📆 Summary of the past year: The best and most important things that happened to me
This year was eventful and multifaceted. Here are my main takeaways:
🌍 Travel
– February: A fantastic trip through France, Belgium, and Spain. Crossing the Pyrenees was an unforgettable experience! The Spanish landscapes, from “Martian” terrains to blooming shrubs, left me in awe. The cities that stood out the most were Lyon, Montpellier, and Orléans. In Spain, the wonderful Sitges and its surroundings captured my heart. Another highlight was a stop in the mountains near Andorra – breathtaking views and a sense of freedom made it truly special.
– In Russia, I visited Tula, the Tula Museum, the Tretyakov Gallery, the Serpukhov Museum, the Vysotsky Monastery, and the Novodevichy Monastery. Each place left a lasting impression with its history and culture.
– Istanbul: A dream came true when I finally visited the Hagia Sophia. I explored the city endlessly and soaked in its vibrant atmosphere.
– In summer, I returned to Spain, discovered the incredible Salamanca, and enjoyed exploring villages.
– Portugal: Small cities like Sintra and Amarante filled my heart with warmth and inspiration.
💼 Professional Growth
– Law: The year brought unique experiences and opportunities to work with true professionals.
– Culinary Arts: I explored restaurant technologies and developed a new appreciation for food.
– IT and Technical Literature: I read numerous professional IT books, which deepened my knowledge and helped me understand the direction for my future development. Networking with colleagues from related companies became a valuable source of support and new perspectives.
– Music: I improved my improvisation skills and even learned to solo a bit on the harmonica.
📖 Intellectual Growth
– I revisited and immersed myself in literature and audio materials on communism and Marxism, gaining a deeper understanding of the ideologies and their historical impact.
– I listened to lectures on aesthetics, which gave me a fresh perspective on beauty, art, and their significance in human experience.
🧘♂️ Personal Growth and Significant Decisions
– I took a major step in my life by completing the process of renouncing citizenship. It was a challenging but crucial decision.
– I delved deeper into practices like mindfulness, meditation, and Kodo Sawaki’s books, which helped me navigate tough times.
💔 Losses
– This year brought sorrow too. The passing of my grandfather was a heavy loss, but his memory will always inspire me.
