New Years Resolutions and the Year Ahead
Norfolk stands out as an extraordinary beauty; there's little room for debate on that. It holds an array of charms, captivating both visitors and residents with its unique allure for centuries. The county's rich history, woven by the ancients, Saxons, Normans, and Tudors, has left an indelible mark on both the landscape and the soul. From the picturesque coastline, where Nelson honed his sailing skills, to the flotillas of small crafts nestled in the inlets, and the expansive Norfolk skies stretching endlessly.
This county is a tapestry of tales, from ancient fables like the Peddler of Swaffham's journey to London in pursuit of fortune to the enduring imprint left by the Boleyn family. Modern stories echo through notable TV series like Dad's Army.
Norfolk is a realm of steam trains, cherished by both royalty, who still call it home, and commoners who find their place here.
It boasts ancient castles and churches, harkening back to a time when Norfolk was a kingdom in its own right.
The cultural heritage of the county is deeply intertwined with the RAF, a connection forged during the Second World War, with numerous memorials serving as poignant reminders of the sacrifices made by the youth of that era. Today, the renowned 617 Squadron, once custodians of the Lancaster and Tornado Aircraft, continue their legacy with distinction in battle.
Norfolk consistently surprises and delights, leaving locals to simply shrug their shoulders, smile, and utter "NFN"—Normal for Norfolk.
So, this is the backdrop this New Year —the cultural fabric here in Norfolk, our sanctuary when not traveling. Wherever we find ourselves however, the arrival of the New Year prompts fresh thoughts on goals and objectives. I would like to say that these aspirations have been tempered in ambition as the days progress, but that's rarely the case. Last year, we contemplated our objectives for this year on the beaches of Portugal, and our recent video reviewing the past year reasonably well reflects our achievements in 2023. But what about 2024? The ticking of the Schengen Clock, it’s rolling and progressive nature, brings us to spend Christmas and New Year here in Norfolk. It's in this setting that we establish our objectives for the year ahead. The video link is here if you wish to look - https://youtu.be/ALOPbvr5tHE
In the final days of 2023, we fully engaged with our Norfolk community, strolling along the coastline, volunteering at our local Park Run, and participating in runs, including a 10K event at the RAF Marham Base. The latter rewarded us with perhaps the coolest medal we've ever received, and we've collected quite a few to make that comparison. As a result of this experience, we've formulated the following objectives for 2024.
Health and Feeling Good
We're all about feeling good in every way - mind, body, and soul. Think of the brain like a muscle that needs a workout, so we're planning on doing more writing to keep it in top shape. Our focus is on telling cool stories and digging into life's real stuff rather than just the surface. We're also up for broadening our learning horizons and grabbing as many new experiences as we can. Staying open-minded, reflecting constructively, and not getting too hung up on mistakes are our go-to vibes. Changing up our diet this year worked out well, even when we were on the road, so we're sticking with it. Health issues are hanging around, but we're tackling them with a mix of good eats, exercise, and fresh thinking.
Travel Plans
We've done a fair bit of travelling, but now we're all about being more intentional with our adventures. We're planning to move on when we've soaked up enough of a place and choose destinations that really catch our interest, not just what's there. It's all about doing some solid research.
Photography
Our photo game is always evolving. We're getting into digital storytelling and working on snapping pics that tell the stories of people's lives in the places we visit. Whether it's candid or cultural, we're in to it. Picking the right spots is key, and we're upgrading our camera gear to match our ambitions.
Social Media Life
Social media is a big part of what we do, and we like to keep it real. We're not exactly vloggers – more like amateur historians or digital journal keepers. This year, we're leveling up on different platforms. YouTube is our key source, and we're growing our channel in a chilled way, hoping to connect with folks who share our love for travel, van life, and photography. No clickbait here, or dramatic titles just good content is the focus.
Running
We've been pretty busy with Park Runs this year, something we're seriously into. Between us, we've clocked 84 Park Runs and pulled off 65 volunteer roles. Now, we've got some location-based challenges in mind. The Cowell (100 locations) and Half Cowell (50 locations) challenge . That's our goal for the year(s) ahead, keeping the Park Run vibe alive! . It's a shame that Spain and Portugal don't have Park Runs, so this will be put on hold during our next trip. However, we plan to pick it up with a vengeance when we return.
Thank you so much for virtually journeying with us, for your continuous encouragement, and for taking the time to explore our never-ending stream of pictures. Wishing you health, success, and happiness in the upcoming year. Best regards, Helen and Martin.
