Well, the year is nearly over. I’ve mentioned most all of
these things on the blog at some point in the year, but here they are again,
summed up in a top ten list. It’d be silly to rank them, so I’ve just listed
them out in no particular order.
Badminton (April
onwards)
I don’t think I’ve been so motivated to improve at a sport
since I was in Little League playing baseball over ten years ago. Despite not
being tremendously gifted athletically, I love sports and all the triumph,
disappointment and fun that go with them. I think that my heart had always had a badminton racket shaped hole and now that hole has been filled.
UK/Ireland Trip (July/August)
This one’s a no brainer. Our whirlwind trip was truly
special. Seeing the Beatle-shire for the first time, experiencing Scottish and
Irish culture up close, London and its majesty, and of course, being able to
see it all with Sharman and my parents.
My Students (all
year)
I’ve been primarily working with the same children at school
and for private tutoring during the entire calendar year. Because of this, I’ve
gotten to know them extremely well. Seeing and interacting with these kids
every day is genuinely a joy and distracts me from all the unpleasant aspects
of my job.
Hua Hin, Thailand
Trip (February)
It’s not every Valentine’s Day that you get to spend riding
on elephants with your partner! Sharman and I had a lovely escape to the quiet
beaches of Hua Hin for our Chinese New Year. 2012 CNY was the idyllic island of
Palawan, Philippines and 2014 will be Bali! Seems to be a beachy theme here.
Hiking (all year)
This clearly wasn’t the first year I’d been hiking, but it
was the year I discovered just how much Hong Kong’s trails have to offer. I hit
the country park nearly a dozen times this year, discovering war relics,
waterfalls, beaches and more.
Vietnam/Yunnan, China
Trip (March/April)
I met my good friend and classmate Luke in Hanoi for an
adventure that took us to some beautiful (and terrifying) places. Trekking
through these strange lands was a rewarding contrast to the more comfortable
Thai holiday I’d had two months before.
Visitations (all
year)
I still can’t believe how often Bainbridge Islanders find me
in Hong Kong. This year, I saw old classmates Evan, Henry, Cosmo, Luke, Greg,
Ryan and Sean. All had ventured to the east for different reasons and I was
thrilled to host them and play tour guide during their time! Also, this was my
first year hosting CouchSurfers.
Seattle/Vancouver
Trip (December)
For the third straight December, I’ve crossed the Pacific to
be with my family and friends during the holiday season. It’s always such a
great time, filled with gatherings and reunions. My old roommates and I even
plan to drive up to Vancouver, BC for a weekend exploring the city, where I remarkably
have never been before.
Commencing My Postgraduate
Program (August)
Though it’s still too early to say whether my primary
teaching degree will be worth all the time and effort in the long run, I am
happy to be back as a student again after two years removed. Also, meeting a
network of teachers with varied experience around HK is incredibly valuable and
good fun to boot.
Playing Open Mic
Nights (June onwards)
After searching for the right sort of venues in Hong Kong
for two years, I finally managed to play my songs at five different musical
events, performing both solo and with friends like Erin, Andromeda and Ryan.
Music is in my blood so I hope to continue building on this and play even more
in the coming year.
Of course, this year hasn’t been all sunshine and rainbows
every day. In 2013, I’ve felt more disillusioned about my full-time work and have
been overwhelmed at times with balancing work and my university courses. In October, I learned that my cat Liddie died at age 19 back home. I was disappointed
not to write any original music this year and was shocked to see my rent go up by a full
$2,000 ($258 US) from January to December.
But every year is filled with highs and lows and 2013 has
been no different. I’m blessed to be so healthy and have so many opportunities
to explore the world with my amazing family, friends and girlfriend. Here’s to another interesting year
ahead!
