Year In Review: 2013

As the old cliche goes, another year gone by before we even know it. It prompted me to look for my usual year in review for last year's, just to see where I am at. So here goes. Be warned though, it's going to be one of those word-y posts.

I wrote about three 'resolutions' from the last year's review of the year. Getting a property, go on more travels and generally maintaining a good health and well-being.

Here goes, the annual report-


Property-
Targeted a project development in Penang, I really liked the location and the developer is reputable. Contacted and even went to the office - the launching was supposed to be early this year but no joy. Last call to them informed me that the project may only be launched mid-till-end of next year? I'll just keep looking I suppose...

I really, really badly want to own a place of my own. To keep all my belongings in one place, instead of bits and pieces in Singapore, and some scattered items in SP. Well, the delay may be a blessing in disguise, I suppose. Buys me more time to save up and in the mean time, travel as much as I can before I get bounded by monthly property instalments. Ah well.


Travel-
This is one department that is not lacking. I've been squeezing in every time off with as much plans as possible, sometimes stretching myself too thin. 

Covered India - dived in Havelock island early 2013, an extension after my work trip, and returned again towards the end of the year. This time to Kolkata and Darjeeling, the latter which I really enjoyed

Dived in the Philippines as well and swam with whale sharks for the first time. Many firsts, really. Blue-ringed octopus, pygmy seahorses, frog fishes... on and on. Stuffed myself silly with the delicious lechon, a suckling pig slow-roasted over open fire.

Worked in Vietnam and got the chance to visit Vung Tau. Have yet to produce a write-up of the not-so-edible sea snakes and 'coffee beer', but will do soon! I can't say I've seen much of Vietnam and I'd love to come back and explore Ho Chi Minh city, Hanoi and Sa Pa.

Travelled to the UK twice this year: visited London, Cardiff, Brighton Beach, Stonehenge, Manchester and also the Lake District. Didn't fancy London but loved the quaint countryside of Coniston in Lake District. Fate was not on my side with Stonehenge, however. It was a most unglamorous affair as I side-stepped and tip-toed over sheep shite in an attempt to get closer to one of the seven wonders of the world; only to capture the saddest tourist photo of myself with the ruins (complete with a fence blocking the view of Stonehenge, hehehe).

Visited Ireland for the first, and second time this year. It's definitely one of my favourite places in the world. Incredibly lucky to have THE best weather on my first visit - beautiful days with plenty of sunshine. The conscious ways of the Irish to preserve their country is admirable. Loved the Irish pubs, fresh pulled Guinness draft, the hearty laughs and loud conversations. Oh, and how can I leave out the scrumptious full Irish breakfast, complete with black pudding, eggs, bacon and sausages... And of course, fresh catch from the North Atlantic Ocean - best and freshest seafood I have had, and will ever have :) 

Spent a couple of days in Myanmar. Can't say I've seen much of it, was only in Yangon. With plenty of rainfall on both days! If time permits, I'd like to go back and cover the Mandalay Bay, Old Bagan and Lake Inle.

Headed east towards Sipadan island (third dive trip of the year!) with a bunch of friends - good fun, crazy bits and headpalm moments... Though the dive centre was a major let down. Never again, Big John. You people suck!

Now I only have Laos left to complete the SEA check list.


Health & Well-being-
Now this is quite subjective. I've tried making my workouts more regular while onboard; but it's quite tough to stay disciplined while on shore. The temptation and justification that I can't get good, fresh food onboard has me stuffing my face for a full 5 weeks .

I do miss going to the gym and joining classes :/ You just feel more motivated and is it a lot less boring than going on a solo run... Well, weight has fluctuated but still hovers at target range, so there's no need to hit the panic button just yet.

I've also been more conscious about eating healthily (more than often indulging myself, but hey, you only live once!), more so when I am working. Fresh fruits and vegetables are a luxury onboard; it's ironic how some people avoid them like a disease!


***


Resolutions? I dunno, I think I did pretty alright this year and would like to keep things that way. I'm not particularly passionate about the job but it's what the job offers that has kept me on leash thus far. Travel perks, better salary, time off! Made some really good friends along the way and hope to maintain and surround myself with close people. Will make it a note to call home more regularly too. I miss Pickles!

2014, Year of the Horse. I can foresee a large chunk of my pay check going to various materialistic pursuit. DSLR, scuba diving equipments - time to hunt for a pair of fins (sold off mine!), BCD and a reg. Possibly a 390cc matte black KTM? Decisions, decisions.....

6 comments:

  1. Go for the KTM...Wooohooo and join me for more long rides

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  2. made me wonder for a bit who superknight is when I received the notification!

    Long rides no more than 3 hours! Sore ass...

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  3. Ah, SE sent that video of 2014 predictions she recorded on tv and your last paragraph marked some truth to it ;)

    You mentioned only Laos left to cover SEA - you've been to Brunei and Cambodia meh? bedebah betui

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  4. Have covered Cambodia but completely forgot about Brunei! Hahaha. But not really keen/interested to visit Brunei though.

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  5. Then ma cannot consider cover SEA lor kekeke

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  6. Sudah cover Laos tak mau pigi Brunei still (just realized I didn't reply to this one!)

    ReplyDelete

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