2016 in review

A lot happened this year; a mix of positive and negative things. It was nothing short of a roller-coaster ride. Few things worse which I hope wont repeat. Anyway, I am going to leave out the unpleasant ones; instead remember only the nice ones. This year has been a blessing. Started few new things, came across few amazing people and kept myself busy overall. 

• It was an year of crazy travel; diverse, adventurous and fun - Kerala, Kashmir, the USA, Guatemala, Belize, Mexico and Laos. Mayan ruins of Tikal, subterranean caving in Laos were the highlights. Many have this wrong notion that travel needs lot of money. Its not true; tickets and daily expenses cant be avoided but no! they are not expensive unless you want to travel luxuriously. 
• Spent time with close friends after years during my California visit and also got to meet friends from the US here in Bangalore after couple of years; so good to reminisce over a beer or two! 
• Finally read the Harry Potter series after years of dismissing them; thanks to a friend who kept nagging me to read them
• Started watching TV series. I didnt understand why people were mad about them; but must admit few ones are awesome; sensible and actually challenge the intelligence of audience as compared to the Indian serials that is a mockery of everything.
• Got introduced to another form of art - painting. It was surprising to know the various forms, media, techniques; appreciate the talent and creativity. I learnt about more artists and their works; now regular visitor to art galleries in Bangalore and places I travel. 
• Started sketching; for someone who couldn't even scribble a line; to start sketching and zentangling is a great start!
• Started writing Haikus. Combining it with pictures to convey my thoughts better worked; because not many understand Haiku. 
• Wrote more poems this year; as compared to articles. 
• Started a FB page for my Haiku, Photography and Sketches. Not many followers but the act of starting something new is so refreshing!
• Started a Youtube channel Bindu's Wanderlust to log my travel stories; because apparently visuals attract better than words  
• Got myself a new job; learning and settling down apart; made new friends. 

Here wishing you all a great year 2017. Cheers!