That's A Wrap - 2018

Updated: Mar 14

I don't know about you but this year has gone faster than me clicking my fingers. Already excited about what 2019 is going to bring. The vision board is complete, goals set and I've already taken action. Now time to relax, grateful to enjoy being with family & friends, great food, and all the joys of the festive season.

It's nice to look back to see how far I've traveled on my personal journey, grateful for all the opportunities, meeting old and new friends at some of the fabulous events throughout the UK, and further afield.

What has been your biggest goal or achievement this year? I have one-word Courage. Being naturally shy it takes a great deal of my energy to muster up my strength of Courage. Walking up to these two gentlemen was a little bewildering! But I needn't of worried they were very friendly and funny too.

WTM London ©MDHarding

That's A Wrap - 2018

This year has been busier than ever trying new food, experiences and creating amazing memories! If you could name one of these, what would it be?

As they say "You only have one life. Go for it!"

Top 18 of 2018

In no particular order here are my 18 highlights of 2018. What are yours? Please comment/share below.

Baba Restaurant

I have never eaten food in this style, flavour, and presentation before. It blew me away. The Baba Restaurant in Edinburgh is located just off Charlotte Square, on George Street. One you must try at least once!

Read more here.

Visiting The Home of The Dalai Lama

I've been lucky to have been in an audience with the Dalai Lama many years ago in Glasgow (he is very funny) and since have been curious as to what his home in Tibet and today in McLeod Ganj, India was like. In February I was lucky to visit McLeod Gani also known as "Little Lhasa", at an elevation of 2,082 metres (6,831 feet). Located by the Dhauladhar Range, part of the southern Himalayas.

The mountain caps were covered in snow like they had just been dipped in vanilla ice cream. We took our time dissecting the scene before us, as this was a trip of a lifetime. We were finally here! After two planes, a train, and a bus, we had made it. The stairs rose high before us, every step almost felt like you were climbing a mountain. The air was crisp, clean, and thin. We wouldn't be running around today.

Astonished at how central his Holiness lived, the streets lead off with many stalls, little shops, and parked taxis. We were welcomed through the towering gates and directed up the stairs to a large platform with doors into small Buddhist temples. The walls on the outside were adorned with large Tibetan Prayer Wheels. There were around 30 people quiet as little mice, examining, praying, and looking out to the great vastness of the mountains beyond. Off this platform, a path leads the way to another set of towering bottle-green metal gates. The entrance to the 14th Dalai Lama's house.

We were told that his Holiness was home, which was a wonderful surprise!