While the world news presented doom and gloom, I carried on, trying to find the good in everyday despite dealing with my own personal challenges for several months.

But a summer in Canada filled with sunshine, afternoons at the beach, Ontario wine tours and weekends with friends and family provided just the rest and relaxation I needed after months of working relentlessly to achieve personal, professional and fitness goals. And now with the New York Times and Lonely Planet selecting Canada as the top destination for 2017, I couldn’t be prouder to be Canadian. Our multi-cultural cities, breath-taking national and provincial parks, beautiful beaches (my favourite will always be the Bayfield beach where my family has a home nearby), and wonderful cultural institutions make this a perfect destination in any season. Follow #Canada150 on social media for trip planning tips and events organized for the festivities.

Back in Morocco one of the highlights of my year was working professional and media relations for the Marrakech Biennale. The exhibition, curated by Reem Fadda, was second-to-none. In fact, Hyperallergic named the Marrakech Biennale the top exhibition around the world in 2016 while ArtForum included it in its roundup of best of 2016.

Badii Palace during Marrakech Biennale 6. © Mandy Sinclair

Badii Palace during Marrakech Biennale 6. © Mandy Sinclair

And with that our Say Something Communication public relations agency specializing in travel and lifestyle clients continued to grow. And man oh man have I had fun with some clients whether it’s been media relations for small business, public relations strategies for fashion and lifestyle brands or boutique guest houses, or even social media strategies.

Oh and when my tailor-made food tours Tasting Marrakech of Jemaa el Fna was recommended in Donna Hay magazine as well as The Times of London. I couldn’t have been more excited.

Donna Hay magazine Marrakech feature Page 1

Donna Hay magazine Marrakech feature Page 2

Donna Hay magazine Marrakech feature Page 3

A visit with my sister (and best friend) at the end of the year provided an opportunity to visit parts of Morocco I had not discovered. We wandered through palm groves and a caidal home near Agdz. Cycling through the Anti-Atlas Mountains. Meeting friendly locals harvesting dates and their plots of land in the expansive palm grove of Tata. And laughing out heads off basically all day every day. It was a getaway we are not soon to forget!

So on 31 December I gathered around the table with some of my dearest friends in Ottawa (where I worked as a PR girl before moving to Morocco) to nibble on fondue, sip wine, laugh lots and toast in 2017 in style.