kranjska Gora, you are located in an extraordinary part of Slovenia; the nature and views surrounding you are truly breathtaking. You were the perfect introduction to our 73rd country, Slovenia, as we made our way to our dear friends further south for the weekend. Lake Jasna, Kranjska Gora - Slovenia

Our final destination after travelling from Sicily through Tuscany to Rome is Trieste. As our final stop on this one-month journey through Italy, we chose Trieste as our last destination, making it easy to transition into Slovenia, a new country for us and to spend time with our dear friends. Trieste has been on our list for quite a few years after speaking with friends who always recommended it along our travels, especially for foodies. It's a port city tucked up in Northeast Italy, occupying a thin strip of land between the Adriatic coast and Slovenia's border. Italian, Austro-Hungarian, and Slovenian influences are all evident in its layout, which encompasses a medieval old city and a neoclassical Austrian quarter. So we opted to travel by train, just shy of six hours from Rome , with a changeover in Venice. Having only been to Venice in July , there was no need to stay, although it brought back many special memories as Venice came into view before changing trains. With only two nights in Trieste, leaving little time to explore, we focused on the centre and enjoyed some beautiful meals and the local vibe. Trieste is a melting pot of at least three cultures: Latin, Slavic and German. It is full of incredible architecture; the buildings are magnificent and elegant. The churches are quite mesmerising, and a canal runs straight through the centre, providing a beautiful view towards the sea. Strolling through the delightful city, we soaked in the nearby sights and indulged in more delectable food and wine. Our visit was made even more memorable when we stumbled upon a vintage car meet on our last day, infusing the city with an exhilarating new energy. We were fans of our chosen dining establishments, Le Bollicine  and Ristorante Al Bagatto , which provided the perfect end to our month of exploring Italy. We spent our leisurely weekend enjoying lunch at the esteemed Ristorante Al Bagatto . The establishment has a rich history, having first opened its doors in Trieste in 1966. Initially an inn, by the 1980s it had transformed into a seafood restaurant, and today it's celebrated as one of the city's finest. The service we received was intimate and attentive, the delicacies delectable, and the overall atmosphere was simply impeccable. Our stay at Seven Historical Suites surpassed our expectations. Set in an 18th-century building in the historic heart of Trieste, near both the Grand Canal and Piazza Unità, Europe’s largest square. The accommodations struck a perfect balance between homely comfort and luxurious refinement. The location was truly ideal. We were particularly enchanted by the curated selection of books, sculptures, and precious art pieces that were tastefully scattered throughout the premises. Seven Historical Suites

We were very excited about our next destination, Rome, the capital city of Italy, which we had visited four times before, but this time, it wasn't about the city; it was a reunion with a dear friend we had not seen in about ten years. We drove into Rome from Caprarola and deposited the car, then checked into Hotel Mancino 12 , our hotel, which is about ten minutes from Trevi. However, it was a difficult find, as Rome is still experiencing overtourism, and the average nightly cost is about $500 AUD for nothing special. We secured a lovely hotel offering 59% off the €700 nightly rate, making it an affordable option for a short getaway. The first night was spent on pre-dinner drinks and dinner with our lovely friends; it was as if no time had passed. We fell into old habits, with story-sharing beginning. We even had an agenda for two days to ensure nothing was missed. Dinner was at a bustling little traditional Italian restaurant called Colline Emiliane , which appeared to be a must-visit for all visitors to Rome. The quaint little place was bursting at the seams, and the servers also felt the pressure. Hence, the dinner was speedy, and they couldn't wait to turn your table over, so we added on post-dinner drinks at a beautiful, spacious, chilled bar, relishing that we were all together in Roma. The next day, we had the place to ourselves as the girls were off on a fresh pasta-making experience, so we took advantage of heading back to our favourite restaurant, just Via Condotti, Life Ristorante . Life Ristorante is our happy place in Roma. If you want to escape the intensity of foot traffic and tourists, find Life and enjoy a peaceful setting. Each dish will leave you wanting to continue, and the service is exceptional. This is our third visit in five years. Before our dinner plans, we took the opportunity to meet up with another friend from Oz, who was working at a fabulous Rooftop Bar at 9Hotel Cesàri & Terrazza just near the Trevi Fountain, so a short walk. It was paradise, another hidden gem away from the crowds; I'm sure you're getting the theme here. Wayne and Sal don't play well with too many others at a time, and they love the peaceful nature of a destination and being tucked away from the crowds! Meeting up with Pietro and enjoying a bottle of champagne was an absolute joy, overlooking the Roma cityscape as the sun set, and loving that we were randomly able to catch up with an old friend. Thank you, Pietro! Dinner was in the Jewish quarter at Piperno Restaurant , tucked away in a deep, dark alley. We were happy that the restaurant had a beautiful outdoor terrace where we could relax and savour the city surroundings and sounds. It was a unique setting and a lovely evening again, full of stories and laughter. We felt grateful to be in Rome, enjoying food, wine, and the ambience. Time might pass, but no matter how much time, good friends always pick up where they left off. It truly is a memorable experience to spend time together in places other than your home country. The experience you all share is something you all hold very close to your hearts. Thank you, Kate and Kim, for having us tag along on your Roma trip; we love you!! Due to over-tourism, Rome is best avoided during the summer months. The intensity of the heat and the city is overwhelming and far from relaxing, so we recommend the shoulder! A Reunion in Rome - Italy

