Another year has passed and I really don’t mind ending it—like finally! I felt like this dragon year has eaten me alive with all these “adulting challenges”. From adjusting on a 9 to 5 job to living solo on a studio flat which is on the farther side from my friends’ cribs; I made several life-changing decisions but none is related to marriage/relationships, YET! Haha. Though, I’m glad I survived and still made it to my happy place this Christmas.🇵🇭❤️
Here are my highlights of 2024 with a couple of teas. NB: All thoughts are of my own.
BinJin FT support project
Who would have thought that by the end of this year, my fangirl soul ignited (again)?! I really gave a break from it all throughout this time so I could tackle more of my personal stuff yet this doesn’t mean that I stopped from supporting Hyun Bin & Son Yejin. I’m still updated with their latest filming which led me to join a foodtruck support project by my friends in the fandom!
For SYJ’s “No Other Choice” on 23rd November 2024 (This was also the day that I arrived in Manila!)
For HB’s “Made in Korea” on 2nd December 2024
I gave my best to create a complemented design for both of them so I hope I nailed it! Credits to Doc SonHyun and team for these pics and for giving me the opportunity to be part of this project. Making these felt like my chibi art comeback—Although, I didn’t actually stop! I have been doodling for improvements and as I write this entry, I am working on a “Harbin” chibi project which will be posted soon! And with that, I’m still and I’m here for BinJin ♡
The ILR(Indefinite Leave to Remain) Trail
What I’ll never forget about this process was how I was backtracking all my travels for the past 5 years. My 2-page cover letter to declare my absences in the UK gave me the nerves for obviously, I’ve been going in and out of the country several times; Yet, I’m thankful that I did not reach the limit. A rule of thumb: you cannot leave the UK for more than 180 days in a 12-month period.
Ever since I returned to the UK in January, I started to review on my own for the “Life in The UK” test which I took in March (my exact 5th year in GB!). It wasn’t much of a problem for me because I like to learn history and I listen to the news quite often. Plus, the questions are pretty basic knowledge (ie. Date of Christmas Day, capital of England, etc); so if I’m to give a tip: take note of significant dates in the UK and familiarize the Royal Family tree.
I even went to the British Museum(my first time!) for this—They have a section about British history there which is 70% helpful.
After passing the test, I got to apply in April as you need to find a suitable appointment in the UKVI and had my result after 2 days (via the express route). Having the ILR/permanent residency status made me thought about the achievement that I stayed strong living in the UK for the past 5 years and it’s one step away to the blue passport. So at this point, I’m really thinking hard about this. 🤞🏻 Read my 5yr bucketlist here
England Day Trips
While I was processing my ILR and had a difficult time getting an appointment to renew my Schengen visa, I had some weekend day trips in England namely in Rye and Winchester. One thing of touring the English countryside is that they are similarly classy like coming from those vintage books! Its village structure is something to admire of. I enjoyed my sightseeing venture here despite that I’m no longer connected to the person who brought me there.😌🫸🏻
Let me admire this lowkey beautiful green trail when we drove the motorway. 🌳
The ERA’s Tour
Taylor Swift + Paramore is a perfect concert combo!
All’s well that end’s well and this concert has been crossing my mind since then! I’m never a hardcore Taylor Swift fan to the point that I never looked into her setlist so the whole show will be a surprise for me. Likewise, it’s such an experience of a lifetime. I hope she’ll do it again someday for her next era. Read my special Swiftie entry here.
#MeetTheBalkans
This year’s sponty trip is brought to you from Romania and Bulgaria! It took guts for me to travel on my own to these new additions to the Schengen zone. I can remember how many people have told me to be cautious when I’m there because its cities can be chaotic. Although, which city doesn’t have chaos in their vocabulary? But I certainly enjoyed and learned a lot from this experience from a different side of Europe. Like I said, it’s cheap, vibrant and pretty but be vigilant!Learn more about my trip to ROMBULG here.
Prague, but in 2024
I returned for another 3-day trip to one of my favorite Euro destinations and still, I am reminded of why I am in awe of it. Their affordable items, the beautiful Bohemian architecture and the classy lifestyle are the main reasons why I kept me going back. Plus, I’m glad to spend it with my mom this time ♡
I had a lovely stay at Hotel Maestro by Adrez . Their deluxe suite rates are cheap and worth it as it is situated within the city center and their facilities are clean. The only setback would be the slow staff service. Whilst, I still went on the same itinerary which you can read here.
A Taste of Scandinavia featuring: Denmark
A trip to the Scandics never disappoints! Especially, when you are touring one of the happiest countries in the world. This is somehow my prize to myself for my 5th anniversary in Europe (and for passing the UK test). As a tourist, I’d say that Copenhagen is one of those cities that will make you feel that life can be lived simple--but make it aesthetic.😆 I met new friends during my solo travel tour and I thank my tito who was able to tour me there during St Patrick’s day ☺️ Read my Hygge entry here.
The concrete jungle where dreams are made of (at 31) ♡
I may not have an American Dream to work here but it’s been my wildest dream to celebrate my birthday at the Empire State! I spent a week exploring the places that I often just see in films and tv shows plus the chance to watch Kelly Clarkson’s live talkshow! Hence, this has been one for the books.🥰
I definitely would loved to come back here and I’ll tell more about exploring the Big Apple in my next blog entry one ‘town at a time. In the meantime, you can read the first part of “My NY Times” here.
Thus, that’s a wrap for this season! Thank you so much to everyone who has been supporting my blog and travel contents in my socmeds ♡ Please look forward to more of my random serves.
So are you ready to slide on to a new chapter?
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!🐍
‘til then!
