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Looking back on 2018

Looking back on 2018

All in all: 2018 was a very good year. I went to three new countries (Slovenia, Japan, Estonia), which fulfills an ongoing annual goal of mine (three new countries, including one birthday in a new country–something I’ve managed to keep up since moving to New York City in 2012). I explored more of California and Mexico, went back to London and Paris, spent plenty of time in New York City. I did well in my day job. We celebrated at friends’ weddings, held friends’ newborn babies, warmed friends’ new homes. I published a book (!). My husband and I bought a house (!). Malibu wine safari

This year felt like a giant whirlwind, one that I don’t know if I’ve been able to properly slow down and appreciate quite yet. I didn’t totally accomplish my new year’s resolutions: I still feel like I need a healthier daily schedule (my daily meditation habit has totally slipped), and despite taking some Spanish lessons, I still can’t hold a conversation. There are still so many more places to go to for the first time, and ones I’d love to revisit, and things we want to do to the house. Although I’m very much looking forward to 2019, here’s a quick recap of the highlights of 2018: Iron Mountain hiking views in San Diego, California

San Diego

Overall, 2018 really cemented how happy we are with our decision to move to San Diego. We discovered hiking trails and surf spots, became loyal to certain coffee shops and fitness studios, and showed off our favorite places to watch a sunset or grab a fancy cocktail to out-of-towners. And, of course, we bought a house! We’ve been enjoying settling into our new neighborhood and tinkering with updates to the house and yard. [A weekend guide to San Diego, if you’re interested!]

Christine A. Merrill at the Frida Kahlo Museum in Mexico City El Moro hot chocolate and churros in Condesa, Mexico City

Mexico City

Without a doubt, one of my favorite trips this year was celebrating our first anniversary in Mexico City. We absolutely loved CDMX: it had beautiful (and colorful!) architecture, incredible food (at all price points), a wide variety of museums and cultural activities and a very dog-friendly hipster neighborhood. It was one of the coolest, most vibrant, most affordable and most pug-friendly cities I’ve ever been to. It quickly got on our short list of places that we would love to go back to, again and again. Campera Bubble Hotel in Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico

Exploring more of Mexico

Exploring more of Mexico was high on my priorities this year, since it was our first full year of living in San Diego (just a 20-minute drive to the border!). We went craft beer tasting in Tijuana with friends and wine tasting (in a bubble!) in Valle de Guadalupe. Both trips made Mexico feel so much more accessible (even with my poor Spanish skills) and reinforced how much I love traveling here: the country is so big, with so much diversity in culture and food traditions and landscapes. I still feel like we’ve barely scratched the surface, and look forward to do checking out more places in 2019 (current debate: Puerto Vallarta or Cabo San Lucas?!).Christine Amorose Merrill and Jillian Wishart at Lodge at Torrey PinesAly Gill, Christine Merrill and Katelyn Downey in Laguna Beach

Annual girls trips in So Cal

Even though the weather didn’t quite cooperate for our girls weekend at Torrey Pines (out of all of the weekends to rain!), we still made the most of Jillians’ time in town. I got to show off some of San Diego’s cutest shops and most photogenic coffee and cocktail spots, and we got plenty of ocean views and relaxation in as well. This was our fourth annual weekend trip together, and I’m so grateful that we’ve continued to make it a priority–even through babies, job changes, and cross-country moves! I also had my second annual girls trip in Laguna Beach with two of my best friends, another weekend getaway that is always so much fun and I’m so thrilled continues to be a top priority. Christine Amorose Merrill

Lots and lots of New York trips

Whenever people ask me if I miss living in New York City, I can honestly say that I don’t: it’s so much more fun to visit, and I’ve been lucky enough to visit A LOT this year. From a weekend girls trip with Aly (my BFF and former Brooklyn roommate!) at the peak of cherry blossom season to a few work trips to being back for the holidays: I have gotten my fill of the key NYC carbohydrates (bagels, pizza, spicy chicken sandwiches from Commodore!) and had plenty of opportunities to catch up with friends.

Views of the river in Soca Valley Lake Bled, Slovenia Jamnik Church on a mountain in Slovenia

The magic of Slovenia

The place that most surprised me this year was certainly Slovenia: I expected to like it, but I didn’t expect to LOVE it as much as I did. All of the brilliant turquoise water, the castles in the middle of lakes and churches perched on mountaintops, the cobblestone streets and colorful architecture: everything felt like a fairytale. It was also the first big solo adventure I’ve done in a while: I loved driving alone through the Slovenian and Italian Alps, being able to to stop whenever the heck I wanted to stop and drinking a glass of wine while reading a book with, quite frankly, one of the best views of my life. David & Christine Merrill in Teton Village, Wyoming

Family time in Jackson Hole

We spent a week with David’s extended family in Jackson Hole over 4th of July week, and I totally fell in love with Wyoming. It’s easy to forget how beautiful the landscapes in our own country can be: you truly don’t have to go far to experience such natural grandeur. It was a pretty low-key week that ended up being so rejuvenating: lots of hiking, BBQing and taking in the epic views at Grand Teton National Park.

mother daughter trip nashille

A mother-daughter trip to Nashville

Although my mom and I have traveled together to France several times, it’s been a while since we took a trip just the two of us–so I was thrilled for the opportunity to travel to Nashville with her. It was her first time ever in the South (and first time drinking sweet tea), and it was really fun to explore a new city together: I’d also wanted to visit Nashville for such a long time! We especially loved our night at the Grand Ole Opry and popping along the different shops, street art and restaurants on 12 South. Christine Amorose Merrill at Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto, Japan

Japan

Japan was the #1 place both David and I wanted to go for a long while, but it always seemed so far away: an impossible trip to make happen in the midst of weddings, moving and all of the everyday life things that seem to add up. We bought our tickets for a September trip on New Year’s Day (a new tradition, perhaps?!) and made it happen–and I’m so glad we did. Even though it rained a lot more than we anticipated, we absolutely loved our time in Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara and Osaka–and I’m already scheming on how and when we can go back.

afternoon tea ritz carlton london

London

I managed to squeeze in two trips to London this year, taking advantage of flight deals to and from London to catch up with good friends before hopping to other places in Europe. After six visits to London, I also finally wrote a post on all of my favorite places in the city. I especially loved experiencing the fantastical world of sketch and the delicious food at Dishoom, wandering through the pastel-colored facades of Notting Hill, and going for a proper afternoon tea at the Ritz.

tallinn architecture

Estonia

Another travel highlight was experiencing my first European Christmas market in the delightfully preserved medieval Old Town of Tallinn, Estonia. I loved exploring all of the cobblestone streets and Russian-influenced architecture, as well as the bohemian quarter full of cozy cafes and bars. We were also surprised by how good the food was: still salivating over that soft, warm brown bread!

Grateful for another year of so many adventures, at home and abroad, and looking forward to what 2019 brings. As always, so appreciative of all of your comments, “likes” and support!