Highlights of 2014, Welcome 2015

2014 was a year with lots of new adventures, new learning for me. Like previous years, 2014 was also mix of memories, lots of opportunities - some of them taken while some of them went away without getting much time. However, no complaint at all. If I look back and pen down the highlights of last year, then

1) Solo trip to New York city - In year 2014, I went to New York for 10 days. All those 10 days were full of adventures and lots of travel activities. I explored New York city, visited Brooklyn Bridge, High Line, cruise tour of Statue of Liberty, Central Park, 9-11 Memorial etc. I also visited countryside for 2 days tour which includes sightseeing tour of Thousand Islands, Niagara State George Park, Fort of Niagara and finally epic Niagara Falls. Overall it was a complete fun-filled and an unforgettable experience.

Learning: Since it was my first solo trip, it taught me a lot - about how to plan the trip, how to search for the places to visit in a new city, to make new friends, to learn from other culture, civic sense.

2) Exploring Rajasthan - It's a place which I will be visiting again for sure. Clean roads, amazing Aravalis Mountain Range spread throughout the state, Forts, Havelis, Wildlife, regional food, paintings. No wonder why this place has always attracted people from different parts of world. We want to Sariska Tiger Reserve & Bhangarh Fort. Travel experience in Rajasthan was so good that I am thinking of visiting there again.

Learning - Sariska trip was done with a group where I was known to only 2 persons. Rest 8 of them were stranger. I learned again - if you are good with others, they will also be good with you. 

3) Learned Driving - In 2014, I learned driving. I remember days in early March-April, when I enrolled for Driving course. While attending driving classes, I realized that it's still possible to spare time for other activities. I was able to spare 1 hour from my morning schedule which I thought wasn't possible earlier, but eventually I did find this time slot. It was a good experience to learn the new trade & develop new skill. In year 2015, I am open to enroll myself for any new activity which keeps me ticking and adds the fun factor so that we don't lead to a monotonous life.

4)  English Movies - This is interesting. In 2014, I watched number of English movies on my Nexus Tab.  This activity was part of Effective Business Communication workshop I attended in my office.
Few Good Men , Saving Private Ryan, Behind Enemy Lines, Hunger Games Part 1, Hunger Games Part 2, The Hobbit Part 1, The Hobbit Part 2, Bourne Legacy, Amazing Spider men series, Wolverine series.

Though not a movie buff, but I liked these movies and in year 2015, I have long list of movies to watch.

5) Started my Blog - One of the main highlight of year 2014 was my Blog. I never thought that I will start my blog and update it regularly. However, my NY tour prompted me to start it. Initial reactions were good - I got good response from readers, I made new friends, I learned a lot from other bloggers post and I will mention this honestly - I am liking it. I am able to turn my thoughts into blog post which is a new skill additional. Hope I will continue adding new stuff to my blog and add value to each blog post.

I read some other blog posts as well where bloggers have mentioned their experiences of year 2014. In all those posts, I found one thing common - that they all experience new things, travel to new destinations and thus became more mature as a person.

Today is first day of New Year 2015 which is full of opportunities, full of hope. While checking messages in my mobile for new year message, I got one very good from one of my very good friend. I would like to share with my readers and want to wish every one a Great New Year 2015.

Lovely Message only for those who can understand the essence:

"Whether you have a Maruti or a BMW, the road remains the same.

 Whether you travel economy class or business, your destination doesn't change.
Whether you have a Titan or a Rolex, the time is the same.
Whether you Apple, Samsung or Lava, people who call you remains the same.

There is nothing wrong in dreaming a luxurious life.

What needs to be taken care of is it not let the NEED become your GREED.
Because needs can always be met; but greed can never be fulfilled.

Short lines with million dollar meaning :- 
The life that you are living now, is also a dream of millions!!...

Praise God for what you have, live a satisfactory life. 
Wish you a fabulous New Year 2015 ahead"