Hard to believe it has been that long. It feels like a milestone that is truly significant. There is so much happening in these first 6 months and to make it half a year and feel good and settled feels like you have earned that badge.

It comes with many growing pains (or shrinking pains if you are taking about a significant spacial downsize) but our lifestyle has truly shifted whether we liked it or not and we have found a routine that is working for us. Let’s talk about what it feels like day to day.

We walk everywhere, we take the subway for most distances too far to walk and occasionally take cabs if it feels really complicated or the weather is terrible. I have only filled my gas tank twice since we have been here.  We mostly shop locally, but I do still get some of our favorites shipped in. Logan’s favorite is Indian food and Brynn is loving seaweed, rice and ramen snacks.

As for apartment life, learning to live smaller is not easy. It isn’t about the physical items, it really is about having some quiet personal space. Right now, we don’t have much of that. I miss the kids having a bonus room, I miss my separate office space, and I most of all, I miss letting my dog out the back door. There is always something to compromise. What we do get it is a beautiful view, shops and restaurants right outside our lobby doors, a gym on the 3rd floor, no worrying about overflowing gutters or raking leaves, and managing a smaller household makes chores much quicker work. There is an ease about living small that just requires less effort, leaves you more time for fun stuff. 

What do we do all day? The kids have long school days with after school activities, this is by far the most alone I have had in 13 years. It has given me the opportunity to be thoughtful with my time, taking care of regular life tasks but also being able to be at school for performances and parties. I have had the chance to attend tours and events with our Community Liaison Office, explore the City and I’ve been known to take in a movie or two…. Our weekends are a mix of lazy days and time exploring new neighborhoods or tourist spots. There is still so much we haven’t seen or done, the list is long.

What’s been the biggest struggle? The most obvious is just being far away from the people you love and want to be around. You miss them and you miss just being yourself around people who already know you.  It’s not easy to make a whole new community, it takes time and effort to build friendships and I’m proud of us for what we have accomplished this far. Aside from that, the biggest challenge for the kids has likely been losing some independence now being in a big city followed by a close second of school rigor. Korean culture doesn’t mess around with the seriousness of school, it is very important and it is stressful. 

What’s the best part I didn’t expect? For me, it’s Korean culture. Hard to pinpoint exactly what makes it feel very comfortable for me, but I really do enjoy my experiences here. There is a quiet respectful reservation but also lots of fun to be had. There is an out and about culture with lots of activities and places to go and be. People are generally friendly and helpful, quality of life is very good and let’s not forget to underscore the joy of cute things, loads of desserts, excessive stationary items and photo booths. It is a good life.