Highlights of 2024

“Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.” — Robert Brault

2024 was a year of incredible adventures, cherished connections and unforgettable moments. From traveling to reunite with loved ones across the globe to finding joy in everyday experiences, this year felt like a celebration of life’s richness. Each season brought something special – reunions, new discoveries and treasured traditions. It was a year of exploring familiar places with fresh eyes, embracing new challenges and sharing laughter with friends and family.

In the summer, I visited family in Japan, a trip that felt both heartwarming and nostalgic. I enjoyed a relaxing beach holiday in Mexico with a dear friend. Together, we also explored Rome, soaking in its history and beauty and reconnected with another close friend from Singapore. Autumn brought another magical chapter with three weeks of traveling across Japan. I had the chance to visit Kawaguchiko, with its stunning views of Mount Fuji; the vibrant city of Fukuoka, where I joyfully reunited with a dear friend after ten years; the serene beauty and rich cultural heritage of Okinawa; and the ever-bustling Tokyo. Each destination added its own magic to the journey. The trip was truly extraordinary: reconnecting with so many friends and immersing myself in Japan’s charm made it one of the best visits I have ever had.

Closer to home, the summer months were filled with wonderful moments. I went on a weekend trip to Zermatt for Swiss National Day and rode the Glacier Express, marveling at the breathtaking scenery. Walks along Dietschiberg offered splendid views of Lake Lucerne, showing me a new side of this beautiful city.

This year was also packed with fun and creative experiences. I attended Fantasy Basel as always, but also tried new events like the Cosplay Ball and LuCon. The Anime Orchestra in Bern by 38 Samurai was a standout – listening to iconic anime soundtracks gave me goosebumps and brought back so many childhood memories.

For the first time, I went to a Disney-themed party, which was pure joy. I also tried “Paint in the Dark” with friends, followed by a cozy apero. My sister and I took a bread-baking course together, and I even took part in the Muddy Angels charity run – crawling through mud turned out to be much more fun than I imagined! I watched the latest Detective Conan movie, a special memory that now has me dreaming of visiting Hakodate. December 13th marked five years since the passing of my sweet cat, Hana. I miss her dearly and hold her memory close to my heart.

Winter brought lots of snow, creating both chaos and beauty in the city. For the first time in years, we had a white Christmas, which felt truly magical. The festive season started early for me this year, with karaoke Christmas songs in November and weekly visits to Christmas markets. One of the highlights was a day trip with my mum to Riquewihr and Kaysersberg in Alsace – a charming and enchanting experience. I have never enjoyed mulled wine as much as I did this year, though it also convinced me to embrace Dry January in 2025!

On a personal note, my best purchase this year was Loop earplugs. They have been a total game-changer for better sleep, especially while traveling.

Thank you, 2024, for the memories, the laughter, the reunions, and the adventures that filled my heart with joy. Each experience has been a reminder of how precious life is and I am grateful for every moment. Here is to even more wonderful moments ahead in 2025 – more adventures, new friendships and unforgettable memories waiting to be made. Bring on the next chapter!

MEXICO – CANCUN
A summer holiday in Cancun: the perfect blend of relaxation, beach time and sunshine