They say
that the first year of marriage is the hardest. Maybe, but maybe not, in a good way. Zak and I
are wrapping up a two day Seoul “staycation," perfect
timing for celebrating our first anniversary, and nearly a year of this crazy but
beautiful adventure abroad. There have been hardships for sure, but in ways
that have bonded us tighter than we could have possibly imagined, made us laugh
til we cry, and forged memories that will last a lifetime.
Living in our little Seoul box has been the biggest challenge. Such as:
- Sleeping
under a perpetual canopy of our own clothes drying (no dryer or space for more
than one rack)
- Breaking
glass containers in a one-burner stove, counterspaceless kitchen in an attempt
to fit a week’s worth of homemade healthy food in a minifridge. Sweet Zak
always to the rescue with a broom and smile. Hey, they’re only a few dollars,
it’s okay.
- Meals on the
floor, not because we’re in Asia but because there’s not actually room for a
table and chairs.
- Getting
Korea’d – meaning being stepped on or elbow bulldozed in the subway, dodging
motorbikes on sidewalks, and trying to be understanding of umbrellas on sunny
days.
- Sharing
colds, because sick students + a work culture with no sick days = sick
teachers, and therefore sick spouses
- Showering in a bathroom with no shower, just a showerhead above the sink
But for
every hardship, there’s a lesson. For us, we’ve cherished our weekly phone
calls with family, Skype dates with friends, the ease of social media to keep
us in touch, and the support and love from across the miles (letters and care
packages feel like Christmas!). We’ve found special spots in Seoul, especially
Paldang where we go for bikes and nature, and have been lucky to have great
co-workers and students.
We realize
how good we have it in the States and are excited to officially announce that
we are coming HOME! November we’ll see family in California,
friends in Las Vegas, spend T-day in Tennessee, then we’re Austin-bound to stay. We absolutely can't wait for the hugs, the stories, and the physical presence of family and friends that have been along in support.
Don’t worry,
we’ll keep up the blog, lots of adventures to come these last three months.
Nate & Celeste a shoutout to you, can’t wait for Hong Kong. And Lisa, the
Philippines is going to be like an Asian version of our Costa Rica excursions. Pura vida!
A few photo
highlights from the past year.
 |
| A little mud never hurts when in Thailand! Our little cabina in Pai. August 2013. |
 |
| Hiking to find the "Impossible Buddha" at the top of the hill. |
 |
| Ayutthaya, Thailand |
 |
| Zak in his happy place |
 |
| An emerald Buddha, in Chiang Mai |
 |
| On to Seoul, still warm enough for hiking. September 2013 |
 |
| From wats in Thailand to palaces in Seoul, always lots to explore. |
 |
| Market time in Seoul, October 2013. |
 |
| And Zak is now a knight. |
 |
| Side trip to Japan for visas, October 2013. Not sure about this guy... |
 |
| Welcome to the kitchen! |
 |
| Happy birthday Zak, my fellow Aries. |
 |
| I got painted! |
 |
| Wintertime hikes, still mysteriously beautiful. January 2014. |
 |
| Seaside trip to Busan for some much needed sunshine and coastal air, May 2014. |
 |
| Temple stay with the gals, partaking in ancient traditions and honoring handwork of the past. |
 |
| Cherry blossoms in Seoul, April 2014. |
 |
| Zak working the camera skills on a full moon. |
 |
| Rooftop cityscape, June 2014. |
 |
| In our happy spot, Paldang. July 2014. |
 |
| Bikes and bliss. |
