As another year draws to a close, I look back and reminisce the wonderful moments I have experienced over these 12 months. From discovering new places in Singapore to traveling to the foothills of the Himalayas, 2013 has been an enriching and fulfilling year. Nostalgia hits me as I flip through the pages of my life and pause on this chapter- year 2013, the best moments.
1. Experiencing my first Snowfall in Gulmarg, Kashmir
Year 2013 was monumental as I finally shed those inhibitions and traveled to the crown jewel of India.. Kashmir. In Gulmarg, I witnessed my first snowfall. As the snowflakes fell gently on my coat, I put my hand out hoping to catch a few. Instantly upon touching my hand, they disappeared in a pool of water. Like any first time experiences, this too was very special. You can imagine my happiness as I stood and grinned for all eternity. After all, its not everyday that you get to experience a winter wonderland!
2. Waking up in the clouds in Srinagar, Kashmir
3. Taking my parents for a holiday to Kovalam, Kerala
5. Glittering Reflections at Boat Quay,Singapore
Here I was, sipping a cocktail at a riverside restaurant at Boat Quay when I found myself in the midst of surreal reflections. The iconic Marina Bay Sands glittered in the background as golden threads seeped in the water to make a picture perfect moment. Sitting in Boat quay and experiencing this landscape was a memorable moment for me. I frequently find myself drawn to this part of Singapore just for one reason..the reflections.
6. A Weekend Trip To Cameron Highlands
Living in a tropical country means flip flops, sundresses and breathable fabrics. Its indeed a relaxed lifestyle that I so enjoy but sometimes a change to the cooler climes is a must. Located 8 hours by road from Singapore, Cameron highlands is a quaint hill station . Apart from their delicious home grown strawberries, Cameron highlands is also home to heritage resorts like the Lake house. Perched on top of a hill, the lake house provides a panoramic view of the estate and the lake beyond. We went there for a getaway and immersed ourselves in the serenity of Tudor inspired colonial town.
7. The Clouds, the sun and Me at Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Malaysia is home to pristine beaches, vibrant aquatic life and world class resorts. While the beaches do beckon me once in while, my heart still lies in the hills. A trip to Kota Kinabalu and Kinabalu National Park gave me all the things I truly love. The misty roads, clouds descending on the hills, a mystical valley and a scintillating experience. While the foothills of Kota Kinabalu are located on the ocean front, an hour's drive will take you in the hills. Beach and hills at one place ? Definitely , this was a versatile dream destination.
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Year 2013 was monumental as I finally shed those inhibitions and traveled to the crown jewel of India.. Kashmir. In Gulmarg, I witnessed my first snowfall. As the snowflakes fell gently on my coat, I put my hand out hoping to catch a few. Instantly upon touching my hand, they disappeared in a pool of water. Like any first time experiences, this too was very special. You can imagine my happiness as I stood and grinned for all eternity. After all, its not everyday that you get to experience a winter wonderland!
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| experiencing my first snowfall in Gulmarg |
2. Waking up in the clouds in Srinagar, Kashmir
Perched on top of a hill, our hotel in Srinagar (Taj Vivanta) provided panoramic views of the valley below. This was certainly beautiful but nothing had prepared me for what happened next.The clouds descended from the heavens and covered the hills in misty opulence. Within seconds, the mist covered the entire valley. I was in the clouds! I had often wondered why poets revered Kashmir as a paradise. After visiting it and seeing it with my own eyes, I can say without a shadow of a doubt that if there is a paradise on earth, it is here, it is here, it is here.
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| Waking up in the clouds at Srinagar |
3. Taking my parents for a holiday to Kovalam, Kerala
During my annual leave this year, I wanted to takemy parents on a holiday. After much deliberation, I chose to go to Kovalam, a quaint seaside town in the state of Kerala. Known as God's own country, Kerala is blessed with lush greenery, swaying coconut trees and some of the nicest people on earth. From a cruise on the backwaters to having a drink by the ocean, every experience was unforgettable. At the end of the trip, the smile on my parents face made it so worthwhile.
