Samgyetang and Darts

Junho, Me and Junnie

Recently, Markus created a logo for our friend, Junnie. He has a podcast that focuses on Korean politics with his friend Junho. As a thank you to Markus, they both took us out to dinner. It was unexpected but very sweet. Junnie is one of the sweetest and most genuine people I've ever met.

Junnie doesn't speak English fluently and sometimes we have to use Google translate, but it's worth it. His friendship means so much to us. Sometimes, he'll call just to say hello or to check in. Often when we meet for dinner, he'll research the best places in the area and take us there. Once, he he took Markus and I to KSU, a popular university area in Busan, and basically took us on a date. We went to this really fancy Italian place. Afterward, we went for a walk around a nearby college campus. When we finished walking, he took us to a really cute cafe. I asked him how he knew about all these places and he said, that he did all those things with his girlfriend Henna.

Samgyetang (삼계탕)

Galbitang (갈비탕)

Ginseng Pajeon (파전)

When we met recently, Junnie and Junho decided to take us to a samgyetang restaurant. Lately, I've been really sick and the minute Junnie heard my voice, he decided to take us somewhere that would help me feel better. Again, this kid is so thoughtful and sweet. He's always thinking about others.

Junnie said that the restaurant is very popular with older people because of the health benefits of the soups. He wasn't wrong, I think the four of us were the only young people in the entire place. There were even different varieties of samgyetang for specific purposes, like gender specific types. I was really tempted to order the female version for one of the boys. I ordered the samgyetang to help raise immunity and stamina.  It was really delicious and after eating the samgyetang, I felt revitalized.

After dinner, we went to my favorite dart bar. Before we arrived, I said, "Are you ready to lose?" I should've kept my mouth shut because my dart game was completely off. Usually, I kill at darts. I demolish everyone, but that night I was awful. Junho told us before that he's not good at darts but he obliterated us. There was no chance that any of us could beat him. We played three games and he won every single game. It was horrible. 

Despite my awful dart playing, the evening was great. We always have fun with Junnie. Junho was also really great, this was our first time meeting him. I didn't like that be beat me at darts, but it's okay. He was a really nice guy. I always enjoy moments like these in Korea because it reminds me of why we came here. We wanted to experience another country, but also see it from the point of view of the residents. Sometimes, I feel like an outsider, but moments like these, I feel like this is where I belong.

Birthday Ruminations

I don't know how it happened, but I've finally reached the final year of my 20s. When I was younger, it always seemed so far away. I always thought I would have more time, but time is the one thing that we always want and lack. Despite this, I can honestly say that I'm quite satisfied with where I am in life. Of course, I thought my 29th year would look a lot different than it does now.

I always imagined myself as a famous writer living in a big city. I would be writing about my adventures or my next novel. I always planned on getting married when I was in my 30s. I wanted to be able to be independent and thought that marrying would change that. I never thought I would meet the right guy. Now that I think about it, my life is sort of right where I thought it would be, but much better. It's funny how God takes what you want but gives you something even better than that. Currently, I'm living in Busan the second biggest city in South Korea. I have a blog where I write about all my wanderings and adventures. I may not be rich and famous, but life really isn't about that is it?

When I was younger, I used to measure happiness by the amount of money or success you had. I thought that if you didn't have either then you would be miserable. As I've gotten older, I realized that yes, we do need a certain amount of money to survive, but having heaps of money isn't everything. Happiness is so much more than material things and the size of your bank account.  It's about the people you have in your life and the memories you make with them.

Whether it's family or friends, people are always coming and going. It's a sad fact of life that the people you think will always be there are the ones that disappoint you the most. You think that because you are family or close friends, you can always rely on them. People are people regardless of who they are. The ones that do stay, they're the ones that matter. They stick with you even when you move across the world, read your blog, Skype you once a week and encourage you when you're at your lowest. Those people are the ones that you can count on. They're the ones that will be with you forever and that's all you need.  In the past 29 years of my life, I've met some incredible and amazing people.

So in this final year of my 20s, I have a lot to accomplish. Markus and I will be living out our last year in Korea. We'll be moving back to America, finding real jobs and starting a family. To be honest, I'm terrified. The thought of finally settling down is scary. I'm so thankful for the opportunity to live out my dreams. The past 15 months in Korea have been life changing. I think that moving halfway across the world was one of the smartest decisions I've ever made. It's opened my eyes to things I never would've known or seen. We tend to box ourselves, keep ourselves secured in our own little world. I don't ever want to live like that again. 

I've learned so much about myself and other people. I've learned that it's okay to be myself. I don't have to be what other people expect me to be or what they think I should be. I've learned that even if you don't speak the same language as someone, they're still willing to make a connection because that's what life is about right? It's about making connections and learning from others. Finally, I've learned that there is nothing more powerful than loving people. There is nothing that can penetrate people's barriers more than love. 

I hope that in the next 29 years of my life I can still continue to learn and grow. I hope to continue loving on people and having grand adventures. Here's to 29 years gone and for the years to come.

Taejongdae | 1 of 2

Taejongdae is my favorite place in Busan. It's this amazing little getaway within the city. Living in a place as busy and populated as Busan, you start to crave quiet and calm. The perfect place for this is Taejongdae. Every time I've gone, there have been heaps of people, but there is so much space that you can escape the crowds, find a little rock, have a picnic and revel in the beauty that surrounds you.

Palawan, Philippines | 2 of 3

After spending 12 days in the Philippines, I finally saw the beach on the second to last day. I didn't have a chance to go in the water, but at least I saw it. It was basically a 30 minute pit stop on the way to the Underground River.

Beaches in the Philippines are really beautiful. I've lived near a beach my entire life and the beaches in Palawan were unlike anything I've ever seen. I think it was the rustic and natural beauty that made it feel that way. There weren't any huge buildings or heaps of people, just us and the island. It was idyllic and a wonderful way to finally see the natural beauty of the Philippines.

Palawan 1 of 3

Wandering Wednesday | Florida Road Trip 2009: 2 of 3

The second part of our road trip took us to Orlando, where we visited one of our favorite couples, Ryan and Lauren. This was before they were married and were still in college. My golly, how times have changed. I can't believe how time flies.

As soon as we arrived, they took us to Rebounderz. It's this amazing indoor trampoline arena, an entire room full of trampolines. I was shocked that I was exhausted and only after 10 minutes. It was still fun watching Markus fulfill one of his lifelong dreams of being Spiderman.

We spent Easter weekend with them that year and they took us to one of the best farmer's markets I've ever visited. We bought handmade pasta for our Easter lunch and sampled many delicious treats. It was so nice to spend the holiday with them, since they're so very dear to us.

We ended our time in Orlando at Medieval Times. It was a first for both Markus and I. It was cheesy, but it was the epitome of a roadside attraction. I actually really enjoyed it. It was fun wearing fake crowns and eating with my hands whilst cheering on knights who fought to the death. It was perfect. 

Florida Road Trip 1 of 3