Wrapping up 2008

I am a bit late in writing this wrap-up post. It is now 9 days after the New Year. I thought I wanted to skip the year end wrap-up for 2008 but after reading my post on 2007 wrap-up, I just had to write. It will be a useful summary for my future reference.

Well, I've been traveling quite a bit in 2008. In fact, a big chunk of my savings are gone spending on air tickets, hotel, transport and all things related to travel. In 2008, I have been to:

1. Hong Kong. Stop over in HK in early Feb when I was on my way back from US. It wasn't the best time to visit because it was raining most of the time I was there.

2. Kota Kinabalu. To attend Ah Mak's wedding in mid of Feb. Manage to squeeze in a day of diving in Tunku Abdul Rahman Park.

3. Hatyai, Thailand. A trip to our neighboring country to experience the Songkran festival. People shooting each other with water pistol and splashing strangers with ice cold water.

4. Tenggol Island, Terengganu. In early May. Diving and to upgrade my existing Open Water Cert to Advanced Open Water so that I can dive deeper. The diving cost a fortune...shit! It is really an expensive hobby.

5. Cameron Highlands. 2D1N trip in May. It was the best department teambuilding I've had. Although we have budget for teambuilding, but it was not enough to cover all the expenses, need to chip in.

6. Sipadan Island, Tawau. Mid June. Beautiful place, clear water, nice floating chalet, amazing marine life. Great experience!

7. Genting Highlands. In July. To participate in my second treasure hunt. Company paid for the registration fee, but still need to pay the tol and petrol on our own. If not mistaken, that was when petrol reach the highest point of RM2.70/liter.

8. Bali, Indonesia. Family trip. I only pay for the hotel and air tickets, the rest of the expenses were on father. Even that cost nearly 2k for 4 person.

9. Sepang in Oct for Motor GP race. It was my first time to Sepang.

10. Krabi, Thailand. Road trip on (motor)bike. Crashed my bike on the way to Krabi. Traveled 1168km from Taiping and back. Sit on the bike until backside pain.

Other than all the traveling, I've also participated in healthy events such as:

1. Altera Futsal Tournament. It is a great experience, I get to know a few more new friends along the way. My team manage to get the first runner-up position.
2. Altera Bowling Tournament. This is an annual event that my company organize.
3. Penang Bridge Marathon. This year's PBM distance is very much longer compared to previous years because they change the starting point to Queensbay Mall. I manage to finish 25km in 3hrs 35mins. This year's run is more fun because I have my whole family to participate together.
4. Starwalk Penang. For this Starwalk, I also get my whole family to participate together. I finished the walk with a 28th placing, got a nice medal, an umbrella and bunch of stuff
   

These are some of the useful stuff I get as reward prize. The most valuable one would be the Digi RM50 reload card

That is pretty much the highlights of 2007 2008 *typo. I still have not reward myself with things in my wish list. Hope I can do so in 2009.

Cheers to a better year ahead...