29 Things I did when I was 29

I'm a little late this time. A month late actually,  just cant seem to find the time to sit down n think.  There's just too many things going on, and whatever little time I have is spent on working on that little project of mine.

I started doing this a couple of years back, partly because I was inspired by a blog that I followed,  www.kennysia.com, and also it provided me with a recap of my past years. So here goes

1. Getting stung by a hornet, twice within the past year. The first one came as a early Christmas gift, giving me a swollen foot, losing $100 in e process n getting a jab in my butt. The second one hitting me on my inner thigh (I think im lucky on this one though, few cm higher and...)

It seemed the hardworking hornets just ain't happy about me slacking at home.

2. I went on a month-long trip to TW in January.

It's also one of the toughest trip, because public transport there is not exactly convenient there, but we still managed to get around. Thankful for knowing the little hokkien I have in my head too haa.. 

Sometimes I'm amazed at myself in finding directions.

3. Given the cycling culture of TW, I just had to do it. And so I spent a day cycling the southern tip of TW, around Hengchun to the east coast, down to Kenting, and back to Hengchun. Almost got blown off the bike from the strong winds from Pacific Ocean in the process. 

4. Ride a scooter in Taiwan, do what they do haa..  Ride an electric one in Kenting, and a motor one on Green Island.

5. Met some really nice people in Taiwan
- The hosts at Hengchun who made us really feel at home
- The park uncle at Taroko who made laminates of maple leafs and gave it to visitors
- The hosts at Hualien who brought us to buy medicine

6. Watched sunrise at Henghuangshan, and sunset at Alisan.

Sunset at Alisan

7. One of the perks of not working, is being able to spend a lot more time with my parents. I think I probably talk more to them in the past year than in the 5 years before. And I do miss the times at home now that I'm working. 

8. Went on a short trip to Penang with my parents. 

Another perk of not working, you can go overseas on short notice. My mum been wanting to go there since young, and I'm glad I am able to bring them there, and drive them around Penang. 

9. Went on several short trips with different group of friends. To KL twice, BKK twice and another time to Sibu Island. 

10. Having the time to finally work on the personal project. Hopefully I can double the numbers this coming year =)

11. Took Toro out a lot more often. There comes a point where you realise your best friend is not going to be around forever.

So cute! 

12. Went island-hopping in Singapore! Stepped foot for the first time ever, to Kusu island, Lazarus island, and St John Island. 

Found it amazing that Singapore still have such clear waters around.

13. Run my 3rd marathon, at Sundown. Disappointing timing though, but still an achievement to complete it.

14. Be a tourist in my own country. Visited Gardens by the Bay, RWS aquarium, River Safari, all during off peak hours when everybody else is working haa..

15. Watched the Hossan Leong show, after a year break. It's gonna be a yearly thing.

16. Yes I'm one of those who queued for it!! 

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17. Got back to work. Same old place, but the old gang is no longer around. Miss those people at work.

18. Went on Business trip to Shanghai, during my birthday. And worse still, got sick, and spent half the day resting in hotel on my birthday. -_-..

19.On another note, met up with a lot of friends there too =)

21. Went to Japan to spend Christmas and New Year. Didn't realise it's golden week there until after booking, but our fears about the crowds of closure were unfounded.
I guess nowhere is really crowded once you been to China before.

22. Nothing beats having Ippudo at it's source

Pure indulgence

23. Went on a trek between Magome and Tsumago.

Old Towns of Japan

24. Saw killer whales at the aquarium in Nagoya.
Amazing.. though it's still sad to see them in tanks.

25. Went to Universal Studios on a day before New Year eve, and totally regret. Who would have thought you would see waiting times like the below?? Seriously.. the worst buck spent ever, to go in there.

Crazy timings

26. Ate at a yadai stall in Fukuoka.

And made a fool of myself, trying to ask whether it's chicken meat, while mimicking the chicken with my elbows -_-...

27. Went back to the lengendary takoyaki stall after 6 years! 

28.  Made a trip to Nagasaki, one of the 2 cities devastated by the atomic bomb. 

War is one of those things you do not want to see in your lifetime.

29. Enjoyed one of the best onsen experience ever. 

If you are ever in Kyushu area, you have to go to Beppu. My previous onsen experience was in a small tub, but this place have much more. Indoor pool,  outdoor pool, waterfall, sauna, amd even a sand bath.