Life is what happens while you are busy making other plans.
John Lennon
#January2022
Just 15 days before my flight to Germany, I got infected by COVID. Back then, it was mandatory to present a negative RT-PCR test result to fly. All I prayed for was a negative report before my flying date. Thank god all went well. It was a blessing in disguise because I had already gotten infected from it once; I felt I won’t get infected again and wouldn’t have to suffer it in a new country. π
#StruggleIsReal
It is challenging to settle in a new country and adjust to its culture. Since this was my first time living away from home, it was challenging to take care of myself. Cooking, doing dishes, buying groceries, and so many other household chores were new to me. It wasn’t easy initially, but now it has become a part of my daily routine. I’m thankful I had to go through all these because it has taught me to do these things by myself and not to depend on someone else to do it for me. π
I used to learn something new every time I stepped out. Like, How public transportation lines are connected? What does that signboard mean?
Luckily, at my workplace, I’m surrounded by gems who are so kind and helpful. π
#Travel
One of the main reasons that we decided to move to Europe was to travel. I had already been here once a few years back and loved it. Now I live here and can enjoy this beauty often!
The first trip was to Prague, Czech Republic, in March. We just planned it a week before and went for it. It was one of the most beautiful train journeys I had ever experienced. There was also a restaurant inside the train; we enjoyed the view while dining. π
Here is a snippet of it :
There were so many amazing trips throughout the year.
Fun fact about traveling in Europe: Taxi π charges from Airport to my apartment is more expensive than a round trip to Italy via Flight. βοΈ
#LiveLifeEveryday
There has been a significant improvement in my lifestyle. My work usually gets over by 6 PM. After that, I mostly go out for some physical activity like fitness, swimming, walking, or something exciting that is taking place in the city. I have also started to play table tennis regularly now (I was runner-up at my company’s ping pong tournament). During weekends, one day mainly focuses on household chores & Entertainment, and another is for relaxation. “Relaxation” – is essential for mental health, which I had not given importance to formerly in my busy, chaotic life.
#LifeLessons
Two biggest life lessons I learned this year:
- Respect and be kind to others no matter what type of profession they are in
In Bangalore, blue-collar workers are treated like servants. At restaurants, workers should take your plates and clean the tables, and we don’t even bother to say “Thank you” to them. πΒ
My perspective on them has completely changed now. They are humans and have a life just like us. Can they be treated like that because they don’t have the skill to do a high-level job? π³
Here, I feel the pinch if I see a student working part-time at a restaurant. π’
Vibha & I always try to put our plates back and clean the table before we leave the restaurant.
It’s the mess we made; let’s clean it too!
2. Always be thankful for whatever you have
Are you getting nutritious food three times a day?
You are already leading a more luxurious life than me π
#Ups
I have liked participating in hackathons since I learned about them (7 years back). I even missed my classes to participate in the hackathons. I never won even once, but I like them because it pushes us to build something new, and it’s always a great learning experience.
Office organized a hackathon at my workplace. I had already planned my vacation on those dates & thought I wouldn’t be able to participate in it. π I changed my mind two weeks before it and submitted my idea. Though I was on vacation and exhausted (just gotten back from my Dubai trip), I still participated. I was alone in my team and built the entire project. In the end, I hadn’t had proper since the last few days, and my body started to shiver (that’s how hackathons usually end for me), and I couldn’t attend the closing ceremony either. Guess what happened the next day? π
I woke up and saw messages congratulating me for getting first place. I WON A HACKATHON for the first time. π
#HomeIsWhereTheHeartIs
Such a nice feeling to be away from cold and Falafel dΓΆners. Honestly, the only thing I missed most about India was the food. Apparently, (just for a few more days) I’m enjoying the sun and food here.
Wishing you a very happy new year. π₯³
Have a great year ahead. π