Has this year hopped by so quick? Or perhaps, it was just utterly eventful? I randomly don’t like the number ‘23’ for some reasons yet I remained hopeful that this year would be better than the previous—and certainly, it was. 2023 has been my milestone moment despite sad days, a heartbreak and irrational decisions. But these challenges shaped me to become better that led to new beginnings (with travelling on the side, of course😉) as I reached another decade.
So welcome to my world. Here’s my annual year-in review…for better or for worst.
bits of the UK— Throughout this year, I went to pop-up events, had staycations or plainly strolled across England and it was beautiful and therapeutic. Oh London, why does it feel like it gets harder and harder to live with you each year? For someone who lives independently, I’ve learned to just go out, spoil yourself and carry on even if no one is available. Though at the end of the day, I'm thankful for my frennies for supporting me at times. 🖤 A lot of our pics are posted in my socmed accounts.
soul-searching in Sweden— It was unforgettable and another spontaneous solo trip I took. I remember it was back in February when I sat in a café and search through places that I can safely travel on my own for March. It was my 4th year in the UK as well but I desperately needed a change of scenery back then. And so, I took a plunge of adventure to one of the coldest countries in Scandinavia. Experiencing their relaxed culture during bright snowy days has brought me peace within myself. Likewise, independence is attractive. Read my blog entry here about my days in this ABBA-world!
A spontaneous Cinque Terre --- Never have I really expect that I would be travelling to this Italian gem! It was such an Instagram-dream-come-true for me and going to Pisa as a bonus tour. Read my blog entry here for food trips, sunshine and the sea with my friends.
my new hobby called SALSA/BACHATA— They said that dancing is a stress reliever and it’s also a way to meet new people. Thanks to my leadership coach, she has encouraged me to attend a salsa/bachata class which I never thought I’d enjoyed! At first, it was intimidating and awkward as I rarely do partnership dances. But with constant learning, I began to love bachata more than salsa (yet I still chose to learn both!) and I managed to be on intermediate level. Latin pop somehow became my jam at some point and I was able to build up my confidence as well through social parties. Hence, I plan to keep learning this sensual dance in the coming year ^^
My sudden trip back home— It was on May when I fully decided to go back to Manila even for just a short time. I was disappointed that cryfest came often 😞 So I took a forced holiday on June and on hindsight, it was also my parent’s 30th wedding anniversary (literally a day after I landed in Manila!). It was fortunate that I made it since I kept telling them that I might not be able to go. Though anyhow, I had fun with my loved ones there and it has healed me a lot. That, being in my home country during mid-year is something that I will cherish forever.🖤
BLACKPINK in your area— My first BST Hyde Park concert experience and it’s all thanks to my fellow BinJin fan friend from Canada! I was delighted to tour her around London last July and the very highlight would be this concert. I’m no (and I’m still not. Sorry lol) a K-pop fan but these girls are such showstoppers.
Jetlag Musings: from Japan to South Korea— Another precious moment that I will treasure the most this year was my Asian travels. A breath of Asian air calms my soul even if the PH wasn’t my destination then. I will never get tired going back to Japan especially during spring which was lovely. Whilst my first trip in Seoul was at the peak of a heatwave (and many other lapses), I still enjoyed this Kdrama-land. I bet I was pretty numb to feel jetlagged after having all these frequent long-haul flights! Though here’s a tip: get a flight that will land during daytime so your body can easily adapt to the time zone due to sunlight. ^^
New job, new space, NEW LIFE— You know that it’s time for a change when you don’t feel happy at your usual area anymore—and I felt that at some point. I would tell more about my previous workplace in a separate blog entry soon; But to make it brief, working in Lewisham hospital and living in Lewisham borough for the past 4 years has definitely prepared me for my next adventure. It was never in my plan to settle there anyhow and so, I made a leap of decision to move out. I’m currently on my adjustment period to my new environment in which I hope I made the right choice. Yet so far, I felt happy and more independent as I get closer to live in central London. ⭐️
(13NOV23) My last shift as a band 6 nurse in charge on my ward at UHL. I thank my team for making it the most memorable send-off I ever had 🥹💝
4 Countries, 8 Cities and my heart is 100% full 💝
30 & travelling across Europe—I am beyond grateful to celebrate my 30th with my parents and their colleagues during their 14-day Europe trip. It was also my first to travel to 4 countries in one stride and what’s interesting was we transferred from one country to the next by land! It was somehow tiring and a little fast-paced however, I admire each transition so much. This is one of the blog entries that will be published early next year so please look forward to it 😁
It was very promising that I’d be back in Switzerland after 2 years. I did made a wish last time that I’ll come here with my family and so, it happened. TYL 🥹
What’s next? — Is for you to find out?😅 Everyone always ask where will be my next destination and to be fair, I really don’t know when especially now that my working’s schedule is the same like how normal people do 😝 Yet of course, I have my personal agendas besides traveling as well. In a nutshell, I would generally go with the flow and see what 2024 brings ⭐️
It’s not unusual that I’ve recently toured someone in my home country; And he was very memorable, indeed.☺️ I wish I could share more pics but maybe someday~
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!🐲
Superrr thank you to those who have been reading my blog! I know I’m quite worse with my blog entries lately but do check my Instagram for some short story contents. This is a habit that I have to change next year.😅
‘til then!
