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
Category: Expat Life
The Chicken Feet Incident
Just another day in my Asian life. I stopped at the chicken lady’s table in the market near my house and pointed to the raw chicken I wanted. I was going to make bone broth with the carcass and cook a delicious chicken noodle soup. The man held up a blade and seemed to… Continue reading The Chicken Feet Incident
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
So I Had A Ridiculous Day
To make a nine hour story short, my car broke down at the top of a mountain and everything else that could possibly go wrong afterward did. It was all so unfortunate it was hilarious. The day started at Beomeosa, a temple up a windy mountain road in Busan. We had stayed the night… Continue reading So I Had A Ridiculous Day
What a Phone Booth in Panama is Reminding Us
A few years ago I wandered through the cobblestone streets of the historic Casco Viejo neighborhood in Panama City, Panama. In the midst of gentrification, the area was an eerie juxtaposition of old and new. You could pass by a hipster cafe with a facade painted in vibrant shades of pinks and blues, and… Continue reading What a Phone Booth in Panama is Reminding Us
Failing and Other Things From My Weekend
Well folks, I went and did it. I blew my 30 day writing challenge. I didn’t post on Friday OR Saturday. GASP! For shame! In my defense, I was busy doing very important real-life things, like getting my hair done to a surprisingly darker-than-requested shade, having a girlie movie night with a friend during… Continue reading Failing and Other Things From My Weekend
Superstitions on Korean Suneung Test Day
The entire country of Korea came to a halt this morning. Businesses opened late, flights were grounded, high schools closed for the day, and people were encouraged to stay off the roads. Rows of flags lined the streets and emergency personnel stood ready to assist. If you think it sounds like the start of a war… Continue reading Superstitions on Korean Suneung Test Day
The Realities of Hiking in Korea
Last weekend I was surprised to find myself hiking 20km up a mountain. I mean, I knew that I would be hiking; what was casually omitted by the friend who planned it was the length of the trail and the severity of the incline. Not that knowing in advance would have changed anything. I still… Continue reading The Realities of Hiking in Korea
Ridiculous Moments From My Day
I awoke to a message from my neighbor downstairs asking if I’d heard the people I share a wall with at 2am. Apparently they had an all out brawl for two hours with screaming, banging, throwing things, and a crying baby. Eventually the police were called. I slept through it all. Let’s hope North Korea… Continue reading Ridiculous Moments From My Day
The 100 Day Countdown
Koreans tend to celebrate anniversaries and countdowns in days, not months and years. A couple will celebrate their 100 day anniversary (and if they make it that far, it’s considered a pretty big deal), and later their 300 day, 500 day, etc. Yesterday was a momentous occasion for me if I were to use… Continue reading The 100 Day Countdown
Adventures in Korean Skincare & My Favorite Product
Before Korea, skincare was never on my radar. I know, it’s an absolute blasphemy, but I was lucky enough to have been born with decent skin and words like “maintenance” and “prevention” never really crossed my mind. Then… dun dun dun… the wrinkles came. I’m 28 years old, which is too damn… Continue reading Adventures in Korean Skincare & My Favorite Product