American Getaway

For those of you that have followed my blog since I first moved to Korea over 1 year ago, you would know that I have really come to call this new land of mine 'home'. I have developed good friendships, a passion for the art and culture scene, become obsessed with the spicy and savory flavors of korean dishes as well as korean fast-food, and have also fallen into place well at my workplace. Aside from learning about korean culture, experiences with friends, and also traveling to China and Taiwan in I have also learned a lot about myself. I have discovered more of my strengths and weaknesses and also have become closer to realizing what truly matters and what is important to me and my future.
As I embark on my second year living and teaching in Korea that I am well on my way to deepening and expanding my roots here- all while making new memories to carry on for a lifetime.

Even though I have come to call Korea my new home, I have to admit that I do long for family and friends back home in Central IL, USA. I grew up in a very close-knit family. Being the youngest of four, our parents raised my siblings and I to appreciate and value the simpler things in life and not take one another for granted. We always stood beside each other no matter what and as we have aged I feel as if we have become closer (despite being geographically far). I have become the proud uncle of 4 awesome nieces and nephews and have always tried to be a part in their lives. While living in Korea, I have missed some major family events but feel as if my heart and soul was there. And after all, it isn't being there for 'special days' that matters- it is being together in everyday life that is really more important to me, which that is what  I am about to get :)

As part of re-newing my contract with my current school, my boss allowed me to take the month of April to return home for a visit! I'm super excited to not only see my family, but a small hand full of near and dear friends as well. I'm really looking forward to catching up while spending a week with my sister and her family, 1/2 a week with my brothers and their families, and then 1 1/2 weeks broken up between staying with the folks and short visits with old friends. It shall definitely be a VERY NICE and MUCH DESIRED visit with everyone filled with laughs, stories, 'mommas cooking' and of course I'll get to see my beloved cat, Winnie ^_^

As I prepare to fly out of Korea tomorrow and spend a month home in April, I am feeling a bit saddened that I will be leaving my friends, kids, and new home here. But the same with my family- although I may miss an important event while away from Korea- I will be returning for the more important times of daily life and common chats :)
Although, I do know one thing that I will be missing and that is to FOOD!! I already plan on taking my mom to the korean grocery store back home and making my parents some Dok-Doki, Kimchi Chigae, Bibim Nameyoung, Dak-Galbi Tang, and maybe even a korean pastry Hot Tok...mmm...Hot Tok...

You may not here from me for a few weeks (maybe a month), but it will only be because my mind and time will be pre-occupied with a lot of TLC that can only be found from the comfort of family =)

Until next time, Peace and Love-
Patrick

The sweetie-pie season

Good day everyone! It is already March 14th, can you believe that?  The weather here has been very nice, averaging around 65 F during the daytime (like 18 C). The sun has been shinning, grass is greening, and people and animals alike are all starting to come out and enjoy the warmer days. I can't wait until the weather further into spring and alas the beauty of summer will return to Korea! However, just like the season changes around the world, so does the events of each month. Which is just what this entry is about.

As all of us westerners know, Valentine's day, that one day dedicated to expressing our love to our companions, is celebrated on February 14th. But for those of you not in Korea, are you aware that Korea, Japan, China, and other small Asian nations have a day of love in March and April??? Yep...here in Korea I get a full 3 months dosage of love:
 February 14- Valentines Day, March 14- White Day, and April 14- Black Day 

In my video (at bottom) I will explain the meaning of these days, but let me tell ya...the stores and sales during these 3 months is phenomenal. Huge ballon and flower displays adorn all supermarkets, grocery stores, department stores, bakeries, service stations, and yes..even bars get decked out for the season of love. One can find anything they wish for their lover, whether it be candy, chocolate, undies, fragrances, flowers, cards, stationary, jewelry, and yes...the always....SPAM gift sets ^_^

Nothing says love like Peppero! 

Display of goodies outside a convenient shop.

Anyways, I for one have always been a romantic at heart. Not in the sense of being 'hopeless' or always in a relationship, but more so in the aspect of really being happy and elated by beautiful things. And to me, seeing such romance, joy, and promise within people's love lives along with all the pretty decorations (and abundance of chocolate I have acquired via sales, friends, and students) real lifts my spirits. Maybe it is because the weather is perking up....maybe it is because I have taken a much lighter view on life as I've aged....or maybe, just maybe, it's L-O-V-E!?!?

Much peace, always!
-Patrick