Goodbye Korea

I can't believe I'm writing this post but this will probably be the final post in Korea. I'm going home today. Thanks for all the laughs, the tears, the great people, the amazing students, the funny coworkers and everything in between. I am a different person than when I came...and for that I am grateful.

Signing off,

Christine

Takeoffs and Landings

I bought my plane ticket home today. March 12th. I'm not sure really how to feel except maybe relieved? What a great decision to make on this Chinese New Year. It's gonna be a great year seeing as I finally had the guts to actually go through with it. I have a million thoughts and worries but I can't seem to put them into words right now.

Happy New Year! (the rest of the thoughts to come soon)

It's been awesome...5 years in Wonju

5 years ago today I came to Korea. I remember getting off the plane all bundled up because this California girl was coming to a place where the temperature actually drops below freezing. I remember wearing 4 layers of clothing and still feeling frozen. I remember getting off the bus in Oosan dong where the old intercity bus terminal was located 5 years ago. I remember not knowing any Korean, not having a phone and feeling lost and helpless because my boss couldn't find me. I was 21 years old. Fresh out of college with all my belongings packed away in a suitcase that could have fit me inside of it. Oh that..and my guitar. I stood there being bombarded by Korean taxi drivers trying to find out where I was going. I remember them trying to help me by calling some taxi driver's daughter who spoke a little bit of English. Finally when my boss found me, it was the biggest relief of my life. I thought I was abandoned after flying 12 hours to a place where nobody knew me.

Now, 5 years later, 5 years older, with a firm grasp of the language and some of the coolest friends I've ever, and will ever meet. I am grateful for this amazing experience that has taught me about life, responsibilities, growing up, love, friendship, work, politics, the world and most importantly myself. I feel like this experience has enriched my life and although I am still a little lost about my future, I am more sure of who I am as a person and the kind of person I want to continue to be. Korea...you have been a blessing, never to be forgotten. I am glad I came here even after EVERYTHING that has happened. If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have gotten to meet the friends that I did, taught the students that changed my life, learned Korean, broken a little out of my shell/comfort zone, fallen in and out of love, questioned my life, questioned myself as a person, and gotten more comfortable with myself. I've done so many things that I never would have had the chance to do if I were in America, so for that...I give you a piece of my heart. It will remain here forever with the memories that I've made and in exchange I will take the lessons you taught me and carry it with me for as long as I live.

Good night Wonju. Thanks for everything. It's been an amazing five years we've spent together. Happy 5 year Anniversary.

All that Jazz...

Inger Marie Gundersen played in Hyundai Department store Apgujeong Branch a few weeks ago. It was an amazing show. I was lucky to have seen it. I'd never heard of her before that night. A friend of mine works as a sound engineer there and invited me. It was so good! I hadn't felt that kind of excitement about music in so long. I especially liked the trumpet player. He was incredible! I love closing my eyes and letting the music flow into my brain. It brings a peacefulness like the first snow covering the ground. I was also lucky enough to ride with them on the subway to Hongdae. It was a great experience and I'm grateful for the opportunity to see such amazing musicians.

Like an open book...

Everyone can see right through me...I must be strong. I will have the faith and will power to overcome anything. I have the faith and will power to overcome myself.

"I'm sorry I'm such a mess..."

"Cause I need this now more than I ever did."

"There is so much I felt I should say. Even if your heart would listen I doubt I could explain."

"Should have never started. Ain't that the way it always ends."

-If you don't, don't