Here are a few strange, but special things that I know I’ll miss about Korea.
Yangmyung Elementary I’ll miss my school, and the strange, yet amazing co-workers. I’ll miss my 5 minute English conversations chats with my Principal. I’m happy to say that I’ve seen a great deal of improvement in his English-e. Throughout my time here, I've had eight different co teachers...all great I might add. I’ve also had to say goodbye to one of my best Korean friends I made here. Mr. Kim, the former 2nd grade teacher and I were drinking buddies, noribang buddys, and dog eating buddies. He was the first Korean co-worker to really take me under his wing and make me feel comfortable in our school. I’ve been to his house, he's been to mine; something I cannot say about any other Korean co-working after spending nearly every day with them for almost two years.
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| My co-workers |
It's pretty spot on. Throughout my six years and 28 counties, I've met many amazing people from all over the world. GLS, ATI, SMOE throughout all my adventures, changes, and travels, I find myself surrounded by great people. Now, I'm not saying that I'll never seen them again, but much like the article states, it becomes more of a long shot than you think. I consider myself fortunate that I still keep in close contract with some of my friends that were there from the begining (GLS 2006) In fact, one of my best friends in the world started off as a " travel buddy" I'm excited to say that after 6 years Tim Matthews (GLS alumni and Cyprus roomate) and I still keep in touch reguarly. 3 weeks ago, I flew out to Hong Kong to celebrate his birthday. Now, I'm looking forward to seeing him return to Seoul for one last hurah! As for my other expat travel buddies, I will truely miss them. I hope that somewhere down the line, when the opportunity presents itself, we'll meet again. Then again we may never see each other again, who knows.
The more I travel, the more I put my faith into the road, knowing that wherever I may roam, there will be good company near. (Magnet Theory 101) The Korean friends I’ve made will also, be missed. I’ll always be grateful for their friendship and all the new experiences we shared together. Like the article states, travel friendships should be treated much like the desinations we visit. They are great, while your there, but you can't take em with you.
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| Christmas in Taiwan 2009 |
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| Chiang Mai, Thailand (ATI) |
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| Cyprus, 2006 (GLS) |
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| Seoul, Korea (AIT/SMOE) |
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| Seoul. Korea 2010 |
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| Tim and Derek. |
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| Chiang Mai, Thailand 2009 |
Kimchi...
What?? Yeah, that's what I thought too. Truth is, I kinda like it, and somewhere down the line, I'm sure I going to miss it. To me Kimich is like that long term girlfirend that you've invested too much time in. You've spent soo much time together that you end up just going through the motions, knowing that realationship is no longer healthy or thrilling. Yet, in the back of your mind it's hard to see yourself alone. After 2 years of having fermented cabbage served for almost EVERY one of my Korean meals. I've developed that same sort of proxcimity infacation. Let's hope for a clean break.
Seoul
Yeah, I know it's general, but the big city life that runs South Korea will be missed. As I mentioned in an eariler post. Seoul, is not an attrative city to visit. I doubt most people have it on thier must see list when thinking about visiting Asia. It is however a city extermely kind to it's long term residents. Cheap alcohol, cigarettes,and an awesome party scene. Not mention, great food from all over the world at relativiley cheap prices. Even though Seoul has the middle child complex, there are a lot of cool things to do and see in this place.
The Drinking Culture : A bottle of Soju is cheaper than a bottle of water....
The Subway system: pretty intense
Honorable mentions: The buttons at each restaurant table
Sampling beer at the grocery stores
The free glasses cleaners outside eye glass stores
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