Anywho, back to the pure joy bit. The thought of being home soon makes the little demons inside of me dance their pagan dance everyday. I, of course, expect to have some sort of BLOW OUT when I return, so if you are reading this and think that I might enjoy your company, keep your schedule clear around the late beginning/early middle of February 2011. There are an insane amount of things that I miss and must do upon my return. These are the top ones that first pop into mind...
-Baths.
I can spend an hour in the bath. Easy. Candles. Bubbles. Music. Probably a glass or three of wine the first time (to celebrate, of course).
-Sandwiches
I'm going to have a sandwich festival. Others are welcome to join but, really, they will be superfluous. First, I will go on a shopping spree at Domick's and make it rain dolla, dolla bills at the deli. Next, I'll hit up Jimmy John's and Potbelly. When in Minocqua, it'll be all about the grouper sanwich and the french dip at the Thirsty Whale. Korea does not do sanwiches and their attempts at them are abysmal. ABYSMAL.
-Chicago Deep Dish Pizza.
I'm eating the entire thing.
-Englishee!
English everywhere. Hell yes. I will almost always know what is going on around me. I suspect that it will be a sensory overload. I am accustomed to walking down the street and not being able to understand what is being said around me or what I read. Everything is a blur. I suppose this is what it feels like to be a baby or a dog...or entirely inebriated.
-Fresh Air
FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, PLEASE.
-Stars
They still exist, right?
- BEER.
Korea has the most terrible beer that has ever touched my sweet, sweet lips and I intend on drinking my weight in proper brews. I shall consume any and every tasty beer in sight.
-Driving
I hope that I don't kill anybody the first time I get behind the wheel again. Even if I do, it will still be cool to drive again.
Ok, now let me turn to what I will miss about Korea. Obviously, the friends I have made here are at the top of the list, but there is also...
-Shopping
Anyone who really knows me from back home knows that I generally don't like to shop. Maybe it's because I'm frugal or maybe it's because it just bores me. Not the case in Korea. I could shop all day everyday in Korea. It's insanely cheap and I seem to always want EVERYTHING. And sometimes, that's exactly what I get. I believe that my wardrobe has doubled, perhaps tripled in the past 10 months. I also love the outdoor shopping shopping areas, even in the winter. They have the perfect combination of shopping, food, and liveliness. AND, if you're extra lucky, you may stumble across an ajumma (older woman) fight.
-Food
I am desperate for the food back home but I will, of course, miss Korean food. Galbi (MEAT!), mondu (dumplings), kimbap (like sushi, but Korean style), and Dak Galbi (a fanastic chicken dish) are the dishes that I shall miss most of all. Don't get me started about how sorely I will miss street food in Seoul. I really don't want to talk about it. I will be losing a part of me. However, I think I'll be ok without the kimchi.
-SOJU
Yes, I have been steering clear of the demon booze these days...but its soooooooooooo cheap. I like knowing that if I want to, I can kill all of my brain cells for under 3 dollars. Its a nice feeling.
-The Kids
Overall, the kids that I work with are rather fanastic. I like 'em.
-My Apartment
It may be small, but I have succesfully created a warm, cozy home away from home.
-Sylvester
After 5 months, Sylvester is still very much alive and he doesn't seem to be going anytime soon. He amazes me everyday with his survival skills. He's my little miracle. No other fish of mine has ever made it past a month or so. I don't know what will happen to him when I leave but I hope that someone kind will see to his care. No singers, though. Sylvester only likes it when I sing to him.
Oh, Korea. Being in Korea has been just like dating someone. I dated Korea. First, it was really exciting and as we got to know eachother, I was constantly discovering new and interesting things. And Korea and I are so different and I often seem to end up with guys that are somewhat opposite of me. Things were good for a while. Functional and often fun. Then, I started to pay more attention to the things about Korea that I don't entirely admire or that irritate me. I also began to feel smothered. Korea was just always there and needing something from me. So, I needed some space and went to Thailand. Now, Thailand was something new and it was also insanely beautiful and charming. I realized that there are other fish in the sea and I broke up with Korea. BUT, we still had to live and work together so things were awkward and tense for a bit. Luckily, we got past all that and although we know that we ultimatley aren't a good match and aren't meant to live our days out together, we are still friends and I appreciate the things that intially drew me into the relationship in the first place. Despite the homesickness and the deep desire to return home, Korea will always have a special place in this black heart of mine.
Oh, I will also miss silliness like the above picture.
