As I look back at my time in Korea, there are lots of things I will miss, but many things I won't. The biggest thing I will not miss is the constant staring. I am excited to come home to normalcy- just being a face among the crowd. Standing out in Korea as a blonde average size girl causes gaping stares of unbelievable amounts. While I have come to realize it's not negative, it drives me to drink. For example, the other day while eating lunch by myself a group of teenage girls at the table next to me were constantly turning around to look at me and then speaking in Korean about me. It was one of the most frustrating meals I've ever had. I mean, can't I even eat in peace without the nonsense?! I dread escalators like a 5 year old child dreads a shot at the doctor. Maybe more because I will be stared at the entire way up or down like a caged animal. The constant staring, whispering, and uncomfortableness will feel wonderful to be rid of!
The thing I will miss the most is the abundant opportunity to learn. I have absorbed and learned more this past year than I ever thought possible through conversation, experience, reading, etc. It seems that each and every day I have learned a new Korean word, gesture, something cultural or historical. I have learned about the world around me, people, and places. In such an interesting and different place as Korea, you are bound to pick up something. The things I have learned about myself and the kind of person I want to be and don't want to be have been numerous. I am just grateful of all that I have seen and will miss dearly the learning opportunities all around me.
I am very much looking forward to the next few months of soaking up my time here in Korea, travel, and spending time with the people I love.
Namaste
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