For days and weeks, I’ve tried to write the typical ‘the Year 2011’ post with all the events happened this year. Good and bad, exciting and depressing, happy and sad, all together. I have so much to say, I have so many things in my mind, but I couldn’t write any longer than three sentences. Maybe I’m still overwhelmed by everything.
I would like to say few words regarding major events in the year 2011…
There’s a huge advertisement in Hong Kong Metro, says, “Precision is my inspiration”. I thought that was one of the oddest lines I’ve ever seen. Well, I can say “People are my inspiration” instead.
Career change
Yes, now I am proudly can say, I am a full time travel blogger and a photographer. Well, at least I’m trying to be. The chance from high-ish paying job to not-so-much-paying job was harder for everyone around me than myself. I’m now out in the wild world, exploring the world as much as I can, as slow as I can. It was literally a life changing decision and I have no regret of my decision what so ever. We want change. Change is refreshing but also change is hard. Being ‘not normal’ in my home country is hard. Probably this was one of the most difficult thing I’ve ever done in 20 something years of my life. But I’m grateful to have this opportunity. I’m healthy enough to travel the world, I’m happy, and I’m planning to stay happy.
It’s Time to Spill the Bucket : I announced, no more cubic farm.
Runaway Juno on the Air! : My 20 minutes of fame.
New Photography Blog: Mastering the Art of Travel Photography with Runaway Juno.
Meeting new friends
The year 2011 has been another year of new friends. Being happy is easier when I’m surrounded by happy people, or at least people who I’d like to spend time with. That’s what I did. So, the second half of the year was much happier time for me, and it’s going better and better. They taught me there are many different ways to live, so much more are out there, and how brave people can be. They are inspiration, supporters, and most of all, great friends. So, I thank you all. You know who you are.
Travels
I spent good parts of my time in my home country doing temple stay, hiking, island hopping, biking, cooking and eating. Just few hours outside of Seoul, it’s a whole another world. Southern Korea is beautiful and of course, Jeju island has been another great getaway place for me. Eventhough the society and I are not getting along so well, I still love the country. It’s a beautiful land with good people and great food.
After spending short holidays in Southeast Asia, I hopped over to the new land, North America. Three months in America and Canada (shortly), good times. I met so many great and happy people, was surrounded by beautiful nature, and I got my appetite back. Not like I was not eating or anything, but I had some fine cuisine and unforgettable meals. Mmm…
Now I’m back in Asia – Hong Kong, and ready to see more of Asia.
Juno’s Bangkok Diary – Food Edition, obviously.
More than Words – Timelapse Video of Bangkok, Thailand.
Runaway Photo: KK Night Market, Malaysia.
Ooo Heaven is a Place on Earth – Palau Mamutik.
Thank you note from Road Trip USA.
What I was doing, What I am doing, and What I’m going to do.
Conflict with friends and family
They were not the best supporters of my decisions and my wishes, but I thank them and I’m sorry because they have to put up with me no matter what. Just like I said, me traveling doesn’t mean that I don’t love them anymore and I know it’s same for them too. It’s just we are having hard time to realize that we are living our own life, not each other’s. Maybe it worked in the past, but not anymore. The mold has been broken, the truth is out there, and there’s nothing we can do about it but try to understand each other.
Being a part of travel community
Being in a travel community is special. It changed a lot since two years ago when I first put my feet in, but it is still pretty amazing. People sometimes ask, how those people can be your friends, but they are. The meaning of ‘friend’ changed for the last decade due to the world wide web, and it’s rapidly changing more and more. They are colleague but most importantly, good friends who understand and share the big part of the passion in life.
Next Year…
Creativity. Something I always pursue. Wish creativity takes more parts of the upcoming year. Photography, Video, and blogposts.
Adventures. Literally, I can go anywhere I want, and I can do whatever I want. But one step at a time – I’m excited to have unknown-upcoming adventures.
Work. With more creativity, I want to diverse my field. Plans and ideas, already so many of them written in my notepad but how to make it work is the important part. I’m sure I’ll make it work, in time.
Cheers to the year 2012. For more creative, more adventurous, and happier year. The year of Dragon!
Happy New Year!
新年快樂 (sin yuen kwai leh)!
