A New Year, A New Me (And Website)

January 26, 2010

Update (2026)

Sixteen years ago, I pressed “publish” on this post with no idea how much it would change my life. I was younger, wide-eyed, and braver than I realized — simply declaring that travel would always be part of my story.

What began as a small travel blog has since taken me to nearly 70 countries, shaped my career, introduced me to lifelong friendships, and even helped me tell a love story that crossed continents. Life has unfolded in ways I never could have imagined — love, motherhood, reinvention, growth, and grief — but this post?

This was the spark.

I am leaving it exactly as it was written in 2010 — a snapshot of the girl who started it all and the first step of what would become My Beautiful Adventures. If you are curious how far this journey has taken me, you can explore my latest travel stories here.

Happy 2010!!! I know that I am bit late in my greeting, however my web designer has been working very hard for the last several months on creating this new website (which I am totally in love with by the way and I hope you are too). Plus, all good things come to those who wait, right?

Sooo, back to talking about the new year. I have always loved celebrating this holiday with its promise of fresh beginnings and change. This year I had the good fortune to ring in the next decade in one of the most breathtaking cities in the world, Rio de Janeiro. In my upcoming blog entries I will detail the extraordinary journey I had there.

Me on Ipanema Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.

Every year, I have vowed to complete my resolutions and every year I have failed. However, my tenacious personality does not allow me to give up easily, so each year I try again in hopes of succeeding. For 2009, I came up with three resolutions:

  1. Travel to at least three new countries
  2. Get into shape
  3. Begin a blog

Well, I visited Belize, Nicaragua, and Brazil, I began working out six times a week and invested in a personal trainer, and I started My Beautiful Adventures. Each resolution impacted my life in a tremendous way and definitely inspired me to dream even bigger for 2010 (hence upgrading my old website).

In case you are a new reader, I thought I would explain why my blog is named My Beautiful Adventures. While most adventures have trying moments, in the end each of them are simply beautiful. Adventures enrich our lives and teach us about our true selves, since they are an undertaking usually involving unknown risks and challenges that lead to unforgettable experiences. My life is filled with one beautiful adventure after another and I believe that blogging is the best way for me to account for them and to share them with others.

Thus, I excitingly unveil my new website. It is still a work in progress, but I just could not wait any longer to share it! May 2010 be filled with beautiful adventures for everyone throughout the world…

Andi Perullo de Ledesma

Andi Perullo de Ledesma

I am Andi Perullo de Ledesma, a travel writer, professional photographer, and former Chinese Medicine Doctor based in Charlotte, NC. Wife to Lucas, mother to Joaquín, and dog mother to Panda. I share stories of love and loss, and the meaning in between. Through travel and everyday moments, I believe there is always something beautiful waiting to be discovered.

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48 thoughts on “A New Year, A New Me (And Website)”

  5. Sarah

    I just happen to stumble on this site and it is a well written read. I really adore the layout too, it is very easy to navigate.

    Reply ↓
  16. Louisa Louden

    Hello Andi,
    thank you for your visit – especially since it led me here to your beautiful blog! You’re amazing! And these photos are gorgeous!
    😀

    Reply ↓

  24. Pingback: Celebrating New Year's Eve In Barbados | My Beautiful Adventures

  25. Ali

    What a beautiful reflection on where it all began. It’s amazing to see how a simple decision to start a travel blog in 2009 grew into sixteen years of adventures, memories, and stories. I especially love the idea that every adventure, even the difficult ones, can become something beautiful in the end. Here’s to many more journeys, lessons, and unforgettable moments!

    Reply ↓

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