Just a little over a year ago we were embarking on our first long-term backpacking trip along the Trans-Siberian railway, which at that time seemed to be a never-ending adventure. But, as we all know, time flies and the best four months of our lives passed by, living thousands of colourful memories and unforgettable experiences behind. After coming back to Stuttgart in November last year, we knew that soon we would be on the way again – whether exploring Europe over long weekends and short holidays or undertaking more adventurous travels far away from home.
Now almost 7 months into the new year we’d like to recap everything that it has brought us so far as well as share some of our travel plans for the rest of 2012.
This is what we have already done this year:
BARCELONA, SPAIN
Our first trip after coming back from Asia was a long weekend in Barcelona, city that has been on a bucket list for both of us for a long time. It was also our very first time in Spain and we are now very much looking forward to experiencing more of this beautiful country. During our short stay we were also able to meet our Spanish friends, Veronica and Oriol, whom we got to know on Olkhon Island in Russia, by accident met again in China and spent a couple of amazing days hiking together along the Tiger Leaping Gorge. We miss you, guys, and hope to see you soon again!
BELGIUM
At the end of April we spent a couple of days exploring Brussles, Ghent and Bruges in Belgium. Despite all the attractions the country has to offer, Belgian beer was a real highlight of the trip! Needless to say, we came back home with the full trunk and will have to go back once we run out of our supplies.
LUXEMBOURG
Small countries is one of my travel passions. On the way back home from Belgium we spent a day walking around the city of Luxembourg.
CHAMPAGNE, FRANCE
We made use of the multiple public holidays in Germany during May and June and visited Champagne region in France. Apart from all the wineries and champagne tastings, we were surprized to discover a lot of other sights especially the ride along the Champagne half-timbered church trail and medieval town of Troyes.
BAVARIA, GERMANY
After all the travels we still think that Germany is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. This year we drove down to Bavarian Alps to see one most touristic sight in the country, Schloss Neuschwanstein, and enjoy some alpine air and scenery.
TUSCANY, ITALY
The first real vacation this year we spent in Tuscany, our absolute favorite region of Italy (so far!). This time our task was not only to explore, but also to relax. Mission completed, even though after a week the temptation to give it all up again and move into the wine/olive oil business was dangerously high!
And this is what we are very much looking forward to in the rest of 2012!
BANGALORE, INDIA
Surprize!! We didn’t expect to be going back to Asia so soon again, but it must be destiny. Unfortunately we are not going together this time. Catalin is going to spend 4 weeks in Bangalore with his new job from the end of August until the end of September. Even though he’ll be working there (at least this is what he told me 
), he is still hoping for some exploration during the weekends and promised to blog about his experiences.
MOSCOW, RUSSIA
While Catalin is away (enjoying all those delicious curries in India), I am finally taking a group of our best German friends on a short trip to my home city. After they go back home exhausted by the intenstive sightseeing program I am preparing for them, I’ll stay for another 2 weeks to spend more time with my family and friends back home.
VIETNAM
After India Catalin is going to move on to Vietnam and spend another 2 months there. This time I won’t let him enjoy it all by himself and join him for 2 weeks early October. During this time we are planning to travel down from Hanoi to Ho Chi Mihn City stopping in different place on the way. Can’t wait!!
BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA
Short weekend trip to the city where I worked and lived for one year is (preliminary) planned for late October – early November. The weather won’t be as nice as on this picture, but the most important I’ll have a chance to meet all the friends I made during the time there.
CHRISTMAS, ROMANIA & NEW YEAR’S EVE, RUSSIA
At the end of December we will flying home (this time together) to spend the holiday season with our families.
Have you already planned your next adventure? Have you had a chance to visit anywhere exciting in 2012?
Wow, that’s a great recap with fantastic travels! Just seeing and reading about Christmas is already making me anticipate being back in the D-E for Weihnachtsmärkte. It may be summer north of the equator, but I’m on the South Island and even under clear skies, it’s definitely winter in July. I’m looking forward to being back in Germany again!
Thanks, Henry! We are also very much looking forward to Weihnachtsmärkte season. Luckily it lasts 4 weeks so we’ll have a chance to enjoy them before we go home for the main celebrations. Let us know, if you are passing by Stuttgart and we’ll be happy to buy you a nice Glühwein at Stuttgarter Weihnachtsmarkt
hm…. many of these places I have already been (but not all). Belgium, Luxembourg, Bangalore (just passed by) Moscow (of course) and Bratislava, and also Romania and Vietnam. Some of the places it was more than 10 years ago. Time flies!
For South India, be sure to visit Kerala, do the canal boat trips from Kollam to Alleppey, or to stay in a house boat. As for Vietnam, though I have been to both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, I would really love to see Central Vietnam, where most people say is the best part of the country. Here is my 2 places I am planning to visit:
North Korea in a 4 days tour from Dandong, China (mid August)
Israel – Christmas holidays
Chinese New Year — maybe Rajasthan, North West India…
June 2013 — New York and Eastern USA, a nostalgic trip back to where I have spent 3 years of my life back when I was a student.
Thanks for the tips! Your travel schedule always looks very busy
We can’t wait until Germany makes it on the list again and we can meet, this time on our territory 
Oh wow!
) My long weekend trips are limited to same old Niagara Falls, Ottawa, or Montreal. Well, can also do Quebec city, but it’s a 9-hour drive!! So, naturally, I’m very jealous! haha
Don’t you love living in the middle of Europe?
Also, don’t you guys get the most time off work (of all countries)? Is this why you picked Germany?
Future plans sound great! Can’t wait to read about India and Vietnam!
I’ll be in Russia for about 10 days in October. This time skipping Moscow completely to spend as much time as possible with my family in Voronezh.
We are keeping our options open for the Christmas trip, but my hubby’s heart is set on a beach destination. It most probably will be Panama, where I would be curious to explore the rainforest and do some bird watching.
Hi Irina! I know – think we are totally lucky to be living in the very heart of Europe. And we do get 6 weeks of vacation plus quite a number of public holidays, so quite some time to travel in our disposal
Panama sounds very interesting, definitely not one of the standard beach destinations for Europeans so would be curious to read about your experiences and see some nice photos!
We really should move to Germany! We get 3 vacation weeks….
Oh no!!! Then travelling is a difficult passion to have while living and working in Canada
I have to say you are managing pretty well given the amount of time you have!
Thanks Masha. Would love to visit Germany sometimes despite I have already been about 5 times before, but my last visit was back almost 10 years ago when I lived in the UK. The countryside is definitely beautiful. Would love to visit you guys when I get a chance
Also, forgotten to mention the beautiful Palace of Mysore, which is only 1.5 hours by train from Bangalore. I think Catalin would definitely get a chance to visit there.
This looks like a fantastic year! Looking forward to reading about the upcoming adventures
Callie recently posted..TWO DAYS IN QUITO
Thanks, Callie! We are very much looking forward to the 2nd half of the year and can’t share all of our experiences
What a cool list. We are doing at least few of those. Brussels and Barcelona are coming up for Ali and me.
Andrew recently posted..A New German Routine
Make sure to drink a lot of Belgian beer while in Brussels and let us know if you want a couple of local eating out tips for Barcelona
Wow, that is quite an extensive travel plan! My husband and I are heading to Brussels in a couple of weeks and we are most excited about the beer – my husband is a bit of a connoisseur!
Jay // From There To Here recently posted..Saskatchewan
Beer will not disappoint you! Don’t be put off by the high percent of alcohol in some of the beer types. When you drink it, you only feel the rich, intensive taste, not the alcohol. Enjoy