It is that time again where I get to look back at the year that was for this blog. I have had several interesting experiences in the year of 2024 from vacations, to local events, to video games, and everything in between. I want to highlight some of the memorable posts in 2024, as well as the posts I feel particularly proud about writing.
Even though I went on this vacation back in the late summer of 2023, I did not start writing about my trip to Italy until the beginning of 2024. Visiting Italy (and Europe) for the first time felt like a massive culture shock, and it was like entering a new frontier. My favourite Italian city for exploring was Florence, because walking through that city (especially at night) felt magical, with its architecture and beauty. Also, while visiting the Accademia Gallery, I want to point out the suddenness in seeing the Statue of David in all its marble glory. You are walking and checking out the art pieces, then you turn the corner to the long hallway and BAM! The statue almost sneaks up on you with how sudden it shows up when you explore the gallery.
I cannot talk about Italy and not mention visiting the town of Positano on the Amalfi Coast. The viewpoint overlooking the town had to have been one of the most beautiful views I have ever seen in my life. Another highlight for Italy had to be going on the sketchiest cable car to go up to Monte Solaro on the island of Capri. There were some great views of the island and the surrounding area from the mountain. Finally, St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City was the most beautiful cathedral I have ever been inside, with its statues and sculptures with gold and marble adornments.
I also spent some time on a solo trip to Nova Scotia during the summer, and I had an amazing time because I got to do the things that I wanted to do. I will point out three highlights from the trip. The first highlight is going on the tour of the Alexander Keith’s Brewery in downtown Halifax. In particular, the best thing about that tour is the ceilidh in an underground bar where our three tour guides were singing Gaelic songs for us while we were downing craft beers. The second highlight for me was exploring the port town of Lunenburg. This town looked so unique, as I have never been to a town like this with its brightly-coloured houses. I also got to see the Bluenose II replica ship. My final highlight is getting dinner at The Canteen in downtown Dartmouth, which was one of the best meals at a restaurant I have ever had. A special mention goes to taking the ferry at night from Dartmouth to Halifax at night, giving me some excellent night skyline views.
I also spent a few days in Florida early this year, with the highlight being going to Universal Studios in Orlando. I got to check out The Simpsons-themed area. I got to go check out the replica Moe’s Tavern and order a Duff beer on the bar, as Homer would do on many, many episodes of the show. I also got to try out the Love Tester which disappointingly did not have the soul of Grandpa Simpson inside it.
I also got to write my fair share of video game reviews. Highlights include my reviews of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. I am also particularly proud of writing my retrospectives of NieR: Automata, Conker’s Bad Fur Day, and the Dynasty Warriors series.
My blog would not be what it is without writing on my mental health. I think the best mental health-specific post I wrote this year would be the impermanence of permanence, where I talk about the struggles of coping with change in my life. Another post worth checking out is my time going to a meetup event and trying to make friends with strangers, which was a good experience. Finally, I wrote a post talking about the closest thing I ever had to a workplace bully.
There were many other fun things I wrote about in 2024. I went to the Formula 1 Exhibition in Toronto back in May, which was fun to check out. There was the Final Fantasy VII Rebirth concert which was an incredible experience and my first time I have ever been to a classical concert. I also wrote my review on the newly-renovated RIU Palace Bavaro on my vacation in Punta Cana.
2024 was extremely eventful, and I hope 2025 will be similarly eventful. I have not booked any travel plans yet, but I am hoping to soon. I am also hoping to write more retrospective reviews of video games as well, with one hope being The Simpsons: Hit and Run.
Anyways, have a happy new year, and I will see you in 2025 with the ten best video games I played in 2024.
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