As 2012 is just beginning to settle in, I’ve had a look through my analytics to see what you liked best on Sophie’s World in 2011. Some of your choices surprised me, some completely charmed me, all pleased me.
Nothing says New Year like a list, so I’ll hop right in and give you the 11 best of Sophie’s World in 2011:
11. Friedensreich Hundertwasser and his toilet
I adore that so many of you have looked at this little old post on a public toilet in New Zealand.
10. Dubai shopping
This post (also an oldie) surprised me. But Dubai is a popular destination. And I suppose shopping is a popular past-time. Or perhaps it is the outrageous Dubai shopping malls that caught your interest.
You’re interested in contemporary history (and evocative museums), as this post on the Kuwait House of National Memorial Museum shows.
8. What to do on a Friday night in London if you’re time travelling
Are you as fascinated with the concept of time travel as I am? I think so, judging from the popularity of this post on things to do in London of yore.
You like street art, too. Even in relatively unknown little European capitals.
I am so happy you liked my series on 700 years of murder and mayhem in London. This second part in the series – all about Smithfield, Tyburn and Execution Dock – came in at no. 6.
Michael Schuermann, aka Easy Hiker, wrote a guest post on a quirky child-friendly Paris attraction. And you loved it!
More Dubai: These reflections on a few hours at Dubai Airport’s terminal 2 drew thousands of looks in 2011. I enjoyed writing it. A thought-provoking place, that terminal.
3. Flirting with Fate in the Faroe Islands
Your interest in this small, enchanting North Atlantic archipelago pleases me so very much. Expect more on the Faroes in 2012!
2. Autumn leaves in Kew Gardens
Google tells me you really like this London garden. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage-listed garden to be sure, but a garden nonetheless. I love gardens, but the popularity of this post surprised me. 11.5 minutes was the average time spent on this photo post. I think Juliette Greco’s haunting rendition of Les Feuilles Mortes might have something to do with that.
1. Murder and Mayhem in London through the Ages – part 3
This post on the infamous Jack got twice as many page views as number 2. And the average time spent on the page was a whopping 16.5 minutes! You really must like England’s deliciously dark history.
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With that, I wish you all the best in this new-born year. I promise to bring you more from the world’s curious corners in 2012. I hope you’ll be inspired to show your children the world as well.
All great posts. I particularly like the one about the Faroe Islands. Otherwise the windy cliffs in the Atlantic Ocean are easily overlooked.
@ItalianNotes – I loved the Faroes. Almost wish they would remain as untouched…
Street art is always a winner 🙂
@Scott – Yes, people seem to really like street art. Something about the accessibility of art in public, I suppose.
I do remember thoroughly enjoying your “Murder and Mayhem in London” series! I hadn’t seen the posts on Dubai, though, so I’m heading over there now. 🙂
I remember the street art post the most – just because we also have an obsession with street art. It adds so much fun to a city I think. Happy New Year. Looking forward to your 2012. 🙂
Julia
These are my favs, too:) I like all of them. As an architect-wife I am in to nice buildings and street art as well. Your selection is always fresh and delicious, I like the way you see the beauty on the streets. And of course I wish a late happy new year;)
Hi,
Great list! I have read some of the list and indeed they are wonderful to read. Happy new year to you and have a blessed year ahead of you.
@Christy, Julia, Amy and Cindy – thanks – and happy 2012!
Thanks for bringing us this list. It includes some I missed the first time around. And thanks for a whole year of wonderful and entertaining posts. Before you go to Kish, be sure to read one of the books that was on A Traveler’s Library 10 Best Travel Books list–Saved by Beauty. It will definitely convince you that a trip to Iran is worth it.
@Vera Marie – I absolutely want to take my time and travel around in Iran. But also, strangely, I’m drawn to Kish…
Sixteen minutes!! Wow — you had quite a year. 🙂
@Abby – 16 minutes, or even 11 minutes, are quite unusual. But fun 🙂
I love Kew Gardens! Went there in the last few weeks of my study abroad program in London.
@Bohemian Trails – Isn’t it an absolutely gorgeous spot? And so peaceful. I’d like to have a look during spring with everything in bloom.
I don’t know how I missed “Friedensreich Hundertwasser and his toilet”. I do remember reading all of the other posts. One of my faves was about Dubai’s Terminal Two — really interesting.
@Cathy – Yes, Terminal 2 was certainly unexpected after all the glamour of… everywhere else in Dubai.
I love all your London posts, especially the historical angles on my favourite city. That NZ toilet always makes me laugh, so unexpected.
@Natasha – Thanks! And yes, we were quite unprepared for an architectural marvel of a public toilet in a little Kiwi town as well. Such a fun surprise.
Love this idea (and your titles)! Should go look at Roamancing’s stats to see this.
~ Emme
Happy New Year, Sophie! Great picks =)
I’ve really enjoyed reading all your posts this past year, Sophie! Best of luck in 2012 too! 🙂
@Emma, Andrea and Michael – Thanks 🙂
16.5 minutes on #1 murder and mayhem post? that’s awesome! i haven’t read it myself, but will be heading over there now. LOL. i’m sure you’ll see a toronto, canada view that’s going to be just as long. hehehe!
@Jen – Thanks! Haven’t figured out how to see where readers come from yet, but when I do…
I never got around doing any list of travels, maybe I should too. Anyway, congrats on getting 16.5 mins average time spent on your post, If I could get 6.5 minutes, I’d be a happy puppy too.
Happy New Year 2012 Anne-Sophie, all the best in this years travels.
@David – Thanks and all the best to you, too!