Happy (belated) lunar new year!! 새해 복 많이 받으세요! One year ago today I was fresh off the plane and headed to EPIK orientation to begin my year as an EFL teacher in Korea. Now, I sit here at my desk on my last day at Sung-San Elementary School. I have started this blog several times, but I just can’t find the right words. Where does one start when it comes to summing up a year in a few short paragraphs? So many people, moments, stories… I will also admit that part of the problem is that I haven’t kept everyone updated as things have been happening (I swear I’ll get better at that someday). It seems that most of my tales will have to be ones you hear over dinner and drinks! Anyway, the point of this blog is really to update everyone. I have two major announcements. First, if you haven’t heard already, I did not renew my contract to teach with EPIK a second year. This was mostly so that I could go home and help my family out, but other factors played a role as well. There are also some things I need to take care of back home before I can move away more long term, so I was going to have to return eventually. Now, as my last days in Korea are happening, I find that I am not so confident about my decision. Financially I probably should have chosen to stay at least one more year. Also leaving my friends and students is heartbreaking. I have grown so attached to everyone here and not having them close to me will be the worst; people are always the hardest thing to leave. The thing I have to remind myself is that leaving doesn’t mean I can’t come back. I know the country, a little of the language, and what to look for in a teaching job should I return. Leaving also opens up different doors for me which brings me to my second announcement. While I’m sad my first Korean adventure is ending, I’m excited that a new (albeit a much shorter one) is beginning! I almost feel like I’m jumping the gun by announcing this because as of this moment I still haven’t purchased my flight leaving Korea. I have to move out of my apartment the 25th but I can stay in Korea until March 18th (which is nice because the paperwork to settle things before leaving is almost as bad as the paperwork to get here in the first place). That gives me some (but not a lot of) time to make final decisions. Here’s the deal: I’m coming home… but not right away. I’m going to be taking two or three months and using my bonus/other refunds to travel around Southeast Asia. I didn’t do a whole lot of traveling during the year, which has allowed me this opportunity. The plan at the moment (by country) is Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, the Philippines, and finally Hong Kong from where I’ll fly back to the States. I’ve done my research on cities, transportation options, attractions, and prices, but I’m not actually buying anything in advance other than my flight out of Korea. I’ve made a tentative route but I’m pretty much just planning on staying in a city until I’m tired of it. I’m a little nervous since I’ve never done any long term backpacking quite like this. Of course I have traveled plenty (even for longer periods of time), but for most of those trips all of my plans were made in advance. I knew where I was going to be and when I was going to be there. This is just going to be me and my backpack deciding where we are heading next most likely only a couple days in advance. As someone who plans everything, not only will I learn a lot, I will also get to practice just going with the flow.
I have no idea what this new adventure has in store for me, but I am so excited to be having it! Here’s to the new year and new adventures! I always have good intentions when it comes to blogging about my adventures outside of the US. Yet somehow once I'm actually in the middle of it all, real life tends to get in the way (not to mention the fact that I'm a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to my writing so I take forever). People might think that living abroad is always new and exciting, but the reality of it all is that life falls into a normal routine, just as it does when I'm back home. To break that routine, I try to go on weekend trips or short vacations. Because travel outside of the US is (generally) much less expensive, it makes it easy to do. A plane ticket from the States to, well, most places, is usually pretty expensive. To get to Asia or Europe and back, for example, is typically over $1,000 unless you find a good deal. Once you get to those places, though, there are so many cheap options to travel between different countries and cities. Buses, trains, planes… money tends to go a lot farther outside of the US. Travel can be cheap if you choose the right country, but it is by no means free. People always wonder how I can afford to travel like I do or will tell me that they are jealous of my adventures and wish they could do the same. Well, lately I have been thinking about how to encourage people who do want to travel. I'm by no means a travel expert, but I have done my fair share of jet setting. That being said, I'm going to give some practical advice based on personal experience as well as what I have learned from other well-seasoned travelers... Here are three ways I make travel happen. 1. Choose to travel. This may seem obvious but saying you want to travel doesn't mean anything unless you make the effort to do so. I don't just dream about seeing the world. I make a conscious choice to do so by dedicating my time and money. Now, I personally have chosen a life that limits commitments that might tie me down. No relationship, no kids, no house, no corporate/long term job… and that's the way I want it. I choose to travel as a lifestyle, but that doesn't mean you have to. I get that some people are married or have kids and that makes it harder… but it doesn’t have to stop you. It just might take a little more planning. Just google "Travel the World with Kids" and you'll see loads of tips and story upon story of families that travel together. Kids don't stop them from traveling because they choose to travel. 2. Plan and budget. I actively plan and budget trips I want to take. Make a list of the places you want to go (or better yet just keep a rolling bucket list!) and look up the cost of flights, visa requirements, lodging, transportation, and activities you may want to do. Get an idea of how much you will need to save to make that trip. If it's too expensive, see if there is anything you can eliminate or downgrade. Instead of a hotel, try staying in a hostel. Look for discount tourist passes if you want to see a lot of museums or historical sites. Also, don't hesitate to use your connections. Don't be afraid to ask someone about their trip and if they have any tips or recommendations. Most of us who travel love to talk about it (I'm sure our friends can attest to that). We are usually more than happy to share our experiences or pass along our favorite hostels, restaurants, and activities. If you don't have friends that travel, don't fear! The internet is your friend. Travel bloggers are a dime a dozen. You're sure to find someone who has been where you want to go. If you want to make a long term trip, don't forget to make a list of things that need to be taken care of back home while you're away! I like to have a power of attorney who can do everything for me, including signing official documents. If you also do this, make sure this person is someone you trust and who is reliable. 3. Save money and make sacrifices. Like I said, travel isn't free. Choosing travel means making sacrifices. When I am back home in the States I save my money. I don't cut myself off from the world completely (I allow myself a few things like going out social dancing), but I definitely limit my spending. I don't usually go to the movies, I prefer to eat at home or pack a lunch instead of buying food or alcohol at restaurants, and I choose free activities whenever possible. Sure, sometimes I feel like I'm missing out, but then I remember that the money I save can go towards crossing off something on my bucket list and I'm fine. It's a tradeoff. What do you absolutely have to have/do at home, and what are you willing to give up in order to visit that place you've always been dying to see? If you are lucky enough to still be in school, see what exchange programs your university has. Many times the cost of studying abroad isn't much more than a year studying on campus. What’s more, you might be able to find scholarships specific to study abroad that could make it cheaper than staying home. Even better, if you're not afraid of moving abroad for a couple months or longer, try to travel while you work. Look into programs or short term jobs that fit your passions. You might be lucky and find a well-paying job or you might end up not making a lot of money, but at least you will be living somewhere new! Just plan ahead because the application and visa process can take time. To me, traveling is one of the most rewarding things I could ever do and it is something I will never regret. I have made amazing friends and even returned for their weddings. I have tried delicious food, seen beautiful scenery, and walked in ancient buildings with beautiful architecture. I have immersed myself in other cultures which have shaped the way I see the world and have allowed me to better understand cultural differences. My memories will last a lifetime and are some of the most precious things to me. If I hadn’t traveled, I would have missed out on so much. So, if you have any inclination to travel... (in the words of Shia Labeouf) "What are you waiting for? JUST DO IT!"
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Hello, I'm AK.
Welcome to my collection of stories. One can never have too many stories, so I have written a few down, as to not forget. CategoriesArchives
April 2016
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