So it’s been a month…. which feels like both 3 days and 3 months. Time has been flown by but we have also spent the majority of the time putting together our apartment and life here. There is this sense of a starting over, before all the new schedules and busyness set in, where you just worry about your basic needs and it can be very refreshing after the craziness of preparing to move. Days are slow and full of exploring, which are really the best kind of days. Like finding a great smokehouse just 3 subway stops away.
For those of you who have been with me from the beginning, you might remember this post I wrote about being homesick. I have been thinking a lot about being homesick and wondering if it will hit me all at once like before. It seems this time around, it’s moments here and there.
This experience has been entirely different, my children are older, the destination is a complete 180 from the last and most importantly, I know I have grown tremendously since that first post. I do miss things, (Mexican food and my quiet backyard) but mostly, it is just the ease of communicating. I miss reading labels (reading any signage really) and basic errands not taking all my mental energy.
However, I feel like I have adjusted pretty well, knowing there are still many challenges ahead. I try to focus on my daily wins, sometimes that is just correctly ordering my high maintenance latte.
We have only had a few Foreigner faux pas moments. Which can hardly be avoided, but they have to give you a little laugh. First one happened when we were at a local Coffee Bean, you are always asked if you would like to “dine in” or “to-go.” I ordered a tea and scone for Logan, saying to-go because I knew we would only be sitting for a few minutes for him to eat.
Before I knew this was Korean Law, we were asked to leave the cafe with our to-go cup of iced tea even though Logan was eating a pastry at the table. Only later, when we saw the sign did we understand. It is to reduce the use of single use plastics. Which is great… it makes sense when you think about it.
So to sum up our little update, here are some photos of what we have been up to lately. Sunsets out our windows, first subway rides (clean and air conditioned), a visit to the Coex Mall to see the Aquarium and hanging out with the dog 24/7 who is still the best pup we could ask for. Thank you to everyone who is emailing me and dropping in to say hello… it’s wonderful to hear from all of you!
So many questions, are the people helpful?? It must be frustrating in some ways. What do you do if you need a doctor? When do the kids start school??
Glad to hear your pup doing ok big change there too, buying his food. Thinking about you. Julie
Good update, Meg, and the pics are terrific.