2016

It's the first day of 2016 and here's to a great year ahead in all aspects of life. The good wishes and optimistic sentiments that have been reverberating since yesterday I am sure will have a positive impact as the year unfolds.

 

Starting off the year with a healthy breakfast, a short stint in the gym followed by a swim, is my way of putting in place an aspiration to live a healthier lifestyle henceforth. Having said that, there is also much enjoyment to partake in and indulgence is still very much part of my nature. Let's just say I shall try to strike a good balance.

 

As we embark on a new year, I look forward to rewarding experiences and encounters, and I sincerely hope you will be a part of such memorable occasions. Happiness and good health to all!

 

 

A morning swim.

A Shared Enthusiasm



Having a common interest, a shared enthusiasm and a bit of compromise make travelling with friends a pleasure. Kay, Marcus, Han San and I decided to spend New Year's Eve exploring Yehliu Geopark and combing the narrow lanes of Jiufen prior to joining the rest of our friends for a grand dinner and countdown to welcome the New Year back in Taipei. Although I sometimes travel solo, more often than not, trips that I take are usually either with family or friends. Whilst the former allows some measure of independence, the latter on the other hand provides an opportunity to share experiences that one encounters during the journey.

 

Sampling a variety of food, posing for photos, exchanging thoughts on shopping, good-natured banter and most importantly enjoying each other's company are some of the pros of group travel. And when plans are made in advance and made well, a pleasant and memorable trip is more or less almost a guarantee.

 

Here's to more travels in 2015.

 

 

Kay, Han San, Marcus and I in Jiufen, Taiwan. Photo courtesy of Kay.

Year End Holidays

Year end holidays are always a time of enjoy-ment, especially when one is travelling with a group of good friends. Friends who share similar interests and yet who are comfortable enough to go our separate ways from time to time to explore on our own. Such flexibility and understanding make group travel a pleasure.

 

Spending the last few days of 2014 and ringing in the New Year in Taipei was indeed a memorable experience, where camaraderie and fellowship were the main ingredients that ensured a festive atmosphere. It is at times like this that one is reminded of the great value of friendship that we sometimes take for granted.

 

As I embark on a new year, I take with me a reminder to always make time for friends. When the opportunity arises, take it. Otherwise, create opportunities instead. A good motto to live by indeed.

 

 

New Year's Eve dinner at Orange Shabu in Daan, Taipei in Taiwan.

Season's Greetings

It's that time of the year again! Christmas is approaching and the new year is just round the corner.

May you wear many hats this festive season and the year ahead ...

A loving companion,

A filial child,

A good friend,

An astute entrepreneur,

An honourable employee,

A food aficionado,

A health enthusiast,

A world traveler,

A giver of gifts,

A compassionate soul.

Wishing you a blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Photo shot in Hoi An, Vietnam. Do visit the store near the river, in the pedestrian only part of town.

Christmas Greetings

My festive greetings to my family, friends and industry colleagues this year ...

As Christmas draws near and the New Year beckons, I wish you many journeys in the year ahead!

Smooth sailing careers ...

Vacations every now and then ...

Reunions with loved ones ...

Weekend jaunts to rejuvenate ...

Trips of a lifetime ...

Voyages across continents ...

Here's also to a year of good health, great fortune and much happiness.

Photo of Lake Phewa in Pokhara, Nepal.