This week I turn 24.
But I am not sure how this happened. In my mind I was supposed to be 22 forever. Now 24 is approaching and I don’t know how to feel. I’m happy but confused, content but insecure.
And why do I keep finding this one grey hair in my bangs?! Continue reading »
A quintessential stop on any tour through India, the Taj Mahal is supposed to be all it’s cracked up to be, and for some people, more. But it’s hard to not have expectations of something so hyped-up and touristy.
As I entered through the red brick gates, I wasn’t overwhelmed with awe or shock, rather, I just felt a sense of calm. “Yup, it looks just as good as the pictures.”
We entered the grounds around 7am and roamed around the area taking photo after photo (I mostly took photo after photo) while trying to stay away from the crowds. When we entered the Taj to see the actual mausoleum, I soon felt anxious and bored. It was plain compared to the outside, and I felt an urge to get out and see the facade again as soon as possible. In between photos on the famous bench, (for Simon the Princess Di bench, for me the Oprah bench) we took long pauses to stare at the building as the sun rose to our right. I made sure to take a few more photos and give it a few more glances before leaving for good that morning. Continue reading »
Two Canadians, two Germans, Simon and I bumped along in the back of the “Trotters Camel Safari“ jeep as we headed off into the Thar desert. With turban in tow, Simon was certainly prepared but I felt slightly hesitant. The tour we chose was the “off the beaten path” option, and happened to be one of the most expensive camel safaris in Jaisalmer. We had convinced our two new Canadian friends to come along with us on this tour, so I felt partly responsible if it didn’t meet expectations. Continue reading »
When I signed on for a second year of teaching in Korea, I dreaded knowing I’d have another freezing winter to get through. However, there was one thing I was actually excited about– getting to finally go ice fishing. I even put it on my 25 before 25 list because it’s been something I’ve really wanted to do.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not an avid fisher or anything, but for some reason (even despite hating the cold) I still wanted to do this. It may have had something to do with wanting to pretend I was an Eskimo for a day and getting some cool pictures on the ice… So, when Adventure Korea asked to me attend and document, I was more than thrilled. Now, I could not only pretend I was an Eskimo for the weekend ..but also that blogging was my real job. Assah. Continue reading »
I’ve been home for almost two weeks now, and I’m sad to realize my trip is coming to a close. In fact, by the time this is posted, it’ll be my last day in San Diego. I’ve loved every minute of my time at home, and I’ve also gotten to do a few simple things I’ve had on my 25 before 25 list – spend New Year’s with best friends and cook some delicious meals with my mom – to mention some of them.
Being home has also made me realize how much I don’t belong in Korea. For now on, my eyes are on the prize. Six weeks from now I’ll have finished my teaching contract, and I’ll be living the life I spent the last year saving for. As many of you know, my journey will start in India. From that time on, and for the next year or so, I’ll be able to live the life I want, choosing my path for happiness, and not monetary reasons.
Below, I’d like to reflect on a few of the great things, and simple pleasures, I’ve enjoyed in the last two weeks. I’ve left out the completely obvious ones, being with my family and spending time with my best friends have both of course been things I’ve fully enjoyed. Continue reading »
When someone asks me what I want to do after teaching in Korea, I usually sigh and say “I don’t know”. It’s always a lie. I’ve always known what I’ve wanted to do; most of us have. But the problem lies in the question itself. If the question was, “If you could choose anything in the world, what would you want to do?” we could all answer. But the real question is “What do you think you’ll do, in which is possible, socially acceptable and will make you decently happy?”. Now the answer is hard. Continue reading »
The countdown has begun. Four months from now, on February 19th, I’ll be embarking on the longest backpacking trip I’ve ever been on, exploring places I’ve been fascinated with for years, all with the person who has been my rock throughout my time in Korea.
Simon and I have been talking about taking a big trip after Korea for a while now. In the last 8 months, we have helped each other save as much as we could, and started brainstorming of what we both want to see. The time has finally come, and we have set down solid plans of what countries we will see, how we will do it, and everything involved in planning this 5 month expedition, all while blogging about our experiences! Continue reading »
Bucket list item #17, check!
The reason I put Taipei night markets on my bucket list was because I had heard so much talk about them. How great they were, how great the food was. It sounded like my slice of heaven. Walking from cart to cart, trying different things; all entirely delicious. Like most things in Taiwan, and most things in life, the reality of the place or situation is completely different from the expectation.