Brand new day, new decade, new chances, 2020 be kind to all of us, Happy New Year 🥳

Ephie Limaris
8 jan 2020
7 minuten om te lezen

Bijgewerkt op: 14 feb

My sidekick asked me what, where, and when my best experience in 2019 was… and honestly, it’s so hard to choose! 2019 was an incredible year—I laughed, cried, lied (oops 😆), fought, won, and had so many amazing firsts. It was a year full of memories that made me who I am today.

I kicked off 2019 on a rough note—sickness, hospital visits, endless medications, even surgery. Burnout and severe depression almost broke me… almost. But God sent me angels who lifted me up, reminding me that I wasn’t alone. I refused to let my spirit wane, and despite all the struggles, I still managed to spread my wings and fly across the globe.

Here are some pics from my ABC journey in 2019:

Pic: Brisbane Kangaroo Sanctuary.

Ah, Australia—an amazing continent, an island paradise with stunning hikes, dreamy beaches, and scenic country roads. A vibrant mix of cultures, fascinating wildlife, and… well, a bit of racism here and there. It’s laidback—maybe too laidback at times. And oh my, the whining! Dear God, they complain about everything! But hey, that’s just part of the Aussie charm.

Adelaide South Australia beach side .

Kuranda train ride , Cairns, Far North QLD

Berlin , Bratislava , Bologna and Budapest.

Four different cities, four unique vibes! Berlin—where history whispers through its war-torn buildings. Bratislava—a romantic gem that once shared a past with the Czech Republic as Czechoslovakia. Bologna—an ancient Italian city with a rhythm of its own. And then there’s Budapest, straight out of a fairytale, with the breathtaking Chain Bridge lighting up the night. Each city, a story. Each moment, a memory.

Pic: My squad in Bratislava town square.

Pic: Bratislava town square

Pic; Brandeburger tor , Berlin.

Pic, Bologna city centre

pic; mia cara Patti , Bologna.

The chain Bridge , Budapest.

Denpasar, Dublin and Derry..

Denpasar, the heart of Bali—an island so breathtaking, it feels like a dream. Rich traditions, stunning temples, endless celebrations, and nature that steals your heart.

Dublin, the lively capital of the Republic of Ireland—where leprechauns dance, Guinness flows, and the Irish stew is simply chef’s kiss .

Then there’s Derry… or Londonderry. The place where I found love and also broke my heart. Where it rains only twice a year—the first rain lasts six months, and the second? Another six! No wonder the folks there love their drink—gotta keep warm somehow! And oh, Derry was where I had my first Coors Light… and fell in love (with the beer, at least).

Though Derry sits in Ireland, it belongs to the UK, as part of Northern Ireland—because, well, history

Pic: Nusa Penida Island

pic: the spire Dublin.

The peace bridge , Derry

Eindhoven,

My hometown—an expat paradise, a city of design, and my very own glow-in-the-dark wonder. No matter where I go, this little town will always be a part of me. A place of love, a place of frustration… a love-hate relationship that never fades. But hey, isn’t that what makes it home?

Pic: Evoluon the Aliens ship left us ages ago ( noooooot )

Faro , Portugal.

A city with a rich cultural history, a place of many faces and stories. One of the safest destinations, where kind-hearted folks welcome you with warmth. Laidback, charming, and full of surprises—this city is a little gem waiting to be explored.

pic: Faro haven square

Greenwich, United Kingdom and Gdansk Polan.

We use Greenwich as the center of time calculation on this planet—GMT, Greenwich Mean Time. Fun fact: from the Netherlands to Jakarta, it’s GMT +7 in winter! I adore this little old town; it’s overwhelming in the best way.

And then there’s Gdańsk—a town that taught me never to judge too quickly. The moment I stepped into the old town, I was instantly in love. It felt like walking straight into the pages of a J.K. Rowling book—pure magic!

Pic: Queen’s house Greenwich .

Pic; Greenwich observatory centre.

Incheon , South Korea.

A coastal city not far from Seoul, famous mostly for its international airport. But little do people know, this hidden gem has an amazing beach that’s perfect for a relaxing escape. Sometimes the best places are the ones you least expect!

pic: a tired little princess .

Pic : Gdansk station, Poland.

Pic : Table for 1 please.

Heidelberg, Germany, and Hongkong.

One of my favorite towns in Germany—a place where my imagination can run wild, dreaming up past lives. From the old bridge to sipping beer on the square terrace… and the currywurst? YUM!

Now, Hong Kong… the first time I landed, I was like WTF—it’s massive and insanely expensive! Definitely a true metropolis, but to be honest, it didn’t quite win me over. Not really my kind of city."

