2020–Year in Review
2020 has been a very interesting yet challenging year. I started my year by traveling to Abu Dhabi, UAE and Pakistan in February where I reconnected with my childhood friends after 16 years and met family members I haven’t seen in over 20 years. I visited some of the most beautiful historic sites and museums, had amazing food, and did lots of shopping. You can check out my photos from Abu Dhabi, UAE and Pakistan here.
As I came back to US in March, covid cases started to surge and that is when the entire world went under a lockdown and everyone stayed indoors. I went from walking 5-8 miles a day, exploring every nook and cranny of New York, attending every event and pop up, to staying at home watching Netflix, cleaning and organizing, made new penpals and sent so much snail mail, redesigning my website, cooking, baking, crafting, trying new hobbies, and reconnecting with my friends, virtually. I became very close to some of my friends that I haven’t spoken to in a very long time, and unfortunately cut ties with some of the people I was once very close with.
Staying at home was both a blessing and a curse. Blessing, because I got to spend quality time with my family (even tho it got super annoying at times), cooked more, tried new hobbies to keep myself occupied and became closer with my friends. And a curse, because for someone like me who loves adventures, it felt like torture staying at home. At times I felt like I couldn’t breath. I just wanted to go out and take photos just so I could feel like myself again.
When things finally started to get better, that is when I decided to venture out and explore places I wouldn’t have visited otherwise. I did my extensive research and got really creative about my adventures. I traveled to Vermont, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, upstate New York and started exploring more places in Long Island. I came across some really beautiful off the beaten path hidden gems during my travels. You can check out photos from my travels here.
I know 2020 wasn’t an easy year for everyone but I am hopeful for 2021. May the new year bring us nothing but happiness, health, wealth, and success for all.
Happy new year to all my friends and family. I love you all very much!
Love,
Rubaa
