Seoul

They say one needs to travel alone to learn more about themselves. Well I wouldn't say I learned more about myself per say but I did learn a few things here and there. I can't believe I was able to visit Korea for a second time!! What a blessing! It's funny how so quickly time passes and things begin to fade into a distant memory. Many things were the same but many things were different as well. Writing about it surely helps to relive it so here we go:

Lesson #1- Korea is not the best country of choice for a solo trip

You end up taking selfies with the KFC guy

But it's too hard to take a selfie with your kakao friends.

You end up eating ramen by yourself because all your favorites are served for two people or more.

Then you end up sitting on the sidewalk lost, playing with the fallen cherry blossom petals (which by the way are very soft).

Lesson #2-  Distance and time can't break beautiful friendships

We met 2 years ago in this country and went our separate ways. I saw you in Vancouver and again here we are in Korea together. I'm so thankful for you <3

My youth group leader and another friend I studied with 2 years ago.

I wish we could've spent more time together but it was so nice seeing her after all this time. 

I met with more friends but we didn't capture the moment photographically. It's amazing how you can meet up with someone years later and it can still be like it was before. Thank you for taking some of your time to hang out :)

Lesson #3- Life is full of surprises

Korean dramas are what brought me to Korea the first time around. I'm finally over that addiction butttt... It was still amazing to watch one being filmed.

My favorite youtuber is also in Seoul right now. We both went to Korea at the same time! What are the odds, twice this has happened. I met him last time I went and this time around he replied to one of my comments saying he remembers me!! xD *fangirl moment*

God knows the desires of your heart. My flight was pushed back a good 8 hours but in exchange I had a direct flight with the airline I've always wanted to try. Their tickets are usually pricey so I've never flown with Korean Air but due to this unfortunate event I got to fly with them! & yes, I loved it!

Lesson #4- You don't take a vacation from God.
Had I visited Thailand I probably wouldn't have had the opportunity to go to church. I'm not saying I had plans to forget about God or anything, I know God is everywhere. The lesson here is that God makes himself KNOWN everywhere.

I walked into New Philly and right away I'm overwhelmed by His presence. The services were beautiful. I left feeling refreshed and loved. The Word spoken there was just what I needed.

The Garden of Morning Calm:

Just take a moment to take in that view. But really take in that view. Imagine an overcast and windy day. As the wind blows and shakes the leaves, pink cherry blossoms begin dancing with the wind falling gently like pink snow along with magnolia petals. The petals land on that pond and the wind moves to another tree causing that same scene, pink snow petals falling gently and blowing with the wind. 

You climb to the top and you see this majestic view. There is no doubt the Creator of the Universe is amazing! As we sat there in silence taking it all in, I just wanted to sing and worship. From the highest of highs to the depths of the sea, creation's revealing Your majesty. Awe. Splendor. Amazing. So much beauty to take in.

Just WOW. Breathtaking.

Lesson #5- Korea will always hold a special place in my heart

One of the girls I met at the hostel I was staying at said I must have an Asian soul. It's not even about the K-pop or the K-dramas, really. But both times I have visited have been very unique and special for me. You have to experience it yourself in order to understand it.

Fun Facts About Korea
- The towels are super tiny.

I don't know if it's a western thing or just in my family but we use bigger towels. I mean this tiny thing wouldn't even cover my hair

- the slippers.

Slippers everywhere. I think this is an Asian thing in general though. But they're even on the airplane!! Hehehe

- Koreans don't typically interact with Non-Asian foreigners

The fact that this ahjumma approached me to ask me a question was pretty big and significant. I don't really know if I answered her question but I loved trying.

- Kakao is the main texting app

The kakao characters are everywhere and they even have a store! That's where I bought my little Korean friend ^^ I couldn't resist!

- LINE is another pretty big texting app with several stores

- The food is delicious and a lot like Mexican food

- Stores don't open before 10am but they will be open at 10pm. It's about the nightlife

- You can find some amazing street performers in Hongdae

These guys were by far my absolute favorite!!!!

Overall, it was a great trip. I got to spend a lot of time exploring and shopping on my own. I learned to be comfortable on my own wandering, exploring and getting lost. Until next time...