My Journey Through 2015

January 31, 2016

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2015 was unlike any other. My first year since the beginning of my memory where I haven’t spent my year going to school. A year that brought me many notable sunrises accompanied with the tingling of excited anticipation for what the upcoming day may hold. Don’t get me wrong, 2015 was one Hell of a chaotic roller coaster. But despite facing many demons I am proud to tell you I’ve come out ahead. For better 2015 has formed me into a more grateful person who understands the value of sweating the small stuff if you can learn to also appreciate the details.

Quitting my job to pursue a dream of traveling to new faraway places left me with many highlights. Traveling, especially traveling solo, has been the best thing I’ve done for myself. Follow me through my journey through 2015.

This year I experienced…

Leaving a job that allowed me to grow my career for four years while giving me a family away from home.

Working in Vegas meant meeting some pretty cool people like Steven Tyler. No big deal or anything.

Sharing a part of my culture with my Las Vegan roommate, Steph, by spending Chinese New Year with my family in Hong Kong.

Daenerys Targaryen ain’t got nothin’ on us.

etting out of the country in February really set the tone of the year for both of us, catching the wanderlust bug.

Eating bite after delicious bite of local cuisines and street food.

Living a life of luxury sailing on a yacht to rural Hong Kong islands.

A day of eating good seafood, jet skiing, and sunbathing in crystal blue waters. I understand The Lonely Island’s ode to boats.

Seeing so many iconic sights firsthand.

Cliffs of Moher -- Ireland — Cliffs of Moher — Ireland

The Western Wall -- Jerusalem — The Western Wall — Jerusalem

Stonehenge -- England — Stonehenge — England

Meeting a lemur. Yes, this deserves a point all on its own.

I was just short of having a Kristen Bell style freakout.

Meeting A PLETHORA of cool people, travelers and locals alike.

(N.B. not all cool people met listed below)

Alex, Tami, Minas, and Kosta on the beach in Rhodes, Greece

Some Birthright Gangsters floating in the Dead Sea, Israel. — Just a few Birthright Gangsters floating in the Dead Sea, Israel.

Stefanie, Kate, Catherine, Stephanie and Berenger on the island of Capri, Italy.

Michael, Nathan, and Jon in some Scottish castle. I honestly don't remember which one. — Michael, Nathan, and Jonathan in some Scottish castle in the Highlands.

Fries and I finally getting to the World's Fair or Expo Milan 2015. — Fries and I finally getting to the World’s Fair or Expo Milan 2015.

Moving from my home for 5 years, Las Vegas.

Alright, so this photo is old. I didn't graduate in 2015, but it's still relevant! — Alright, so this photo is old. I didn’t graduate in 2015, but it’s still relevant!

Ending my year with a new job and a renewed outlook on life.

You will never see me complain about being paid with food. Having a regular salary doesn't hurt too! — You will never see me complain about being paid with food. Having a regular salary doesn’t hurt too!

All in all 2015 was one great adventure. As it seems I’ve been working on this post for almost two months, I can only imagine how busy 2016 will be. If anyone can figure out how to slow down time, please let me know! Especially vacation time. I need a lot of that.

Here’s to 2016! Already off to a great start and despite not winning the Powerball I feel it’ll be another notable year. What are some things that you experienced during 2015? Some resolutions for the coming year?