Like everything in life, travel has its high and low points. It also introduces us to the unfamiliar, which is part of what makes it so enriching. As we close in on the end of the year, here are the best, worst, and strangest moments of our 2015 travels.

THE BEST

Upgrade in Hong Kong

We were only there for one night on our way to Vietnam, but upon arriving at the Conrad Hilton in Hong Kong, Steve’s loyalty membership scored us an upgrade to a suite overlooking Hong Kong Bay. Hands down the most palatial hotel stay I’ve had complete with complementary handmade chocolates, tea service, and rubber duck for the bath.

Best, worst, strangest of 2015 travel

Best, worst, strangest of 2015 travel

Best, worst, strangest of 2015 travel

Kayaking Ha Long Bay

Touring Ha Long Bay in Vietnam comes with a lot of hype, but there is no questioning its appeal. Turquoise water, fascinating rock formations and little secluded beaches make it perfect for kayaking.

Best, worst, strangest of 2015 travel

We also had one of the most picturesque BBQ lunches ever as part of the adventure. You can experience more of our adventure in my IslandHopping tour posts.

Best, worst, strangest of 2015 travel

London Pride

We had no idea that London Pride week was happening when we visited in the summer for Steve’s business travel. When we found out about it, we knew we had to brace for the crowds and head out to the parade. Very glad we did. It was  equal parts over-the-top and moving.

Best, worst, strangest of 2015 travel

Best, worst, strangest of 2015 travel

Visiting the Future in Singapore

We were blown away with the futuristic architecture in Singapore. It truly felt as though we had not only crossed the globe but advanced decades into the future too. Every structure makes a statement in this remarkable city state.

Best, worst, strangest of 2015 travel

Marina Bay Skyline at dawn

Taking a breath on Vancouver Island

We spend most of our time travelling outside of our home country, so it was great to tack on a stop in British Columbia on our way to Steve’s business gig in Seattle this fall. Kicking around in rainy Victoria and hiking the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail for the first time was a literal breath of fresh air.

Best, worst, strangest of 2015 travel

THE WORST

Getting sick on our Vietnam bike tour

If you’re going to have major stomach trouble, being on a bike tour is close to the worst time to do it. About half of our Vietnam tour mates experienced the same intense vomiting, chills and extreme fatigue. Brutal! The day it happened involved cycling, a transfer on a bus, and then boarding our junk boat to leave for Ha Long Bay. It felt like the longest day of my life. I didn’t eat a thing for two days, which is crazy for someone who often finds it hard to last between breakfast and lunch.

Best, worst, strangest of 2015 travel

Most outrageous cost for a cocktail in Singapore

Our impromptu visit to Raffles Hotel to sample a Singapore Sling in the location of its invention resulted in some jaw dropping sticker shock. The bill for two drinks and a handful of complementary peanuts (unshelled) was more than $60 CAD. Ouch! Note to self: always read the menu before ordering.

Best, worst, strangest of 2015 travel

Seeing stuff solo Steve would have enjoyed

It’s one of those bittersweet things. I love being able to tag along on Steve’s business travel and I’m fine heading out on my own to sightsee while he’s working. But, that means that I get to see a lot of things that Steve doesn’t.

While in London I visited the fascinating Victoria and Albert Museum:

Victoria & Albert Museum

In Washington D.C. I took a lovely boat ride to Alexandria to enjoy the day:

Best, worst, strangest of 2015 travel

I also saw the ginormous Lord Shiva idol at a Bengaluru temple strangely located behind a shopping mall parkade. Steve missed out on this too:

Best, worst, strangest of 2015 travel

THE STRANGE

Food that stared back at you in Vietnam

I love getting out of my cultural comfort zone. Visiting the major market in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta was a real eye-opener. In more ways than one.

Best, worst, strangest of 2015 travel

Bengaluru’s contrasts

I’m not sure exactly what we expected to experience on our first visit to India, but the contrast between opulence and poverty can’t be described as anything else but jarring. Steve’s business in Bengaluru had us staying in a shiny, gated tech park where just beyond the fence the neighbourhood looked entirely different— including the many wandering cows.

Best, worst, strangest of 2015 travel

Best, worst, strangest of 2015 travel

Going incognito at Agile 2015

I tagged along with Steve to the Agile 2015 conference in Washington D.C. and experienced a moment right out of the movie Up In The Air. I snuck into the conference’s closing party using the I.D. of one of Steve’s colleagues who had to depart early. We were brats and proceeded to stage funny Instagram photos of “Patricia” behaving badly at the superhero-themed bash. She was a good sport about it.

Best, worst, strangest of 2015 travel

Best, worst, strangest of 2015 travel

What kind of travel fun and funk did you experience in 2015? I’d love to hear about it.

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