#elisablabla

Had an absolute blast in Taiwan, even though I got sick for 1 day. Hopefully I can go back one day (China pls behave)

2025 was a year with many smaller trips, and the biggest one being the most important:

Went to Japan in January with my bestie @that-one-random-stuff ! It was my third time already, but it was the first time for Nela

A family trip to Malta in March. This was special, as I spent half of my childhood in Malta, but the last time I went I was still in college

Went to Finland with my brother in June, we visited Helsinki and Rovaniemi, where Santa lives

Another family trip to Turkey, but I didn't fully enjoy it bc I got sick halfway

Also did a few short trips to London, Budapest and the Efteling (Netherlands)

Culturally I saw The Phantom of the Opera for the first time ever, and also saw Stray Kids in Amsterdam

More importantly, I got 2 diagnoses. One of them has quite the impact, while the other answered many questions I've had since childhood:

Both me, my brother and mother have been diagnosed with Factor V Leiden. It's a genetic hereditary disease, where we have a higher chance of developing blood clots and trombosis. This was found when my mom got a small stroke in June (she is perfectly fine now don't worry), and with her history of multiple blood clots and trouble getting pregnant, she got tested. And when it showed to be positive, me and my brother got tested too (and also have it). The biggest impact is that I need to live healthier, that I need to watch out for symptoms (I had a small blood clot that went away by itself in 2024), and I need blood thinners when I fly

The other diagnosis is hypermobility, which explains SO MUCH. It means that I'm very bendy, my joints and ligaments are stretchy. Advantage is that it makes for some fun party tricks, disadvantage is that I'm more prone to injuries, pain and inflamed joints. I've struggled with all of this since childhood, so it's nice to have an answer. Can't really do much about it, it's recommended to do strenght training to get stronger muscles to prevent future injuries. So I've been going to the gym and also train at home

This is getting pretty long, so I'll end it here. Already have some fun trips lined up, like Taiwan (if China hasn't invaded by then) and a cruise in Greece!

Hope your 2026 will be kinder, quieter and more fun than 2025!

I went on 3 special trips this year:

Went on a group trip in March to the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico! Had a lot of fun, Mexico is now in my top 5 countries in the world. Would love to explore central Mexico one day!

Went on my very first solo trip ever in June, to Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest! I came to love solo travel and might do it again. I also met up with @that-one-random-stuff in Vienna and @englishbunnyrocks at Budapest Pride!

Finally fulfilled my childhood dream of visiting Rome! Even though it was only 4 days, it was magical. And I had so much good food. Also got blonde highlights shortly beforehand so that's why my hair is different in the selfie

But it wasn't a whole year of rainbows and sunshine. Most notably, my grandma and last surviving grandparent passed away in August to cancer and a COVID infection. The whole ordeal also brought to light that my uncle and aunt have been stealing money from my grandma, which made us break off all contact, and my other uncle was assaulted after confronting them. It's currently at court, but the court costs will probably exceed the amount that was taken in the first place. I just hope they rot in hell.

Another thing that kinda sucked was my old bosses selling the company I worked at. The new owner was kinda incompetent at first, and I had to stay patient to teach him. Basically I had to do much more work than usual, and I was the only one who had no choice in the matter. And then my old bosses fucked off to South Africa and we unearthed some fuck ups from previous management. Really had to grit my teeth, but luckily it's a quiet time now and I can relax somewhat.

So yeah, really looking forward to 2025! I'm going to Japan for the third time in less than 3 weeks, and this time together with @that-one-random-stuff ! It's gonna be her first time flying long distance, so that's gonna be awesome! Then I'm also going with my family to Malta in March, going to see The Phantom of the Opera aaaaaand going to see Stray Kids in Amsterdam! Can't wait!

Thanks for reading, happy New Year and may all your dreams come true!