Pic: the big Buddha, Hongkong .

Pic: Po Lin Monastery, Hongkong.

Pic: Curry wurst with jalapeño and lots of cheese, Heidelberg, Germany.

The old Bridge , Heidelberg.

Istanbul, Tukey.

I always meant to visit Istanbul, but somehow never found the time. Finally, I went last year—and holy shoot, it was AMAZING! 😍 I wish I’d met my Sultan there! The palaces, the mosques, the tombs—I just couldn’t get enough. It’s a city that stole my heart.

Pic: Dolmabace Palace.

Istanbul

Pic: Galata tower, Istanbul.

Pic: boat ride from European side to Asian one.

Jakarta, Indonesia.

I really dislike this place—overcrowded, traffic jams, dirty, and just lots of mess. 😅 But, despite all of that, I keep coming back because so many people I love dearly live here. Nothing beats the love of family, right?

Pic: Monument National ( Monas) Jakarta, romours said , the fire peak on the top of this tower was/ is , a real gold.

London ,United Kingdom and Ljubjana , Slovenia.

"London, baby! When Prince Harry married Meghan, I was absolutely devastated—why, oh why?! But who doesn’t love wandering around Covent Garden, munching on food from Camden Market stalls, or sipping gin at The Gin Hotel?

Ljubjana, on the other hand, completely amazed me. The locals are super kind, and they all speak English so well! 🇸🇮 And Lake Bled? Absolutely breathtaking. Oh, and guess what? I’m definitely coming back this summer!

Pic:London eye

Pic: Tower Bridge

Pic :Lake Bled

Pic : Ljubjana city

Pic: Ljubjana Castle in the top

Maastricht , Mizunami and Monschau

Maastricht—the oldest city in the Netherlands, and hands down my favorite town in Limburg. It’s beautiful, vibrant, and full of students from all over the world.

Then there’s Mizunami, Gifu, Japan—just an hour from Nagoya. It totally reminded me of the TV series Oshin, so dreamy and peaceful.

And Oldtown Monschau—oh my goodness, it has everything I could ever wish for! The rolling hills, the dreamy old German houses, the delicious food, and nature that takes your breath away. Truly to die for!

Pic: Maastricht city hall

Poc: view from restaurant in Gifu

Pic: Old Japan Village

pic: The red bridge Gifu, Japan.

Pic: Old toen Monschau.

Nagoya and New York

I’m totally addicted to Japan—it never stops amazing me with its rich culture and incredible food. I just love it so much!

And then there's NYC... What better way to end the year than by getting lost in this Trump city? New York always has a way of making you feel both tiny and on top of the world at the same time.

Pic: Nagoya castle

Pic : Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges.

Pic : Ellis island , Lady Liberty

Sopot , Poland and Seoul Korea

"Sopot—a beachside city so sweet, it gave me cavities just being there! It felt like Disneyland, honestly... but not quite my kind of place.

And then there's Seoul—oh, how I love Korean food! I’m totally addicted to kimchi, and I can't get enough of it.

Pic : Weird house in Sopot.

Pic : Bukchon Village Seoul.

Tokyo, Japan and Taipei, Taiwan .

Did I mention that I’m totally in love with Japan? I’m addicted to it, honestly! Tokyo never fails to make me happy—even after spending days in the hospital. But guess what? I still managed to visit Fujiyama! Didn’t get to see the top because of the clouds (but I’ll be back for sure! .

Then there’s Taipei, Taiwan. I didn’t get to go hiking like I wanted to, since I was really ill, but hey, I still managed to climb the 101 building! I’m determined to go back and do more next timeDid I mention I love and addicted to Japan, and Tokyo never failed to make me happy eventhough after spent days in the hospital., I stll manage to go to Fujiyama, didn‘tget to see the top as it was a cloudy day ( i will go againfor sure) and Taipei Taiwan , didnt manage to go hiking as i was really ill , but managed to climb the 101 building ...

Me dang tired after the climb .

Pic : Hachi and I, Shibuya.

Pic : neon jungle , Shinjuku-Ku

Pic: lavendel field , Fujiyama, Tokyo

Viena, Austria and Valkenburg, The Netherland

Vienna, the land of Sisi the Kaiserin—a beautiful love story that fills the air of the city. Every corner of Vienna reminded me of her and her elegance.This city is definitely one of my favorites—so full of history, charm, and a little magic."Vienna, the country of Sissy the Kaiserin, a beautiful love story, the whole Vienna reminded me of her ... this city s one of my fave...