I remember writing in 2012 that I welcome 2013 with anticipation for all the things that it might bring.
And it did bring things in little waves.
For one, I seem to have abandoned this space, with posts less than half the number of entries last year. I could blame it on writer's block, but the truth is, I simply did not find the time to spew something out.
I spent the first 3 months of 2013 holed up in Brunei, and though it did me good for my personal goals, it did not motivate me to write as much as I thought it would. I did spend a weekend away with friends in Singapore and wandered solo in Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia for CNY. But even with those, I only managed to come up with one for each.
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| Clockwise from top left: Brunei's Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque; Singapore's Henderson Waves Bridge; Chinese Temple preps in Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia; CNY celebrations |
By summertime, I was busy reconnecting with friends back home. When you have been away for a few months, would you rather capture the time when you meet your friends and folks again or would you just want to stay in the moment? See. I thought so too. There goes Baguio, Samar, Batangas, Tagaytay, and Cebu.
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| Clockwise from top left: with my family in Sky Ranch, Tagaytay; a deserted beach near my Lolo's place in Daanbantayan, Cebu; brocolli-picking with friends in Baguio; La Luz in Laiya, Batangas; Baguio roadtrip; Liliputan Rock Beach in Eastern Samar |
Towards the end of the year, Bali seemed to pull me out of the writing rut I was in, but with only one post after spending a week in The Island of A Thousand Gods, who was I kidding? The only thing that moved me to write was the moment of bliss by the beach. From September until December, I made 3 trips to Malaysia and as of posting time, I still have nothing to publish about Penang and Malacca. Never mind that Penang has been in my To-Go List for a couple of years now.
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| Clockwise from top left: Kuta Beach in Bali, Indonesia; by the river in Malacca, Malaysia; the lovely buildings in Penang, Malaysia; Uluwatu Temple in Bali; Christ Church in Malacca |
I might sound bitter in 2013 when it comes to writing but that Bali post proved one thing: I now find it harder to write about subjects that really does not interest me or things that I find disenchanting. This space has turned from being helpful and informative to a deeply personal, almost reflective, travel blog. I even wrote a piece about homesickness and another one about surviving out there. At that time, I probably thought I was an expert.
Another thing is that my personal life has traversed a different road too. This year I have started cooking and I am on my way to eating healthy. Exercise has finally found its way back into my life through muay thai (which I love BTW). Priorities have changed and clarity seems within grasp.
2013 is the year when storytelling took a backseat, but looking back, it is possible that creativity just took on a new route. 2013 mellowed me out and tamed my ways a little but I am not complaining. In order to progress, one must evolve. The new year can only mean new possibilities and the thought of the unknown excites me.
I am ready, as always.
Wishing everyone a happy and sparkling new year filled with love and travels!