All of us have gone through 2009 for a month now as we enter February today. If you’re still in January, something is very wrong Let’s look back at 2008 and mirror what headsteadi.com had gone through the year before? Normally other bloggers would do this towards the end of the year but I always want to be different from others so I do it only now. That’s just me, don’t argue. My blog, my way!

I kicked off 2008 as a married man living in our new house. Small house but it’s still our own house and it’s comfortable. 2008 had been a year filled with lots of travelling either on leisure or business.

Koh Samui

Our first destination was Koh Samui from 26^th Mar until 30^th Mar with our travel buddies.

Although the trip was marred by our unlucky accident, we managed to complete it with bearable pain.

Lesson learnt was, do not take for granted the Travel Insurance when you purchase your air ticket. It’s meant for unexpected incident like this.

Phuket

From May 8^th until May 13^th, we had our second vacation of the year at Phuket. This time just the two of us.

It rained almost everyday and the sea condition was very rough so we had to cancel our plan for island hopping. We just spent our time sightseeing, shopping and visiting FantaSea. The highlight of FantaSea was the 1.5 hours stage performance on the history of Thailand.

Langkawi

After Phuket, we visited Langkawi on 16^th May until 17^th May with a group of friends for a quick escapade over the long weekend.

Beginning 1^st July 2008, I switched to a new role within the same organisation from a network engineer all the while into a business consultancy role under the Retail Engineering team. My new job requires me to travel 50% of my time across Asia/Pacific countries that are under our market programme namely Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Brunei, Philippines, Jakarta, Pakistan, India, Australia and New Zealand. With such opportunity had enabled me to travel even more.

Manila

The Philippines was my first destination on business. July 28^th 2008 was the first time I set foot in Manila. I didn’t quite like Manila to be honest. My second trip there was ok and it helped me to appreciate the metropolitan much better.

Being in the Philippines reminds me of KL ten to fifteen years ago. Their infrastructure and road are archaic. You need not look further as the Nino Aquino International Airport could help draw out a first impression on what to expect in the Philippines. If you think Kampung Kerinchi is an ugly side of KL, wait till you see the squatters settlement  around Metro Manila.

However, I must give credit where it’s due. Filipinos are one of the nicest people that I’ve ever met. They are relaxed, polite and very friendly.

London

Visiting the UK was not in our 2008 diary. We had an initial plan to visit Britain two years from now but when the opportunity came knocking on our door last year, we instantly grabbed it.

It was a 5 days business trip extended another 6 days for leisure. September 6^th – 16^th would remain as the best event in our life for 2008 because it was our first time to Europe together. I’ve been to Europe many times now but it was always a solitary trip. The trip was even made special because Carol was then 2 months pregnant. It worries the hell out of me that something bad could happen over the 13 hours flight but thanked God, with our parents’ prayers all had went well. We switched seats in the plane so she had the comfort of flying business while I took her economy which was not bad at all.

It will definitely won’t be our last. With AirAsia-X already launched, there’ll be future visits that include a must stay at Anfield too

Jakarta

My sentiment towards Jakarta was slightly different compared to that of Manila. I like the city even at my first sight from Oct 20^th until Oct 24^th and am still figuring out what attracts me to Jakarta. Both metropolitans, Jakarta and Manila have many similarities in terms of infrastructure and road system (I will talk about this in my next posting).

Singapore

Our visit to Singapore from 6th until 8th Dec concluded our year that was filled with travellings around the region and over to the UK.

In 2009, as both Caroline and I will be welcoming new member into our family, I anticipate there’ll be less personal travels anywhere. This year, I’ll be seeing more of Kuching. There could be one of two domestic destinations to visit but that’ll definitely be towards the end of 2009. Nevertheless, I am expecting at least once a month business visits within the region and at least one to Europe again.

How had your 2008 been filled?