End of the year review

2015. 

Here we are again, arriving at the very end of the year, getting ready to close a chapter in our life and open a new slate. Here I am in my bedroom, listening to the heavy raindrops, falling mercilessly with wind in its side, creating a powerful force of harmony, a theatre play by nature. I'm getting ready to look back and reflect. Or just to look back. Reflecting, I realised, requires deeper emotions, and I'm not ready to get drowned in my own sadness and misery. 

Where should I begin? 2015 started out good and promising. I celebrated the new year with a bunch of best friends, and was charged with optimism. I made a mental bucket list, of course, consisting of things I wanted to do and experience. By the end of the year, I think it's safe to say that I've accomplished quite a few, and I'm pretty proud of myself for it. 

Travelling was on the top of that mental list. I was so determined of going away, alone or together, and I made it happen, several times. In the middle of the year, I made my first journey abroad to neighbouring countries, Vietnam & Singapore, without parents supervision. Vietnam gave me a lasting impression, and though I've only seen a speck of it, I was still as happy as a clam. Then I went to Singapore, though not for the first time, but definitely made me re-see the country from a different perspective. This first backpacking experience of mine left me wanting for more. When I look back now to that time, I was reminded of how fearless I was, wandering in a country where I don't speak the language, bravely exploring new routes in a frantic city, indulging myself with new cultures and stories I never heard of before. I was happy, almost whole. 

Not long after, I had the opportunity to once more stepped in a new territory, Hong Kong and China, with my family. Oh how I love Hong Kong! A great diffusion of east and west. Though time was short and I couldn't explore more, but I made it a purpose in my life to one day come back and see more of it. China, on the other hand, was without a doubt very oriental and provided me with so many good memories (mainly the part when I got a whole set of Minions figures from McDonald's Happy Meal). 

China wasn't my last stop of the year. Recently I travelled to Jogjakarta with some friends, and I won't talk much about it since I've done so in the previous post. It might as well be my last trip of the year, and the one I'd never forget. I know now that I've done so much this year, I've seen many new places, met new people, experienced new things, and I'm so blessed. I can't wait to continue see the world next year. Someplace magical, someplace wonderful, alone or together.

Other than travelling, my highlight of the year is probably the day I had my first tattoo. Prior to that day, I'd never known I'd see the day when my wildest dream came true. It wasn't easy to muster up the courage at first, but by the time that needle touched my skin, I was surprised at how it didn't hurt as much, and then it was quickly replaced by thrill that lasted a week -- it was definitely a one-of-a-kind experience. Next year I want to get another tattoo, and this time, it'll get easier. 

The rest of the year went by like flashes; Countless classes to teach, different kind of students to learn from, a lot of ups and downs, good and bad days, birthdays and weddings, everything tails up to today, roughly 50 hours before 2016. 

By the time I reached this part, the rain has stopped. Black clouds was replaced by afternoon lights. The sun is setting, and soon, the night comes. I think that's how it is with life. Days turn into months, and months into years. Just like how rain isn't forever, 2015 too must go, to make ways for 2016, which hopefully will be better, and I, too, will grow wiser and better.