I wished to continue the trip to remember series but in my case wishes seldom realize. Time constraint usually sounds like a good problem to have (KP hope you read this :D) and it’s easy to shift the blame on it. Behind the scenes stands new responsibilities and complete mismanagement of time.
It’s been a while since I wrote a year-end note, the last one was way back in Dec 2013. This 2018 being quite a pivotal year in my life, I indeed feel indebted to write about it.
Dear 2018,
I got to thank you for a lot of things. At the top of the list is my marriage with Banupriya. Our first meeting was in February, since then it was one hell of an exciting journey together. Eventually, we got engaged in March and got married in August.
Professionally, it has been one hell of a ride. My 8-year long stint at INXS/Market Simplified came to an end in November. Following the same, I joined a multinational bank. Moving from a fintech startup to a financial conglomerate, Isn’t it quite contrasting?. Currently, I feel like a pond fish that’s learning to swim in an ocean. Eventually, will learn to survive, sustain and hope to excel.
Though I missed my annual trek trip this year, I more or less compensated it with a dream trip to Amritsar, Agra, and Delhi. Visiting the Golden Tempe at Amritsar was one of the most memorable and blissful experiences of the trip. The list doesn’t end there, a few brief trips to Pondicherry, Banglore, and Hyderabad kept my traveler’s spirit moving. To conclude, the jewel in the crown was our trip to the most mesmerizing Meghalaya for our honeymoon. Undoubtedly the best trip of the year.
Once started as a hobby to fill the void and get connected to people, collecting and writing postcards have become almost an addiction. Later this year, my collection crossed 100 countries mark. With a long way to go, I thank everyone who helped me in this so far.
Last but not least. Thanks, for all the fun and great moments with my friends. I do cherish each one of them. I don’t mind getting greedy and wish for more.
On the downside, my fitness went into the drain. I didn’t run or cycle much in this whole year, almost negligible. But, I did learn a bit of swimming early in the year. Wish I continued the same.
Dear 2019,
I welcome you with open arms. As usual, I don’t want to tax you with resolutions and unrealistic expectations. All I can ask is, kindly be fair and square to me. Give me all motivation to restart my running and cycling. Give me all the strengths to face my challenges. Keep everyone happy and smiling. May the force be with you.
Gokoulane Ravi 