Well, the same exact thing happened upon my return to Seoul. Being in California was wonderful, but I missed the convenience and the "there's-always-something-to-do-at-all-hours-of-the-day" that only exists in big cities like Seoul. I missed having the convenience of the subway, or even just walking everywhere. I missed the endless rows of restaurants and cafes with their neon signs that light up the streets until the wee hours of the morning. Case in point, I missed my new home.
But I'm not gonna beat around the bush either. I'm absolutely positive that 94.3% of my new appreciation for Seoul has everything to do with the warmer weather. We've been hit with rainy days but it has still remained above 65 degrees. And for the days that aren't rainy, we have breathtakingly beautiful days, which is when I am constantly telling myself, "This is what everyone means when they say spring weather makes it all worth it!" Because seriously, people, when it was March and still 20-30 degrees, I was experiencing some major depression and I thought I'd never see the sun again (and that I'd always look like a walking ghost). In fact, I talked to Mark's sister a few days ago, who lives in NYC and has been listening to our grumbling about the cold winter with a very understanding ear (did I mention she lives in NYC?), and I told her that I had no idea whatsoever that emotions and weather were linked so closely together, which she agreed with, with a big "Oh yeah!"
All that to say, gloomy days are officially gone, my lovely friends :) And that means more bike rides at night, more day-exploring and more smiles all around, which is exactly what I've been doing. For the last three weeks, I have been more spontaneous in my adventures and have had a constant longing to be outdoors in the morning, throughout the day and at night. I just can't help it!
And here are the photos to prove it!
[Last weekend, I went to Namhae with my dad. Although a little boring since my dad just golfed, the scenery was beautiful. By the way, this isn't my dad, just a bystander.]
[Dinner w/ Jamie at a yummy donburi hole-in-the-wall spot in Hongdae]
[Crafting time w/ Jamie @ Cafe Bene]
[...and long night rides along the Han River. *side note: sorry for the blur, bike seats don't work too well as replacement tripods ;)]
So, there you have it. I've fallen in love with Seoul all over again, in a much warmer, more agreeable environment. I can't wait for the hot, muggy summers to come...not!
Until next time, bisous xoxo
Until next time, bisous xoxo
4 comments :
Makes me wish I was in my twenties again living life as you do. It's so good you've learned to stop to smell the roses . . .
What a fun time! People actually craft in cafes? Would you do that here?
The forecast is calling for rain all week in NYC, but I'm trying to stay positive. I just had an amazing week of sun in Cali and paid for it by getting sunstroke. Be warned, after many years of harsh winters, apparently, my body is not used to such instant, glorious sunny weather. Seriously, it was all worth it. I just got back to the city and the leaves are fully-grown in and the park is drenched in foliage. I am so glad to be home and am thrilled to hear that you feel the same. xoxo, Kay
Mom- I haven't seen any roses in Korea, but there are lilacs and they're the most pleasant-smelling thing ever ;)
Julee- Cafes are all over Seoul and they are a favorite/frequent past-time for Koreans, so it isn't unusual to see people crafting or doing other sorts of things. But I've done it in the States too...it's just a matter of finding a cafe w/ a large table to spread everything out :)
Kaylen- I'm happy to hear you had such an amazing time in Cali. I know what you mean with the sun though. I came back black and I've gotten a lot of weird looks from people. I guess that's just too much sun for one person to handle. Our sunny days here have been interspersed with rain too. But just seeing green and flowers again makes it all bearable :)
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