Last day.

Today marks the one hundred and forty-sixth day spent in Seoul.

I'm sitting at the dressing table right now.. and counting down the hours left till my flight home.

It's hard to believe that my exchange journey is ending today but it's finally time to go home.

For now, let's leave those troubling thoughts where we found them - at the Han River - and look towards the future, where my family and friends await.

I'm coming home.

2 more days.

It's hard to believe that it's almost time to greet the sunny tropical island we call home once again. It has been a long time here in Korea but 'long' can never be too long enough when what we're doing is exploring a new country, discovering a new culture, uncovering new sides to ourselves, experiencing feelings alien to us, leading a (somewhat) different life and learning to appreciate the things around us so much more.

2 days, 48 hours, 2880 seconds.

Don't get me wrong - I am eager to return home to my family, my friends and the way of life I've known and lived according to for the past 21 years (alright, perhaps not so much for the last point). I'm just reluctant to bid farewell to the wonderful sights and eye-opening moments found here which constantly force me to challenge myself and gain a better understanding of myself and the world. I will miss the space, the people, the unshackled freedom (mind, soul, body), the lack of restraints - no more holding back unnecessarily - and the adventurous spirit within myself. It is almost without doubt that unless a (very) conscious effort is made, the stifling Singapore environment will rob me of the precious qualities I hold dear and reduce me to the same person I was before exchange. Let's hope - I surely am wishing hard - that some good things are here to stay (why must good things always come to an end (frowns in displeasure)).

On an unrelated note, I realise (much to my horror) that I have yet to pen my post on the list of "Firsts" that I have encountered here. I've decided not to rush it out over two days; instead, I'll only get down to writing it when I return to Singapore and at the same time, conveniently make use of the drafting process to look back upon the fond memories of exchange.

Still in Seoul, but missing it already. Hah.

Some things never do change.

Overthinking,
Fearfulness,
Cowardice,
Missed opportunities.


Why doesn't this ever change?

Basketball again!

Charleston has arrived in Seoul!

Adventures of the host and her not-so-little tourist

Day 1
Tteok museum >> Apgujeong Rodeo (Cube Entertainment, JYP, FNC Entertainment, SM Entertainment)

Myeongdong >> Namdaemun >> Home

Day 2
Ilhwa Mural Painting Village >> Hyehwa >> Samcheongdong >> Insadong >> Jongno-3-ga

Day 3
Hyehwa Post Office >> Home >> Lotte Hotel World, Jamsil
Bus 301; get on bus at bus stop outside DDP and then alight at Hyehwa Rotary Station (5 stops away)

Day 4
Sinchon (movie) >> Ewha

Day 5
Hyehwa (Filippino market) >> Jongno-5-ga >> Dongdaemun >> Myeongdong

Um, I'll fill this in when I'm free!

Overall, it was a very meaningful time because through our interactions that week, we found out that we hardly knew anything about each other! We didn't know each other's favourite colour (red!), favourite food (고기!) (his fault since he hardly dines in school aha), hobbies, unique characteristics, personality quirks or other likes/dislikes. It's incredible especially since we've been friends for 2 years, coupled with the fact that we've been talking so much (on hindsight, the content of our conversations must have been oh-so-fluffy) all this while - sometimes, I don't even think I talk to anyone else that much haha but turns out that.. perhaps we've been talking crap all this time after all!! X) Hence, it was really fun and interesting getting to know a friend better during this trip - we played the "tell me 1 new thing about yourself" game - it felt like we got a little closer as friends (like friends for real) after that. I hope that I won't lose these useful tidbits of information about him (memory..) and that this friendship will continue to grow and deepen! (: Anyone else up for the same game? ^^

Soju.

Embracing change.

Those who are wondering what the new hairstyle is, here you go! The curls are not permanent because it was too costly to do a perm as well (thankfully?) and now, it's just a dry mess of brown and black. I have to admit it looked really pretty on the day itself but what's the use of short-term beauty (I'm referring to the hair haha)? Until I find a way to repair and nourish my poor, abused hair follicles, this simply serves as a reminder of the less-than-desirable decision I made. 

Anyway, less than 2 weeks left in this delightful place that has been my home for the past five months.. :') It's hard to say goodbye, not only to this place but so many other things as well. Ah well..