After our quiet escape from Umbria , we found ourselves in Caprarola. Caprarola is a town in central Italy in the province of Viterbo. The village is situated in a range of volcanic hills known as the Cimini Mounts, and it represents one of the most significant urban examples of the 16th century. Caprarola - Italy The journey itself was a visual treat—we left behind the rolling hills of Tuscany and found ourselves enveloped by lush greenery and forested landscapes. The contrast was striking, and it set the tone for a new adventure. We again hit the jackpot with our Airbnb called Casa Checca ; it was immaculate, beautifully designed, fully equipped with lovely, welcoming touches, and a gift pack of local chocolate goodies. Caprarola is home to an annual chocolate festival called CioccoFest . It's a shame we missed this; we were a month too early! The apartment had absolutely everything you needed and more to feel at home. The views from the apartment were spectacular, and the rooftop was designed for comfort, where you could soak up more of the beautiful landscape and volcanic hills of Caprarola, which we did, of course, over a bottle of champagne. Airbnb views Casa Checca Caprarola’s most iconic feature is Villa Farnese , a grand Renaissance estate that looms over the countryside. Originally constructed as a fortress in 1530 by Cardinal Alessandro Farnese, the villa symbolises the history of a region once ruled by the House of Farnese. Enhancing its grandeur is Via Dritta (modern-day Nicolai), a striking avenue carved through the town like a telescope, dividing it into two districts: Corsica and Sardinia. To our surprise, we later discovered an intriguing connection—Villa Farnese is part of our friend's family heritage, adding a personal layer to our experience. The town’s charm was magnetic, and we found ourselves wishing we had more time. Caprarola is the kind of place where one could easily linger for a week, uncovering its treasures and indulging in its culinary delights. With only one night, we made the most of our visit, exploring the historic streets in the morning before settling into Bar Vineria Vignola , a cosy wine bar, for a glass of champagne paired with exquisite cured meats and cheeses from across Europe. Bar Vineria Vignola Caprarola is now firmly on the list of places we’ll return to. Its warm energy, friendly locals, and rich history left an indelible mark on us. A town brimming with charm and culinary wonders, it offers a perfect escape for those seeking to savour Italy’s hidden gems.

With a heavy heart, we leave the enchanting region of Tuscany , knowing we have left so many villages unvisited, but knowing in our hearts we will return to explore in more depth later. Our next destination was an Airbnb modern farmhouse , furnished in a modern and technologically advanced way, although it was set in an antique style. It was a short drive from Poggio Aquilone towards San Venanzo in the Umbria region of Italy. Modern farmhouse with pool We chose this location to inch us closer to Rome, where we were to spend a few days with an old friend from Oz, so we found a beautiful house ticking all our boxes: magical views, a pool, spacious, modern and comfortable and being fully equipped to cook at home for a few days while we knuckled down and did some work. Promises were made in the booking: an infinity pool overlooking a wonderful green valley, with strong wifi connections, and a clean, modern and comfortable house. We even checked if they had coffee before we arrived (1st world problems, I know, but being remote and the closest village 10km away for a few days, you need to make sure). We knew there was no air conditioning, but there were ample fans to keep us comfortable during the day. San Venanzo - Umbria - Italy Unfortunately, everything is not always what it appears to be, and yes, there was a valley with views, but the pool was possibly algae infested; therefore, it was unswimmable, the wifi was very sketchy, and the only coffee was ginseng root, the only fan was from 1920 and sounded like we had a jumbo jet landing in the lounge, in addition to several other issues. Therefore, one night was sufficient, and we made a clean exit the next morning to where our expectations were exceeded and more. Life of travel, ability to make decisions and plan quickly on the go. Accommodation is always the most important to us, as it is our home. Modern farmhouse with pool Therefore, one night was sufficient, and we made a clean exit the next morning to where our expectations were exceeded and more. Life of travel, ability to make decisions and plan quickly on the go. Accommodation is always the most important to us, as it is our home. Our host was incredibly kind, and we received a 100% refund for the stay. As a result, we left with some positive feedback on how he can improve his service for future guests, with no hard feelings; he is just trying to find his footing in the Airbnb world. The home and location are full of potential, as you can see from the photos, but with some polishing, it will deliver the whole experience.