another year, another post.

---

so i would say that this year's key highlight was the 5 week trip across japan, which was pretty outrageous even for my own standards. i'm still kind of surprised i pulled it off with minimal curveballs.

did a whole lot of random stuff during that trip, but it involved a good bit of walking, cycling, and even one part hiking (with the aid of a ropeway).

i cant say that my japanese was the strongest, but it was generally enough for me to understand what the other party was saying, and get things done like sending my luggage across.

this was pretty much a once-in-a-lifetime type of trip that i'll miss doing (and even if i could, i'm not sure if i'll still be in good shape to pull off such a trip again).

this trip also blew quite a large hole in my pocket, but it was worrrrth it for the experience. 

well, better get to saving more again.

 ---

on the job front, i suppose its status quo where i am; not great, but not terrible either.

as sad the reality is, the only reasonable means for a pay bump is to keep hopping.

at the same time, it feels like i'm stuck in a rut too so as to speak. its like... i'm not getting better or improving personally in terms of technical knowledge.

i intend to find a new job/career after i get my bonus, but the question is ... to where?

dont really know where to jump, and also there's concern on whether the workplace is equal, or hopefully better than what i have right now (with that work from home benefit once a week).

i guess taking the first step, and breaking that inertia is the most important step after all.

---

piano wise, still grinding; though i should probably start making attempts to finish up grade 8.

did bought a few random piano books in my japan trip so that would be something to tide me through.

---

i should make more concrete strides into doing my jlpt and finishing up python.

its like starting something but not finishing it - its reaaaaaalllly fucking annoying (at least to me).

---

i'll blog a little bit on the japan part since thats the main highlight.

if i were to characterize the highlights in the trip, it would be as follow:

1. i managed to try out the remaining sleeper train service in japan from tokyo to takamatsu via the sunrise seto! that was certainly something; the bed was mid but for the experience i suppose it was fun. probably wont do it again lol [in terms of pricing it was more expensive than a standard business hotel, but i suppose the cost lumps the cost of transport + cost of accommodation into one; when viewed from that lens it actually feels palatable.] 

2. did a minor hike up mount tsurugi. i was expecting late autumn in the mountains overlooking iya valley, but i certainly did not expect it to be full blown snow. there were so many times along the hike where i wanted to turn back out of safety, but out of pure stubborness and recklessness i managed to went all the way up under biting wind and sleet conditions. that certainly was an experience.

3. cycling across the shimanami kaido. fell twice (!) and almost got into a car accident but thankfully its japan so i got lucky on that front. nearly kneecapped myself as well. but it was an enjoyable island hopping adventure lasting >70km.

4. trying out the different scenic trains across different prefectures. each has its own distinctive features and motifs that allow it to stand out from one another, and the view outside makes each train a different experience.

5. ... just the overall solo travel experience is just a unique breath of fresh air; that freedom to switch plans on a dime is something that i'll never forget (at least with regards to traveling in japan).

---

well, lets go for 2024!