The Birthday Tribute
It’s my birthday today. November 1st. November has been always my favourite month, I like number one (and eleven), Scorpio is my favourite constellation and I like winter. Coincidence? Maybe.
When I determined to change my life to the direction what I really wanted, the important moment I decide was my birthday. I tend to be very excited during my birthday week; it’s the one day that you get to be the center of the world. And I always look back and think about the future, maybe because it’s toward the end of the year. So one day at work I thought ‘I won’t spend my next birthday here.’ And I am finally making it true. I am spending my birthday in Orvieto, a small town in Umbria, Italy. I planned to be in Greece, but things didn’t work out quiet well.
The latest year was the most traveled period of my life. Since I left Seoul on December, I’ve traveled to 21 countries: Hong Kong, Macau, China, Laos, Vietnam, USA, Iceland, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Austria, Germany, France, Spain, Indonesia, Vatican City, Italy and still counting. No matter what people say, I’m fortunate to have this opportunity to see the world right now. I’m not cursed, I’m blessed. I’m not crazy, I’m brave. I’m a dreamer, and I’m proud for it.
The life of a traveler isn’t always easy. Just like any other person in every part of the world, I’m having difficulties and challenges that are highly unconventional. I have to worry about things that people didn’t used to think about. But because of that, I also had countless joyous moments with great people I met on the road.
I’m celebrating this joyful occasion with a few posts that remind me of good and bad times. After all, that’s life.
Animals
I’d travel for meeting animals. This year especially I had a few chances to meet the special animal friends. Orangutans in Borneo, puffins in Iceland, panda bears in China turtles (or tortoises) in USA, and many more. Check out the photos of these rare chances I got.
Meeting Panda Bears for the first time
Thoughts
Since I’ve been traveling intensively this year, I had meltdowns, enlighten moments, and thought about my future. Here are a few posts that I wrote while I was having one of those moments.
The Periodic Curse: Being a Lady is Hard
What Kind of Traveler are You Going to Be in 30 Years?
Major events in life
The main reason why travel is important is because I’m finding little pieces of myself. Here and there, my interests, knowledge and love, I’m finding little by little. I’ve visited a few very important places during last year, and here I’m sharing with you.
First Impression of Indonesia
The Day I Sore High: Musical Wicked
Being an Inspirational Speaker at ESL Class in China
Culinary
It’s not an exaggeration if I say I travel for food. Food is like a cheat sheet to get to know the country and the culture. And also about the cook. I love to cook and I love to eat. Here are some finest foods that I ate and cooked during the latest year.
Mustamakkara: The Black Sausage Controversy
Indian Taco – Frybread and More
Pu’er Tasting in Yunnan, China
Photography
As always, my passion for photography is going strong. Great photography comes from the fine subject and the photographer’s state of mind, I believe. Here I share some of the best photography works I like.
The Great Sand Dunes National Park
Life Around the Mekong Delta of Vietnam
So here I am my friends, spending my birthday in Orvieto, Italy. My friend’s daughters sang and cooked for me this morning. I have a pot full of flowers from my dearest, and I’m sipping a hot cup of tea while working. Life ain’t so bad. No birthday cake, but I have much more. 🙂
Thanks for all your birthday wishes. I couldn’t have reached this far without all your support and love. What do I do to deserve all the love you all gave me! All I can do is keep on exploring and sharing with all of you. 🙂 All the best to you all! Cheers!
Happy birthday, Juno! I love your blog! I’m also celebrating my birthday today! Here’s to more adventures and travels.
Happy Birthday Juno! 21 countries in one year is a lot. I’ve been following your adventures for many months, but you probably were too busy to follow mine, so I know how difficult travelling was for you sometimes and I was keeping my fingers crossed for you. You did well and I can’t wait to read more about your future travels. All the best, keep being awesome!
Hi Juno! My birthday yesterday, we both are Scorpions! 🙂
Happy happy birthday, have a blast!
Happy birthday! You have a great blog 🙂 And happy traveling!
Happy Birthday!! Glad I could spend the day with you!
Happy Birthday!!!!!!! What a beautiful life you have! Fingers crossed we meet soon. I wish you the most amazing year to come.
Happy birthday Juno! What a great year you’ve had!! Here’s to many more… 🙂
Love this post lady! Keep it going!
Happy birthday, Juno! I’m so glad you’ve had a wonderful year, and I’m sure the next will be just as good. I love your shirt in that last photo – buying that would be reason enough to travel to Indonesia!
Wow, what a year! I’m a scorpio too 🙂 November 6th is mine… early November birthday, woo hoo!
Happy birthday, Juno!!!!
Happy belated birthday, m’lady!
Belated birthday wishes. Well it is the eleventh of the eleventh month and it is one of your favourite numbers! Such an eventful and busy year for you, I hope the next one is full of even more glorious memories.