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| Snapshots of Kovalam, kerala |
4. Witnessing an amber sunset in Singapore
A routine walk on the east coast with my dogs led me to this. A canvas painted across the sky with spectacular golden amber hues. This was one of the best local discoveries of 2013. Being a nature bound person, my heart finds serenity in places such as these. At times, I just go here and sit on the stone pathway reveling in the beauty in front of my eyes. Is it really there or is it a figment of my imagination. Incase you are wondering, Yes, I do get a bit philipohical and poetic in inspiring places such as these. This was also listed in my favorite places in Singapore.
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| The sunset at East Coast, Singapore |
Here I was, sipping a cocktail at a riverside restaurant at Boat Quay when I found myself in the midst of surreal reflections. The iconic Marina Bay Sands glittered in the background as golden threads seeped in the water to make a picture perfect moment. Sitting in Boat quay and experiencing this landscape was a memorable moment for me. I frequently find myself drawn to this part of Singapore just for one reason..the reflections.
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| Glittering reflections at Boat Quay |
6. A Weekend Trip To Cameron Highlands
Living in a tropical country means flip flops, sundresses and breathable fabrics. Its indeed a relaxed lifestyle that I so enjoy but sometimes a change to the cooler climes is a must. Located 8 hours by road from Singapore, Cameron highlands is a quaint hill station . Apart from their delicious home grown strawberries, Cameron highlands is also home to heritage resorts like the Lake house. Perched on top of a hill, the lake house provides a panoramic view of the estate and the lake beyond. We went there for a getaway and immersed ourselves in the serenity of Tudor inspired colonial town.
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| Our weekend Getaway to Cameron Highlands |
7. The Clouds, the sun and Me at Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Malaysia is home to pristine beaches, vibrant aquatic life and world class resorts. While the beaches do beckon me once in while, my heart still lies in the hills. A trip to Kota Kinabalu and Kinabalu National Park gave me all the things I truly love. The misty roads, clouds descending on the hills, a mystical valley and a scintillating experience. While the foothills of Kota Kinabalu are located on the ocean front, an hour's drive will take you in the hills. Beach and hills at one place ? Definitely , this was a versatile dream destination.
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| The clouds, the hills and me - Kota Kinabalu, Sabah |
8. A Shikara Ride, Srinagar, Kashmir
I have probably blogged my heart out for Kashmir and you have heard me ramble on and on but this was indeed the best trip of 2013. A ride in the colorful Shikara on the placid cold water of the Dal was an experience I will never forget. Nothing had prepared me for the burst of natural beauty that I would find in Kashmir but I am so glad that I decided to hold back the nerves and visit this beautiful state. The kind hospitality of the local people and the utmost natural beauty is something that I will reminisce for years to come. I will go back someday for the call of the hills is too strong .
9. Going for Road Trips
This year, D and I went on road trips exploring some of the neighboring destinations within Malaysia. We went to Kuala Lumpur. Cameron Highlands, Johor Bahru and Melaka to name a few. Next year, we hope to visit Fraser hill, Kuantan and some other impromptu destination as and when our heart desires. Exploring the Malaysian countryside at your own pace can be a soothing yet enjoyable experience. Nothing compares to an adventurous road trip right?
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| Road Trips from Singapore |
10. Winning the Expats Blog Award, 2013
The icing on the cake, the cherry on top of the dessert, one of the best moments of 2013 was when my little blog won the expats blog award for 2013. I had never won a contest before and this was indeed a humbling moment. To be listed as one of the best expat blogs in Singapore is an honor. Inspired beyond words, I look forward to transforming this blog into something better and greater by filling it with moments that say a thousand words. Lets see what 2014 has in store.
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| Expats Blog award 2013 - Winner, Singapore |
With this, I bid adieu to a year of remarkable experiences, travel and memorable moments. I end this post with one of my favorite quotes from the movie Ratatouille :
Django: This is the way things are. You can't change nature.
Remy: Change is nature, Dad. The part that we can influence. And it starts when we decide.
Django: Where are you going?
Remy: With luck, forward.
Happy New Year 2014 Everyone!