Happy 2015

Happy New Year Stranger,

As the second hand inches closer to the midnight mark and everyone's gathered together with their loved ones counting down in unison, do you recall where you were at?

Because I don't. That's right, yours truly did not count down the conventional way this New Years Eve. I was actually in the streets of Hong Kong's notorious bar area, Lan Kwai Fong (LKF). It may have been the most anticlimactic countdown because when I checked my phone, it was 12:04 am already and I was among the lost crowd and baton holding policemen, detouring in circles to get to some bar because someone's friend's uncle's cousin in law is there with a table. Ya know? Oh and to top it all off, I lost my bag which contained my phone and wallet. Great way to start 2015? Heck yes! But in all honesty, aside from the lose of possession, it was a great night.You hear me phone thief who's creeping on all my travel pictures and occasional selfies: your plot to ruin my night failed! I hope my phone's battery leaks and electrocutes your eardrum.

Onto a happier note. While I was phoneless (or socially unreachable) for the past couple of days, I took that alone time to plan out my 2015: including this year's resolutions and travel plans. Unlike last year, I can't have my "20 countries" goal again because...ain't nobody got time or money for that kind of travelling no more! So I've cut it down to 10 this year which is still no easy task but hey, goals are meant to be challenging! Now what do I have up my sleeve for 2015? What types of intriguing stories will you be able to read this year? Stay tuned for my Southeast Asia travels in May and a possible volunteer trip in June (all plans tentative as of now). But until then, enjoy the remaining 4 months of Hong Kong with me while I take you around on some proper trips and sightseeing :)

One more story; since this is the new year and all! The other day while I was out enjoying my brunch, I had a leftover croissant. Thing is, I'm cutting back on bread this year (another resolution) so I knew I wasn't about to eat it. When the waiter came to clear my plate, I looked at my pleasantly crispy croissant and thought what a waste it would be to have it thrown out when it's perfectly edible. Then I had an epiphany. Why not give the untouched food to someone who would appreciate it instead of wasting it? I've noticed that on most days, there's a homeless man begging at the exit of the MTR station closest to my house. Let's just say I think he appreciated the croissant more than I did.

A warning to future dining partners of mine: I may ask to pack up your untouched food.