Another year is nearing its end; just seven hours until fireworks will dance across the winter sky, delighting children of all ages – and frightening dogs. True to tradition, I’ve had a look at Google Analytics to see what you enjoyed most this year. (Here are your faves in 2011, 2012 and 2013.)
Last year, I drew two conclusions about readers of Sophie’s World:
- You’re interested in places off the beaten path, especially in Eastern Europe. That’s as it should be – part of this blog’s focus is the world’s curious corners, and
- You’re interested in the Arctic.
The same definitely holds true in 2014. Also, again, some of the older articles do very well, with articles from as far back as 2010 making the cut.
Without further ado, here are
Your 14 best of 2014
14. World at a Glance: Butrint
With two posts on the most popular list, Albania was practically trending here on Sophie’s World this year: this little post on one of the country’s two World Heritage sites, and…
13. The Boy from Sarande
…this one, one of my personal favourites, about a brief encounter I had with a young Albanian boy, back in 1992. Friends of the young boy (now a young man with a beautiful wife and daughter) recognized the photo and brought this little article to his attention. It was even featured on Albanian TV this year, as a retrospective glimpse of Albania of a different era.
12. Aachen Cathedral and Charlemagne’s BMI
I’m wondering if it’s the reference to BMI that is the reason for this post’s popularity…
11. Pyramiden, an Arctic Ghost Town
This article about a Russian ghost town on Svalbard continues to be popular; it has been on the list for 3 consecutive years now.
10. St Moritz in September
This post from 2011 hopped on the list this year; I’ve no idea why. Though I do adore Switzerland.
9. Barentsburg Highlights
This post about the last remaining Russian settlement in Arctic Svalbard is another steady list maker.
8. Friedrich Hundertwasser and his Toilet
The Hundertwasser toilet has been high on the most popular list every year since 2011! How wonderful is that… I absolutely love that you enjoy this quirky little place.
7. Svartisen Arctic Glacier
All about an Arctic road trip, a mighty glacier, and sprained ankles.
6. Republika Srpska: Pretty Trebinje
On the list this year as well as last, this post is my impression of a pretty little town in Srpska, the Serbian part of Bosnia & Herzegovina.
5. Things to do in Skopje
Another repeat performer. You really like the odd and interesting capital of Macedonia.
4. Hammerfest, the northernmost city in the world
More Arctic road tripping, this one complete with reindeer wandering in the city’s streets.
3. Cooking in Italy
Cooking, Italy, … popularity self-explanatory.
2. Europe by Train
This one as well: train, Europe…
1. St Conan’s Kirk: A Curious Scottish Church
The somewhat surprising winner in 2014 (published as late as in September no less) is an article about a curious little church on the west coast of Scotland. Alexandra was completely captivated.
Cooking in Italy must have been fun! Also that’s really cool about the Albanian boy!
Good times 🙂
Great summary of 2014! Happy New Year to you!!!!
All the best for 2015 to you and thanks for all your kind comments. Much appreciated 🙂
I can’t believe I’ve missed so many of these posts the first time they were published. I really appreciate the round up. Happy new year to you all:)
And to you, Mette 🙂
It seems that every blog that I follow publishes 2014 review.
All the best and happy new year.
I loved your post on Italy cooking!
Neno
Yes, it seems most like to do some sort of recap. Happy New Year to you, too. 🙂
Beautiful photography! Bosnia is on our list for 2015. …and it seems like 2014 was the year for sprained ankles. My wife Laura had a terrible sprain in Banska Stiavnica, Slovakia in October.
Thanks. I hope to see more of Bosnia this year, as well; Sarajevo, at least. Happy New Year to you both 🙂
I know I love your Arctic posts because I’m hoping to cross the Arctic Circle one day in the not-too-distant future! The story of the Scottish church was a lovely post – not surprised to see it in the top position!
Thanks, Lisa 🙂
This is a great idea for a round-up post and I love how it highlights posts from beyond this year. One of the reasons I was first drawn to your site and why I’m still a big fan is learning about these “curious corners” and hidden gems of the world. I remember some of these posts and it looks like I have some interesting reading ahead 🙂 Happy New Year, Sophie! Wishing you many more adventures in 2015!
All the best to you in 2015 as well 🙂
Google can yield the most interesting results 😉 Here’s to an adventure-filled 2015!
Always good for a surprise, Google is.