If 2023 was the year that taught me the value of taking a step back to leap forward, then 2024 whispered an even deeper truth — life and relationships are all about perspective.

Writing: The Battle of Physique

If you know me well, you already know that writing is one of my quiet joys. Last year, I penned a few pieces, but one stood out — The Battle of Physique. It explored the judgmental nature of humans, the way we measure others by appearances before understanding their depths. It was a mirror, reflecting both my thoughts and the world around me.

Germany: A Shifting Perspective

My perception of Germany evolved dramatically over the past year. From the smelly, aggressive characters on steroids roaming the S and U-Bahn to the near-Kafkaesque bureaucracy of the health and public offices - things that shouldn’t be as complicated as they are. And let’s not even talk about the endless paperwork; for a country labeled as "first world," the intransparency of certain processes still baffles me.

Language: Cracking the Code

A little over two years in Germany, and the language was no longer just background noise — it was something I could finally grasp. And guess what? I aced my B1 German exam! 🥁

Each day, I push myself to improve, hoping that by this time next year, I’ll be weaving through conversations with even more confidence.

Wanderlust Chronicles: Austria, Belgium & Luxembourg

Three new countries and several German cities explored — each offering its own unique experience.

• Austria: Walking through Salzburg felt like stepping into my childhood memories of The Sound of Music. Vienna, the world's most livable city, was lovely to be in, though I’m still trying to pinpoint exactly what keeps it at the top.

• Belgium: Waffles, chocolate, and stunning architecture — what more could you ask for? Antwerp’s train station is a true architectural marvel, a blend of grandeur and precision. Meanwhile, Brussels’ station stood as a proud relic of the past, preserving the craftsmanship and heritage of the forefathers in the best way possible.

• Luxembourg: A country that offers free public transport? Sign me up! Getting from one point to another was seamless and, more importantly, easy on the wallet.

What's Next?

2025 is a blank canvas, waiting to be painted with new stories, lessons, and adventures. Here’s to writing the best chapters yet 🥂✨