12 New Things I Did in a year

Hello! I wish you all a very Happy New Year 😀

Last year, I dedicated my first post of the year to something I had never done or seen before – The Search for Bioluminescent Algae in Tasmania. So I thought why not list down a bunch of things that I did or saw for the first time in 2018. At least, it would keep me inspired to be more adventurous in the new year.

1) Korean Bathhouse

The petite masseuse couldn’t hide her amusement at my expression when she asked me to take my clothes off and lie on the table. That was my first time in a Korean Bathhouse. This women-only bathhouse in Chatswood has a separate hot and cold water spa, a sauna and a massage area where I got the best body massage ever. Would definitely visit it again.

2) Snow

I know a lot of you must be like “Snow … Meh”. But to me, it was such a surreal experience to finally feel something that I had only read or heard about. I made snow angels, igloos and got hit by snowballs (they hurt so bad). Tried walking uphill and got stuck in waist-deep snow. But I missed seeing a snowfall.

3) Driving in the Blue Mountains

Although we have visited the region numerous times, I could never muster courage to drive there myself. I am really scared of driving. But last year I finally took the plunge and drove down the beautiful meandering roads of Blue Mountains for the first time. I explored other mountainous surburbs as well, covering a distance of 200 to 300 km on each trip. If you know me,  you will understand what a big feat this is. 😅

4) Dutchman’s Pipe Cactus

I had heard of a flower that only blooms once at night. But never did I realize I would accidently come across it. My new house has a wonderful growth of this species, thanks to the previous owners. If I stay up late, I can see this rare flower reach its full bloom at midnight.

5) House

I grew up in a house with a lawn and a wonderful vegetable patch. I have memories of playing badminton and cricket in our garden. After moving to a metropolitan city,  I could never imagine owning a house. Apartment maybe,  but a house… never.

Last year we finally became house owners. Yayy! This has been our dream for a really long time.

6) Poplar Trees

I had seen how lonely and sad Poplar trees look during winter. So imagine my surprise when I came across this brilliant display of yellow Poplar trees. How Autumn makes everything look so dreamy! I walked down the road,  unable to believe my eyes. Have you seen anything like this before?

7) Made my first travel journal

I have been writing journals for a long time,  but never thought of going the extra step and make it look pretty. So after our Tassie trip, I set a goal to make a proper travel journal (with pictures,  brochures, stamps and artworks) something that I will look at with fondness.

8) Citizenship ceremony

Frankly,  this was one of those 5 years plan thingy. Absolutely delighted to receive the citizenship of Australia. 😀

9) Solved a 500 piece puzzle

I wanted to start with a 1000 piece puzzle,  but thankfully my husband stopped me from being overambitious because this one took 3 sleepless nights. I must be really bad, but hey,  I finished it.  I realized I was missing a piece at the very end. How frustrating! 🙈

10) Funky yoga pose

I don’t know what this pose is called but I was able to find a video tutorial on instagram and try it at home. I am baffled by how the Yogini made it look so effortless, because I was struggling hard to keep the balance. This was the first time I had tried this funky pose and managed to balance it, even if for a second.😀

11) Mandarin Picking

Went for my first fruit picking in a farm. It had started raining by the time our group was ushered into the Mandarin and Lemon farm. Carrying a big orange colored bag,  we walked along rows and rows of Mandarin trees,  trying to find the best looking fruit. 😅

12) Attended a wedding in a video Call

I have attended only a handful of weddings in my life. But to miss my own sister’s wedding! That’s unpardonable. But sometimes life comes in between your plans. I was emotional and dramatic, while my husband could only shake his head.

She looked like a princess and I am glad atleast I was able to see some of the ceremonies live. I didnot want to be left out and this was the only way I feel connected.

That’s about it. Bracing myself for all the new experiences and challenges that the new year has in store.

Have a fabulous first week of the year 😀

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