Finding Our Seoul: Reflections on a Year

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.