I recently returned from my summer trip to Hong Kong and Macau - my second solo outing. The food, sights, views, and cultural experiences were irreplaceable. However, I did not find the experience positive at all times. Sometimes I encountered ruts, downs, moments of depression. Today I wish to share what I see as the … Continue reading The Highs and Lows of a Novice Solo Traveler
Super Photo Corner – Hong Kong
My transit from Macau to Hong Kong felt like a minor miracle. I arrived at the ferry terminal two hours early in a depressed funk. I hoped to print my reserved ticket early, post up in a cafe, and write my way out of a rut. "You have to go now." "But I have a … Continue reading Super Photo Corner – Hong Kong
Super Photo Corner – Macau
I passed the first two days of my summer trip in Macau - a former Portuguese colony-turned world gambling Mecca. I found so much to love about this city - reading Portuguese signs, massive, dazzling casinos, amazing food, cobbled European-style streets, Portuguese colonial architecture, and much more. If I could take my trip over again, … Continue reading Super Photo Corner – Macau
An Open Letter To Namak High School
I have reservations about calling this an open letter. Most open letters address public figures in an effort to roust public support and criticize or condemn one's actions or inactions. That is not that kind of letter. Rather, I use the term open letter as an inclusive term for the gratitude I feel towards the students, … Continue reading An Open Letter To Namak High School
One More Year! (2019)
It’s amazing how fast life changes when we are busy making other plans. Less than six weeks ago, I was coasting toward the end of another successful semester at Namak High School. I signed my intention to renew several days prior. Then I read over a public message from the provincial native teacher coordinator - … Continue reading One More Year! (2019)
The Mokpo Misfits Break Up (2017-2019)
All great things come to an end. Sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together. Every new beginning starts with some other beginning's end. No. I cannot hide behind the facade of cliches and lies. I'm sad as fuck. As our contracts creep to a close, the friend-group that grounded me when … Continue reading The Mokpo Misfits Break Up (2017-2019)
Korean Saunas
Two years ago, as a sprightly young native-teacher-in-waiting, I read up on Korean saunas. These public baths dot the country and polarize foreigners. Some appreciate its soothing hot tubs, steam rooms, and cold-water baths. Others recoil at the thought of public nudity. So when a former co-teacher invited me for a “Korean cultural field trip” … Continue reading Korean Saunas
