The dog days of August are almost over, and September is just around the corner. The year is about to enter its final stretch, and before 2016 is over, I'll also be bidding a fond farewell to my twenties. Looking at the calendar as the remaining months approach, I must say it's about as busy a close to a year as I think I'll ever have had. Life is just going to be jam-packed over the next sixteen weeks, so I thought I'd outline a little preview of coming attractions.
Tomorrow, I fly to Jakarta for a quick business trip. Although I'm only staying for two nights, I'm definitely excited to have some free time to explore a new Southeast Asian metropolis (and of course to add another Starbucks mug to my ever-growing collection). Expect a post in a few days' time detailing my escapades in Indonesia's frenetic capital.
Next Friday, the 9th of September, I'm flying home to the States again, in what must surely be the shortest gap between visits, since I was there just last month! But I'm always excited for a trip back to the East Coast, and I know it will be one to remember, as always. Lisa and Tak are getting married, and I'm so glad I was able to figure out a way to be around for their wedding. I can't believe it's been five years since their incredible trip to Hong Kong, and I am overjoyed to be able to share in their special day.
Only a few weeks after I've returned, my friend Heidi is coming to visit! I get about five days to show her around Hong Kong before we jet off to Siem Reap in Cambodia for a long weekend to explore the ancient temples of Angkor Wat. I must say, it's quite funny. Angkor is usually one of the first destinations visited by newly-transplanted expats, so how it will have taken me nearly seven years to visit is beyond me!
In addition to Halloween closing out the month, my cousin Chris is also coming to visit Hong Kong with his girlfriend at the end of October, as part of a greater trip around the region. I'm really looking forward to hosting them, as well.
Of course, early November means I'll be commemorating the seventh anniversary of my arrival in this amazing town. It's falling on a Wednesday this year, so you know that means an evening of horse racing in Happy Valley, followed by some revelry in Wan Chai while I try to figure out how the heck seven years could have possibly flown by so quickly.
And then comes what may prove to be the ultimate highlight of the year, when my dad and sister finally make their way out to the Pearl of the Orient just in time to help me ring in my thirtieth birthday, which coincidentally will be falling on Thanksgiving day itself! I have grand ideas for a traditional American Thanksgiving dinner, celebrated on a beach or aboard a boat. I only have about three months to properly plan it, so I better get on it stat. But I am oh-so excited to finally show off my adopted home city to Dad and Danii and have them meet all my friends out here.
It's hard to believe, but after that, it's only a few precious weeks until Christmas. Although I don't have any concrete plans yet—and all my vacation days will be completely used up—I know it will be yet another glorious Hong Kong holiday. And before I know it, 2017 will be flying by, too!
It's been a whirlwind of a year so far, and if this outline is as much fun as it looks, its going out with a bang!
