Bayon Temple | Angkor Wat, Cambodia | 2 of 2

Bayon Temple is definitely a highlight that cannot be missed when visiting Angkor Wat. It was one of the most packed temples, but it didn't affect my enjoyment.  When you think that you've seen all there is to see, there is more waiting around the corner. Looking back on our time at Angkor Wat, Bayon Temple would have to be my favorite part. It was different enough from the other temples. It was different enough from the others and completely unique. 

 

As we walked around, I started to imagine what it would have looked like back in 12th century. It must have been a magnificent sight. Even now, it's quite amazing. It boggles my mind that we still have things like this in existence and definitely thankful that I was able to see something like this in my lifetime. We spent more time there than we should have, but it was worth it. I think we were able to capture the beauty and splendor and will have these photos to remind us of our time there.

Wandering Wednesday | Boston Common | 2010

One of the things I loved about Boston was Boston Common. It's amazing that in a huge metropolis there can still be parks like this. I think this is why I love big cities. They truly are the best of both worlds. Even though the city can be bustling with heaps of people and loud with noises, there are still little pockets of peace and quiet.

 Being from Florida, I don't get to experience the four seasons. I spent 90% of my life only experiencing summer, spring and sort of fall. It was amazing to see bright red and vibrant orange leaves for the first time in my life. I've only seen brown and green. Even though I've experienced all four seasons in Korea, there is nothing like fall in Boston.

Unnie Time

Love triangle?

Markus and I have been very lucky to have amazing co-workers. Markus used to work on the Magic English Bus. I know it sounds so awesome right? Basically, he would ride the Magic English Bus from school to school spreading the joy of English. It was a dream job for anyone in Korea and Markus was able to spend our first six months in Korea working there. On the bus, Markus had the most amazing Korean co-teachers, Gloria unnie and Seulhee unnie.

Cutie Unnies

Gloria unnie and Seulhee unnie are so awesome. Within five minutes of meeting them, I was instantly comfortable and knew that we would be friends forever. Not only are they beautiful but they're hilarious. They always have me laughing and the time always goes so fast when we're together. They speak English better than most Koreans I meet. They know more than just textbook English, but they know about pop culture so it's never awkward. I'm so thankful for their friendship and having them in our lives here, makes this experience even better.

Life of an Ex-Pat | Discovery

Living and working in another country is not only a time of adventure, but also a time of discovery. You'll discover new foods and cultures. You'll experience things you've only read about in books or seen on TV. Every single day of your life becomes an adventure. There are things that you'll learn about yourself that you never knew existed. It's more than just seeing the wonders of the world, even though that's exciting as well. You'll learn how much you can take. You'll be challenged to see how far you can step out of your comfort zone. You'll experience things that are beyond imagination.

Life in Korea has been both a blessing and a curse.  Things that would be simple back home become difficult and challenging. Sometimes leaving the house, you have to mentally prepare yourself for what the day will be like. I find myself having pretend conversations in Korean in my head so that when I do speak to a Korean I don't sound ridiculous. It's the little things that begin to take its toll after a while, but with the bad, there is always good. I'm so thankful for the opportunity to be living in such a beautiful country. Many people end up leaving Korea bitter and resentful, but I know that I won't feel that way.  My dreams of living in a far off land would not have come true. I would have lived a life of regret and now that I know what it's like, I can move on.

I discovered so much about myself in the past 18 months. I've learned that here is so much more going on in the world than what happens in my tiny little existence. The work ethic in Korea is unreal. The kids are always studying. Their days start at 7am and they don't end until close to 11pm. The adults are always working, trying to strive for more, trying to reach the next level. Koreans work themselves to exhaustion, but it's ingrained in them to have the best life possible. They are a resilient people and that is something that I can truly admire.

I've also learned that there is so much to see and experience. We are so blessed to live in such a beautiful world. America is a diverse and amazing country, but it only scratches the surface of what is out there. Being an ex-pat has given me the opportunity to explore countries that I never would have been able to afford or thought of. Last year, I was able to finally travel to the Philippines. I finally saw the land of my people and the home of my parents. It was a moving experience and one I might have missed out on.

The most important thing I learned about myself is that I can conquer my fears. When I was younger, I was always known to be a spoiled brat. I never finished anything and I'm pretty sure that all my family and friends thought I would never amount to anything. I took all of their doubts and negativity and used that to fuel my determination to make something of myself. I've been blessed with a wonderful husband and a job that I love. After moving abroad, I used that same determination to succeed in Korea as well. 

Before coming here, I was worried that it wasn't going to work out. I went through all the scenarios in my head. They ranged from naughty children, horrible co-workers and nasty living conditions. Despite all these possibilities, I was determined to make it work. Thankfully, none of my scenarios came to fruition. I wake every day with the hope that this day will be better than the last and to make the most of my situation. Having this sort of attitude has taught me one important lesson. As long as I strive to do my best and always be optimistic, I can truly do anything and conquer any fears. 

My time in Korea is coming to a close soon, but the lessons I've learned and the challenges I've faced have made me a better person. I've become a better version of myself. I've grown into a stronger woman. I've discovered how much I can handle and how far I can go. I've discovered that anything is really and truly possible. 

Wandering Wednesday | Boston Public Library and Museum of Fine Arts | 2010

Boston Public Library

In November of 2010, Markus and I visited our dear and wonderful friends, Ryan and Jessica for Thanksgiving. They are a beautiful married couple that have been with us since the beginning of our marriage. When we asked if they wanted us to come visit for Thanksgiving, they didn't even hesitate and told us to come. Markus and I were happy to oblige and spent another Thanksgiving away from home.

This was my second time in Boston, but the first time for Markus. I remembered loving Boston back then, but it was only for a weekend. I was 16, so I wasn't able to appreciate it as much as I should have. This time around I made sure to make the most of the trip. One of our first stops was the Boston Public Library and it was beautiful. As soon as we entered the main reading room, I stood for a minute in awe. It was the first time I was in a library that looked like the ones you see in films. It was amazing. We didn't have a lot of time there and I remember we had to hurry off somewhere else. 

Boston Museum of Fine Arts

My Favorite

On our first day, we went to the Museum of Fine Arts. There was a special deal going on where entrance was free if you went after 6pm. There was a line out the door and went all the way out to the street. We waited for about 30 minutes and finally made it inside. The place was packed and overflowing with people, but it was worth it. My favorite area of the museum was a large hall filled with paintings. The atmosphere was amazing and I could sit in there forever.  I wanted to take more photos, but there were too many people. After a couple hours, we left and it was the perfect way to end our first day in Boston.