Departure and Re-entry

Although I've made the transcontinental flight from the US to Seoul over ten times in the past several years, it certainly doesn't get any shorter or easier. Including transport to and from airports, layovers, and actual flying time, the total transit time comes close to 24 hours (if leaving from Boston or Detroit). It's no wonder that after I take the hour-long "limousine bus" ride from Incheon Int'l Airport to Seoul, I'm practically in a comatose state. Fortunately, upon arrival in Seoul, a dear friend greeted me and helped haul my luggage into a cab and welcome me back to this place that I call a second home. 

After a frantic last couple of days in Boston, and the long trip over, my body has demanded its due rest. I've learned not to fight it, the older I get. I expect that it will take a few days to fully recover from the jet lag, and not find myself groggy yet still awake at 4:00 AM, as is the case now. I have an urge to unpack and organize my things, but I'll try and resist...

정들자 이별이라

(Jeong deulja ebyeol ira)

"Once affection develops, it's time to part"

This Korean proverb seems to effectively capture my feelings as of late. I realized at my farewell party yesterday that I'm blessed with knowing a community of wonderful and supportive friends here in Boston.  It's difficult to leave for such a long stretch of time, especially when some friendships have just started to bloom or become reinvigorated. I know from experience, however, that one year abroad seems awfully long at the outset, but in retrospect will feel like only a brief period of absence.

Fortunately, it will be very easy to keep in touch with friends back home when I'm in Korea. I plan to be more proactive about doing so this time around - and with the wonders of the digital age, I will only be a Skype phone call or Gmail chat away. Part of the reason that I'm starting this blog is also an effort to stay more connected with friends and family. I don't intend this to be a field journal, but rather a space to share some photos and some musings on encounters in Korea during the next year. I'm hoping to post on a regular basis - so please try and visit from time to time!