The Year 2012

Well another year has come and gone, and in most ways what a great year it was.

First off I turned 30, which is scary and awesome at the same time. I don't FEEL that old, but I am aware that I'm not 22 anymore, which has given me a real motivation to get somewhere in life. With that in mind I have enrolled in a graduate program for 2013. Getting in was probably the greatest accomplishment of 2012.

I also added Japan and England to my list of countries visited. I managed Fukuoka in August and England in October. Both trips were amazing and I plan to get back to both at some time in the future (Japan first I'd wager). To see two countries that have shaped so much of the world is truly amazing, especially London, a city that exudes it's global status. Though I did not visit Tokyo so until I do I'll hold off on a direct comparison until I do. There is something about global cities, they just have a feel to them, when you are at the centre of them you can almost touch it. Walking along London's south bank you get that vibe. It's similar to Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong and I'd imagine what Manhattan feels like. London is only the second place I've ever felt it (Hong Kong being the first) and I hope to go back and experience more of it someday.

I also got a much better job, moving from Reading Town to Moonkkang. Better pay, a structured curriculum and better vacation all make for a solid move.

All that being said I feel a bit stale for the first time since I moved to Korea. It's not that I don't enjoy it, but it's lost the magic it had. Dare I say it feels normal. I've been talking with Mike about a switch to Taiwan next year more seriously than I have before, though I think school will have to be the final determiner of that. In any event I think 2013 could top 2012, though it would be tough.