I got to visit a lot of amazing places this year. I experienced 5 new states (Louisiana, Minnesota, Tennessee, Missouri, and New York) and 3 new countries (Canada, Germany, and Scotland). These are my top ten coolest spots of all the places i traveled to this year. Some of them I've been to before, but most of them not. Whatever the case, ALL these places are here for one or more of these reasons:

1. beautiful location
2. awesome architecture
3. great character

Here we go....

10. San Francisco, California, USA

lots of great food, cool touristy spots (such as the golden-gate bridge), and a bustling city next to the water, which makes it nice and green...my favorite :) also, there is no lack of crazy people there, as seen by this car...

9. Milan, Italy

yes, it is one of the fashion capitals of the world, but it also has some stunning architecture, too!!! (and really good cannoli)

8. Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Toronto is one of the most diverse cities in the world! it's very reminiscent of west coast cities (seattle, portland, san fran) with all its greenery and beauty! there's a lot of old buildings mixed in with new architecture, which gives Toronto a very "cool" feel.

7. California Beaches, USA

The beach is my absolute FAVORITE place to be, and it just so happens that these 3 beaches are very near and dear to my heart: Newport, Ventura, and La Jolla. I think the beach is the most restful place i could be (and one of my favorite prayer spots!)

6. New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

Amazing beignets, entertaining atmosphere, and beautiful architecture. it's the closest thing to Europe that i've experienced in the US. Summary: feels like Hollywood meets Paris.

5. Tahoe, Nevada, USA

what can i say? i woke up every morning to the view of a lake with a backdrop of snowy mountains. i LOVE my job.

4. Turin, Italy

gorgeous architecture, beautiful parks, and italian food. need i say more?

3. New York, New York, USA

Christmastime was beautiful in New York! it was definitely loud and crowded, but i loved it. Especially nice was the lovely getaway to Central Park, where you feel as if there is no city at all around you, I <3 NY!

2. Frankfurt, Germany

I took a dinner cruise down the Rhine River. then a week later, I just "happened" upon this amazing forest in Frankfurt. lucky me :)

9. Luss, Scotland, United Kingdom

I wish my pictures did justice to the beauty that was 360 degrees around me on the way to the Scottish highlands. Plus, i was too busy video taping all the awesome food i had in Scotland and laughing too hard at Father Neil's humour. I will go back someday!