Saying goodbye to My Picture of the Day 2010 ...

So, I set out at the beginning of 2010 to post a picture a day for a year.

It sounds easy.

It really wasn't.

The number of times I got to the evening each day and had forgotten to take a picture that day ... I thought I would have remembered given that it was over a year, but it was easy to forget. Hence the number of pictures featuring my dinner :-)

I always found Monday the hardest, maybe it was just a reflection of my mood; Mondays are always hard on a number of counts.

It was also really difficult trying to publish a picture on the same day, just because of time really. I ended up uploading everything for the week, usually on Sundays.

But what I'm left with is an image diary for the year, which in some ways is better than a written log. Just looking back through the pictures now I remember exactly where I was, and in many cases what I was feeling.

I'd love to do it again this year just for the pictorial memories, but once was enough!

Farewell blog, I'll look back with fondness, and relief that I don't have to do it any more!

x

Friday 31st December: New Year's eve in Cusco

One of the craziest New Year's I've ever had. In the UK, when we have a firework display, the whole firework area is cordoned off, health and safety is the priority etc. Here, there were people letting off fireworks anywhere and everywhere.

We arrived at the square and saw an open space in front of us. Being the tourists, we took a photo of ourselves to capture the evening. BANG! A firework was let off right behind us - we were standing where everyone was setting off the fireworks, doh!

At times it felt like a war zone and I was shielding my head most of the evening. One woman in front of us, a tourist of course, let off a rocket sideways instead of in the air, how it missed anyone I don't know.

Crazy, crazy, but great fun.

Not a bad picture to end my blog ... one final farewell post to come.

Thursday 30th December: The Sacred Valley

Wednesday 29th December: Ninos hotel, Cusco

From the uncivilised world of Loki Hostal to the almost Greek-looking refinement of Ninos Hotel. We spent four nights here and it was lovely, one of the highlights from our trip in fact.

Tuesday 28th December: We finally arrive!

After a long, long time travelling, including three flights, we finally arrive in Cusco to an uninviting sky.

Our taxi from the hostal (Loki Hostal), didn't turn up, which should have been a warning to us that we shouldn't go to the hostal.

Turns out that the hostal is the biggest party place in Cusco and our room was outside of the bar - with the music playing until 1.30am. Not great when you've only had a few hours kip in two days.

The next day we asked if it was a one-off party, but no, apparently it's like that every night. Perfect for those young things out on the pull every night, not so great when 'oldies' like us want a good night sleep.

We quickly moved on to a hotel, which was lovely ... as you'll see from Wednesday's photo.

Monday 27th December: Enroute to Peru

Will have to update the last five days of the year when I get back from South America - at least I won't be struggling for pictures there! Although Monday 27th will be interesting as I'm in a plane for the whole day, let's hope there are some good movies to keep me going ...

Updated ... here's a picture of us on Miami beach, killing time (eight hours) before our flight to Lima.

Sunday 26th December: Boxing Day fun

Playing with the dawg on Boxing Day morning, and in the snow too! Looks like he's being very obedient too, perhaps he's wondering why I've got a hunchback?

Saturday 25th December: Christmas at the Hartland's

Here are the Hartlands, minus my brother, on Christmas morning, looking a little blurry eyed it has to be said.

Merry Christmas!

Friday 24th December: What a romantic!

Sometimes, just sometimes, him indoors does something right. While usually I'd vomit on spot at something so ridiculously soppy, I think the Christmas spirit is alive in me and this made me smile.

But, as Newton well know, for every action there is an opposite and equal reaction - he's sure to do something wrong in five minutes' time! Bless.

Thursday 23rd December: Packing for South America!

Just in case we have to get to Heathrow from home on the 27th, we've had to pack our bags for South America today! Have never packed for a holiday so far in advance, I don't like it!

Wednesday 22nd December: Last-minute shopping

Unsurprisingly, Oxford Street was packed with shoppers getting their last-minute pressies, and I was one of them! I think I'm done - woohoo!

Tuesday 21st December: Christmas comes early

Christmas gifts from Sarah and Jenny - thank you!

Monday 20th December: Starbucks, mmm

On way back at lunch with my first 'Red Cup' coffee - and it went down a treat when temperatures are well below freezing!

Sunday 19th December: 'Snow sucks'

Yes, it certainly does.

Saturday 18th December: More bloody snow!

Snow, snow, go away, come back another sodding day (but please not for Christmas as I want to get home and then fly to Peru). Thank you.

Friday 17th December: Mini Shopaholic

Thank you, Sophie Kinsella, for bringing out another book in the Shopaholic series, and for getting me through the train journey home on Friday night ...

Thursday 16th December: Xmas party photos

It's always with trepidation that you look at a link of photos someone sends you from the night before ... but no disgraces, how dull.

Wednesday 15th December: Getting ready for the big night

The gals getting their hair done for the Debenhams Christmas party courtesy of the girls at Aussie hair - thank you!

Tuesday 14th December: Team lunch

Walking back from the content team lunch - we just had to take a picture of Jenny's tights, she was just like one of Santa's little helpers - fab!

Monday 13th December: X Factor winner!

Glad to say that Matt won the X Factor ahead of Rebecca - but just what am I going to do next Saturday?

Might actually have to talk to him on the sofa, blimey.