If water stands motionless in a pool it grows stale and muddy, but when it moves and flows it becomes clear: so, too, man in his wanderings.

—Muhammed Asad, The Road to Mecca

If I were to sum up 2010 in one paragraph, I would say that it was a wild ride on a flowing river—with ups and downs but wonderful when I look at the big picture—and that my journey to the Middle East served as some sort of catalyst.

I could explain this further, but let’s just get into it now. Without further ado, here’s my list of the year’s highlights:

1. Sleeping in the Desert in Jordan

I was the guest of a Bedouin family in Wadi Rum, Jordan, and had the opportunity to sleep in the desert this summer. And despite concerns about insects and scorpions, I did it. And I only encountered 1 mosquito on one particular night.