Author: kaleenamq

Saying Goodbye to Korea After 2 Years

I’ve never been good at goodbyes. How can anyone be good at them, really? One goodbye never makes the next easier. What I struggle with most in saying farewell is how much emotion to put into it. Some people break down sobbing, or at least tear up and give that long, emotional gaze to show… Continue reading Saying Goodbye to Korea After 2 Years

Korean Temples: The Beauty in the Details

Walking along our local hiking trail I pointed out a tiny bug on the ground and commented on its interesting shape. My friend gave me a strange look and exclaimed, “How on earth did you see that?!” I laughed and explained to her that I am a details person. Where others see a vast landscape,… Continue reading Korean Temples: The Beauty in the Details

Deskwarming: The World’s Most Dangerous Job

Mine remover. Firefighter. Lion tamer. Nuclear bomb builder. While those jobs all sound dangerous, nothing compares to the world’s most perilous job taking place right here in Korea. And I don’t mean being Kim Jong Un’s hair stylist. What could possibly be more life threatening, more harrowing, more death defying even than wrestling alligators and… Continue reading Deskwarming: The World’s Most Dangerous Job

What I Loved About Taiwan

Until recently, the only thing I knew about Taiwan was that toys were made there. I’d seen the ubiquitous “Made In Taiwan” sticker countless times, but I couldn’t point the place out on a map and I envisioned it as one big factory of a nation. Does that make me a stereotypical ignorant American? Probably.… Continue reading What I Loved About Taiwan

The Day I Became a Surfer

I clutched the back handle of the scooter and ducked my head behind the Swedish boy’s back to protect my face from the pelting rain. We whizzed through the jungle, carefully weaving around the landslides and dodging the lazy dogs in the road. Wearing only a bikini and t-shirt, I let the wind whip through… Continue reading The Day I Became a Surfer

Siargao: The Philippines’ Secret Island Paradise

Tucked away amongst the thousands of islands in the Philippines is a place where travel lore comes to life. It’s the kind of place that jaded backpackers dream of: off the beaten path, untouched by tourist development, with clean and pristine waters, where the visitors and locals still mix. It’s a place I’m afraid to… Continue reading Siargao: The Philippines’ Secret Island Paradise

2014- Highlights from an Awesome Year

I had wanted to write another “Ridiculous Moments” post like last year’s My 13 Ridiculous Moments of 2013, but then I realized that I couldn’t really think of very many strange experiences this year. This could be the result of one of two options: a) my life has become boring, or b) I’ve been in… Continue reading 2014- Highlights from an Awesome Year

The Great Things About Being Abroad For Christmas

Facebook can be your worst enemy if you are abroad for the holidays. Seeing photos of friends and family gathering back home, reading posts about Christmas trees and peppermint lattes, and all of the general merriment of the season being expounded upon you from every outlet can give a major case of FOMO and homesickness.… Continue reading The Great Things About Being Abroad For Christmas

Are You Not Entertained?! Winning an Award at the KBlog Awards

You might be shocked to learn that I used to do pageants. It is, in fact, partially how I managed to graduate college debt free. One thing about pageants I noticed (aside from butt glue) is that when the girls won, they always managed to make that oh my gosh I’m SO surprised, but I… Continue reading Are You Not Entertained?! Winning an Award at the KBlog Awards