New Year's Eve

2011 has come and gone and I am in a reflective mood this New Year's Eve. Instead of braving the crowds downtown, I am spending the evening at home, after having just returned from a Japanese dinner with my Mum and sis. I suppose I can consider last night's dinner at Bunny and Nabil's as the party to end the year, with much merriment and good friends. Tonight is more about spending quality time with my family.

2011 has been good to me. I've been relatively successful on the workfront. There were some hits and misses, but I can't complain when I look at the bigger scheme of things. There is always room for improvement and that's what I shall be aspiring to do next year. This year has also been good to me travel-wise. Seven holidays in all - Chinese New Year trip with my family to Koh Samui, company trip to Hatyai, celebrating Mum's birthday in Seoul, participating in my first triathlon relay with good friends and cousins in Bali, surprised my cousin Siew Yoong on her 40th birthday in Bangkok, returning to the family village in China, trekking in Nepal with my cousin Lynette to mark her milestone birthday. I hope to top that in 2012, or at the very least equal it.

Most of my resolutions and aspirations for the year have been met. A few, I did not attain. These are the ones to work harder towards from tomorrow onwards. Yes, there are still goals to achieve, dreams to realise. As the curtain comes down on 2011, I am grateful for the good times spent with family, friends and industry colleagues. I am thankful for good health. I appreciate the experiences life has accorded me. Here's to an even better year in 2012.

Turning prayer wheels to cast away sufferings, at Boudhanath in Nepal.

Koh Samui

I was in Samui for a four-day holiday during the Chinese New Year break. My mum and I had coerced my sister into giving us a treat, seeing that she got promoted last year. Any holiday is a good holiday but this was made even better as it was courtesy of my sister. I hope she gets a raise again soon!

I love the sea and consequently love island holidays. Beautiful seascapes, the sounds of the waves, the gentle sea breeze, the sun, all combine to entice me to sunbathe just that little while longer. Add to that good food and a laid-back vibe, what's there not to love about Samui? I could have easily stayed on for a few more days if work schedules had permitted. I suppose there is an excuse to return in the future then.

Combining a relaxing holiday at a relatively easygoing locale and Chinese New Year is a perfect way to start the year of the Rabbit. I come back refreshed and reinvigorated. I appreciate the opportunity to travel. I relish the experiences that such sojourns bestow. More importantly, I come back wanting to work harder, so that I may indulge in more travel soon.

Photo shot at The Kala in Koh Samui, Thailand.