Top Ten Things I Will Miss About Seoul...
My students! They were such an eager group, ready to learn, sweat and take their first steps to becoming excellent instructors. And boy, did they keep me laughing... especially when they called my name, "Rora! Rora!".
Kim Bop This is the Korean version of sushi, but a bit heartier. My kimbop roll usually included rice, egg, cheese, pickled radish, carrot & other veggies, all wrapped in seaweed. I became addicted to it!
The subway. I said it once, I'll say it again: cleanest subway system on earth! It was so efficient and easy to use, I felt I had mastered it on my first day here. I never once saw a speck of dirt on the train, on the platform, or otherwise. And there are no garbage cans... I think Korea can teach us a thing or two about reducing waste! I also got a kick out of all the elderly train patrons enthralled with their smart phones. So savvy!
The view from my apartment. Looking out from the 31st floor, I witnessed many amazing sunsets over the horizon of nearby mountains. It sure beats my view at home...
Ice Flakes! Koreans know how to do dessert. This specialty is made up of blended sweet milk & ice flakes, topped with sweet red beans, and/or fruit. I'm telling you, just try it...
Feeling safe, all the time. Being here makes me realize how unsafe I often feel in Chicago, especially venturing about as a female, alone. I never once felt that my safety was threatened here. I wish I could bring that feeling with me all the way back to Chicago, but from the sounds of the news, that won't be happening too soon.
Musical tunes everywhere I go! I had great intentions of compiling a video of all the lovely melodies that greet me throughout my day. For instance, the subway plays a pleasant song as the train arrives, my washer/dryer plays a tune to remind me that the cycle has ended, my door beeps a tiny melody to tell me it's locked, the fan beeps to tell me it's on or off, and all land line phones play the same classical song. It's a treat to my ears!
Please and thank you. I may be starting to show my age, but it has been so refreshing to be surrounded by such polite and courteous people everywhere I go. Not to mention, Koreans thanking me for allowing them to practice their English speaking skills. My favorite demonstration of their manners is how they line up for the train at rush hour. What a novel thought - let people OFF the train, before you board! It really speaks to the Virgo in me.
Korean babies. They are beautiful, adorable and everywhere! Enough said.
Exploring! I almost forgot how fun it is to set out without a plan, and explore new territory. In fact, it's quite a great metaphor for life; just keep going, because you never know what's around the next corner...
I am so grateful for my time in Seoul. I was reminded that it is a true blessing to be able to see and experience other parts of the world. I wish that everyone had such opportunities! I am convinced that world travel can make us all a little more open, understanding and compassionate towards others.
I look forward to returning home to my family & friends, and to having a conversation without a translator! But don't be surprised if you hear me throw around a few Korean words, like "gahm-sa-ham-nee-da" (thank you) or "won-jahn beh-bu-lah" (I'm very full!). : )
I hope my little blog gave you some insight into my journey. I appreciate you following along! See you on the flip side!
p.s. Julianne & my students are throwing me a lovely going away party today, so I'm sure I'll have a few more pics to post. And I won't be wearing spandex for once!
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