…and that’s a wrap

It’s so far into 2024, but here is a project that I started in the autumn of last year, when I realised that I barely spent my gap year sedetary in any one place. So this is my official rating of all the trips I took (in chronological order) while trying to convince my entire extended family that I had not, in fact, flunked out of high school.

1. yentu: 6.5/10

a nice start to the year, as i had some rare downtime with some family members. nice meals and nice weather. can’t complain.

2. catba: 7/10

tet with my family, so it was super laid back. i had some good food, and the hotel was nice. i enjoyed all the time allotted to playing monopoly.

3. springtime japan: 9/10

this was super calm and introspective. i travelled alone so there was not much pressure to do anything. it ended up being lots of exploring and breathtaking scenery.

4. vung tau: ∞

something about this trip will always stick with me. nothing in particular happened but it just felt life-changing for some reason.

5. ha giang: 5/10

i didnt want to go but ended up going bc of my sister. she was sick the entire time and the weather almost seemed to be feeling under itself too. i spent the whole trip monitoring her fever and administering her medication.

6. summertime japan: 7/10

so much hilarity ensued on this trip, but i have to say summer isnt the best time to visit japan. i explored japan’s anime and manga subculture, which was certainly new and refreshing.

7. dalat: 7/10

i liked the simplicity of this trip, and the company was superb, as is the case with all trips with dad.

8. iceland: 8/10

so our f1 eroupe tour got condensed into us hauling ourselves up dunes of volcanic ash in iceland. it was grueling for sure, but it was definitely an unique experience where i met so many amazing people.

9. halong (og&reprise): 5/10 & 7/10 respectively

the first one in june was meh so i wont talk about it. for the 2nd one in aug, i was the designated driver !! the trip was chill and was much needed bonding time for our family. we found the best boba ever, and i liked ditching our beds to sleep in the living room together.

10. china: 6/10

we went to pick out new furniture, and the search was fruitless until i stumbled upon the gallery section of the complex. window shopping is one of my favourite pastimes, so i can’t complain.

11. boston chronicles: 5.5/10

i visited boston six times last year, as the city serves as a launching pad whenever i go (or even plan to go) somewhere. i feel like the city itself has little to offer, but the company i always have there is invaluable.

12. chicago: 9.5/10

pretty bần but good company good food and good vibes.

13. england: 10/10

amazing food, stunning scenery, and lots of time by myself which i really appreciate. i got to see my top spotify artist as well. quite the life :)

14. saigon: 6/10

started out pretty shitty, but then i was left to my own devices, which is always a good time.

15. daklak/laos: 7/10

this was very serene and comforting. the simple joy i got from eating chips from roadside family-run convenience stores, trying new foods such as fried crickets, and playing in the yard with my sister and a few chickens proves that not every fun adventure needs to be extravagant.

16. cat ba 2: electric bugaloo: 9/10

this was a bit of a trip down memory lane for me. i have been in love with cat ba ever since year 8, and it was beautiful and bittersweet cycling and kayaking in the same places 8 years later.

17. new york: 9/10

slept from noon to midnight the whole time. what a perfect end to my year. ny in ny with ny, iykyk:)

As always, thank you for tuning in. Same time next year?